QUESTIONED THE LAW CHANGE THAT ELIMINATED THE CAREER LADDER FOR TEACHERS:

In 1993, the State removed the law that allowed teachers to be on a "Career Ladder," a proposition that allowed tenured teachers to receive advancements and more salary.

The law also initiated a concerted effort by teachers to acquire more college credits in order to increase their salaries.  In the midst of their effort, the State removed the provision leaving lots of teachers hanging with regard to this idea that had provided a way for them to improve their income.

Since no one had thoroughly discussed the matter with the Board, nor had they been responsive to teachers regarding their salaries, I was just asking to find out about the measure and what was going to happen.

Anytime I asked for information like this, it was like I had breeched the decorum of the castle!  However, Dr. Stacy was always forthcoming and polite about gathering the information and providing it to me.

The attachment was simply a copy of SB7 that the Board should have been given in the first place. Knowing the answer to my question allowed me to pass along the information to the teachers who were asking me about it.

Memorandum:

To:  Board of Trustees

       Dr. Hugh C. Hayes

From:  Don Stacy

Subject:  Career Ladder

Date:  August 19, 1993

Mrs. McGarr asked at the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday night how many teachers would have been eligible for placement on career ladder level two or advancement on career ladder level three.  The data we have on teachers who were in Katy last year and are eligible without considering any coursework or advanced academic training taken during the summer indicates that thirty-nine (39) would be eligible for placement on level two.  The cost for their placement would be $58,500. 

This data does not reflect the number who would be eligible for placement or advancement based on additional coursework or advanced academic training completed this summer' nor does it reflect the number of new teachers who would also be eligible this year based on their performance and training/coursework taken while employed elsewhere.  I would estimate that when data is available for verificaton on their coursework and performance the increase in cost would be close to $50,000.

Attached is a copy of the memo from Commissioner Meno that Dr. Hayes referred to regarding the career ladder.

I hope this clarifies any questions you might have.  If not, please feel free to call.

Don Stacy

Deputy Superintendent for Support Services

Attachment