I am pleased to announce that the Cushing ISD School Board voted unanimously to implement a 3% pay raise for all employees, with the exception of the superintendent, bus drivers, and substitute teachers. The board has raised the daily rate for substitute teachers to $80 for non-certified and $100 for certified. With additional pay for any long-term substitute duties. All pay raises are effective at the start of the 2023-24.
It is a disheartening time for public education in Texas. Our lawmakers have over $32 billion in additional funding and have decided not to give even a small pay raise to our dedicated teachers and support staff. I understand that there may be some concerns about the sustainability of any increase due to the lack of additional funding, especially considering the current economic climate and ongoing inflation costs. However, after careful consideration, we have determined that it is necessary to increase the pay for our hardworking and dedicated staff who contribute so much of their efforts to Cushing ISD students. I remain hopeful that our legislators will address teacher pay in a special session; however, even if they fail to act, this is the right decision for our Bearkat Family.
I am committed to continuing to advocate for public education in Texas so that teacher pay, benefits, and working conditions are in the top ten nationally. For far too long we have expected teacher excellence, but have not been willing to pay teachers excellently.