METAIRIE, LA – An educated workforce, a safe community and contributions to a better quality of life are a few of the catalysts making public education paramount for business. For decades, the business community has been the driving force behind a quality public education system. With the recent School Board election and appointment of Dr. Cade Brumley as Jefferson Parish Superintendent of Education, the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson Business Council are confident in supporting the upcoming millage for teacher pay raises in Jefferson Parish Public Schools.
Under the new plan, the average teacher would see an increase of $3,360 in base salary with eligibility for additional stipends. Starting pay for teachers in Jefferson Parish currently ranks 8th out of nine parishes in our region. Average teacher pay in Jefferson Parish trails both the state and nation.
“As the largest school system in Louisiana and the 98th largest in America, we have a responsibility to invest in our biggest asset – the teachers of Jefferson Parish.” said Todd Murphy, President of the Jefferson Chamber. Jefferson Parish schools now lose four out of every ten new teachers and three of every ten veteran teachers. “Passage of this crucial teacher pay millage will provide the funds necessary to be competitive with surrounding parishes, retain its best educators and recruit top new teachers in Jefferson Parish,” continued Murphy.
Increasing teacher pay would undoubtedly bring in and retain more educators and their families to Jefferson Parish. “Our membership, which consists of some of the largest property owners in the parish, believe that this millage is a much needed investment in the future of our parish,” said Todd Matherne, Chairman of the Jefferson Business Council.
The millage, which is an increase of 7.9 mils, will now go before Jefferson Parish voters in the May 4 election. Early voting is April 20-27 (except Sunday, April 21) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information on the Jefferson Chamber-supported policy and legislation, please visit www.jeffersonchamber.org or contact Todd Murphy at (504) 835-3880 or todd@jeffersonchamber.org.
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About the Jefferson Chamber:
The Jefferson Chamber is a leading voice for Jefferson Parish’s business community. As a non-profit, membership-driven organization, the Chamber is an effective advocate for small and large businesses at the local, state and federal levels. The Chamber’s mission is to work for the advancement of the business community; to enhance the economic, civic and cultural environment; and to improve the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Chamber is Five-Star Accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the 2013 and 2015 Chamber of the Year Award by the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in the Large Chamber Category. For more information about the Jefferson Chamber, visit www.jeffersonchamber.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
