JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Duval County School Board is facing a decision whether to vote themselves a $2,860 pay raise.
Currently, board member pay is $37,300 a year. That pay is equal to the starting pay for a first-year teacher in the district.
"For me, no intent on increasing my salary," said Fel Lee, a school board member who said Tuesday's vote has been on the board's radar for the past couple of weeks and has been a topic of discussion in board workshops.
On Tuesday, following a public hearing, the board will vote on whether to align its pay with state law and make it policy. School district spokesperson Jill Johnson said by making it policy, the board would not have to vote on the pay issue every year.
Board pay under Florida law is now based on county population and school enrollment. That means locally board members can accept a salary of $40,160.
Johnson said board members have the option not to accept the pay raise.
Besides Lee, Martha Barrett and Becki Couch said they would not take a bump in pay. Board Chairman W.C. Gentry said he is undecided on the policy vote.
Also on Tuesday, the board will consider a recommendation to lay off 18 teachers whose services are no longer needed following a review of individual school budgets.
The positions include 5 ESE, 5 physical education, 4 guidance, 3 vocational and 1 driver's ed instructor.
The district has not yet identified those who will face being laid off.
First Coast News