Overton BOE Working On Recommendation For New Teacher Pay Scale

The Overton County School Board will continue work on teacher pay scales as members prepare for work sessions addressing the matter.

Overton County Education Association President Jennifer Eilender said the district ranks among the lowest salaries in the region.

“I would like for us to move Overton County into the realm of something that we can be proud of,” Eilender said. “With a pay schedule, salary schedule that is fair and equitable and rewards teachers for their time and experience and education.”

The conversation on salaries began during a September work session and continued during Novembers Board of Education meeting. Chairman Mike Hayes said he would like to have a plan on the new pay scale by the January school board meeting.

“My recommendation is to have two or three board members,” Hayes said. “Ms. Eilender can pick one more to meet and get together before our next meeting to come up with a recommendation. I think we talked about a two or a two and a half percent whatever that number comes out to to kinda lay that out.”

Eilender will work alongside school board members that participate in the work sessions. Eilender said so far, she is encouraged from the Board’s feedback and acknowledgement that increased pay is needed.

“I feel like we are going to have an open line of dialogue and be able to address these discrepancies that may have slipped past some of their attention,” Eilender said.

School Board member Mike Gilpatrick said the pay increase is something Overton Schools needs to retain teachers while also rewarding them for extra education and experience.