EPSB works on new salary structure for employees

During its meeting Thursday, May 7, the Evangeline Parish School Board was briefly presented a salary structure for employees of the school district that will place employees in varying levels. These levels will result in different pay levels; however, the dollar amounts attached to the salary structure were not yet approved by the board.
Some teachers on hand voiced their appreciation for the school board’s consideration in this area. Last year, a number of teachers picketed outside of the school board office after a perceived salary increase for Superintendent Toni Hamlin. Teachers complained that their salaries had been frozen for a number of years, but Hamlin was allowed, if she so desired, to accept an annual increase. Since that time, Hamlin has been working with school representatives, namely teachers and principals, to develop a new salary structure.
While the board approved the salary structure, it has not yet approved a salary schedule, which is what will ultimately determine pay rates for employees.
The school board also adopted a resolution to join in the Iberia Parish School Board’s fight against the state’s proposed inventory tax repeal. The state, looking to cut spending in its budget, has eyed the inventory tax to cut nearly $500 million in annual expenses. While this move would save the state money, since the state currently credits companies who pay these locally-collected taxes, Hamlin stated that an inventory tax repeal would cost the school district approximately $1.1 million in funding annually. The resolution approved by the board asks the state to pursue other methods of cutting spending from its budget.