Based on the LISD 2010-2011 Budget, salaries make up approximately 72% of the total budget. Payroll, including salaries and benefits, accounts for $1,502,416 of the budget. The total proposed budget is $1,998,897. Looking at other districts in our area, I believe we are fairly comparable. In most of these districts, the percentage of the total budget that is devoted to salaries is roughly 70-80%. I think that this makes sense, because I do believe that people are our most important resource. Without the right people, programs and supplies will not produce learning.
Although most school personnel would welcome a 5% salary increase, there would be both positive and negative impacts from such an action. On the positive side, an increase in salary would raise teacher morale and give them a much needed feeling of support from the district. The district would be able to attract quality teachers and retain the teachers already hired. A salary increase would likely create more loyalty and goodwill within the district. On the other hand, a 5% salary increase could result in budget cuts in other areas. Teachers or instructional aides could be released to allow for the higher salaries for remaining staff. Supplies and other resources might be cut to increase the funds needed to increase salaries. Cuts in these areas could hurt district morale. In considering an increase in salaries, the district must consider both positive and negative consequences that may result.
Reflection – I have always heard that salaries make up the largest portion of the budget and it was interesting to look at the actual numbers and percentages for our district. I think that this is reasonable considering that people are the most important resource in a district, in my opinion. The other part of the assignment was also very interesting. I think most people only consider the positive aspects of increasing salaries, but in our current statewide budget crisis, the negatives must be looked at carefully, as well. Increasing salaries may provide benefit for some, but usually not for all.
Rick,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you wholeheartedly when it comes to salaries. Most believe they should get raises at any cost,no pun intended, but sometimes we do not realize we may be pricing ourselves out of a job. It would be hard to turn down a pay raise, but I know we would all rather have our job and sacrifice somethings to keep it.