The Jersey City Board of Education approved a deal with the local education association to increase minimum teachers’ salaries from $54,740 to $61,000 for candidates with bachelor’s degrees.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“At a time when districts across the country are facing a teacher shortage, I am proud that Jersey City has taken a dramatic step to show our staff members that they are valued by providing them with a decent wage. We want to make the Jersey City Public Schools a model to attract and retain top talent in education,” said BOE President Mussab Ali.
Additionally, teachers across the salary range received a minimum salary increase of at least $500. This investment was made possible after the board approved the first fully funded $814 million budget in 13 years back in May.
“In a collaborative effort by the board, the superintendent, and the union we were able to make an adjustment to the salary guide in an effort to recruit and retain teachers in the midst of a national teacher shortage,” added JCEA President Ron Greco.
“This should strengthen our position to ensure there is a teacher in front of all of our children. This further contributes to smaller class sizes and improves the quality of instruction in our schools.”
A Rand Corp. survey released in June said that one in four teachers were likely to quit their jobs by the end of the scholastic year, citing the stress work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The JCEA has over 4,000 members and the JC BOE serves over 30,000 students.
