MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Many Shelby County Schools teachers have reached out to SCS Board members this budget season, urging them not to forget about educators’ needs.
It is still unclear what changes could be coming for them.
“Like the rest of the teachers in the room, do not cut our benefits,” a teacher told Board members during the public comment period at Tuesday’s School Board meeting.
“It is clear that teachers in the Shelby County School District have not received a cost of living adjustment in six years,” said Memphis-Shelby County Education Association Executive Director Keith Williams.
The district’s website, outlining proposed budget cuts, warns of a possible “decrease in benefits for hardworking educators and staff.”
The district is looking at possibly mirroring Shelby County Government’s health insurance plan for active and pre-65 retirees, with three choices, including a HMO and two HRA plans.
A budget overview claims it would provide the same services and save money.
SCS is also considering adjusting its life insurance benefit amounts.
New retirees, who retire after July 1, 2016, would get a max of $10,000 paid at 100% by the district.
“They want a raise, and I personally feel they need a raise,” said Board member Stephanie Love.
WREG asked the district for a specific comparison between current and proposed teacher benefits.
SCS did not have that information but said there is a meeting in May that will break down those numbers and what they could mean for teachers.
