A look at Dothan City Schools’ push for teacher pay increase funding

A look at Dothan City Schools’ push for teacher pay increase funding

The board plans to meet with city officials to discuss funding

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - The Dothan City Board of Education is asking the city for $4.6 million to fund teacher pay raises, just weeks after the city finalized its biennium budget.

School leaders say the investment is essential to solving a critical shortage of certified teachers.

“We’re hoping to do everything we can to make sure we’ve got certified teachers—fully certified teachers—in front of every student in Dothan City Schools. And of course, the pay raises are a component of that,” said Dr. Garrick Askew, superintendent of Dothan City Schools.

In December, the board commissioned a salary study comparing Dothan teachers’ pay to neighboring districts. The findings led to a proposed 6% local increase on top of the state’s 2% raise, placing local teacher pay 8% above Alabama’s base salary schedule.

District officials contend better pay directly impacts classroom success.

“The research shows nothing has a greater impact on student achievement than having a certified teacher in the classroom. Not all of our staff are fully certified. And that’s not to diminish the work that they do each day because we couldn’t do it without them. But at the same time, we do have a goal here,” Askew said.

The push for higher wages has also sparked debate online between City Commissioner Bradley Bedwell and School Board Chair Julie Mullins Turner.

Bedwell contends discussions should have happened well before the city locked in its numbers, arguing the late request unfairly pressures the city to come up with millions on short notice.

Turner rebuts that budgets can be amended, emphasizing the board wants a seat at the table.

Askew maintains the study had to be completed first to present a detailed roadmap.

“When you go to any government entity, you don’t just go and say, ‘Hey, give me a pot of money.’ You’ve got to have a succinct and specific plan for that money. And so that’s why the development of the schedules was important prior to going to the city to say, ‘Here’s what we want,’” Askew said.

The city confirmed correspondence with Askew. While spending plans are set for this year and the next two, officials can legally amend the budget. However, carving out more than $4 million on top of existing millions of dollars in allocations will require reopening spreadsheets to see if funds can be reallocated.

Despite the budget hurdles, Askew says educators remain cautiously optimistic.

“I think they’re excited. And at the same time, waiting with bated breath. So hopefully, we’re able to work something out with the city so we can move forward,” Askew said.

Turner and Bedwell declined to comment for this story.

City commissioners and school board members are expected to meet to discuss what can be done.

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