The Senate Education Committee will meet at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, to hear from experts about Mississippi’s teacher compensation, with a goal of making our state’s teacher pay competitive across the Southeast. Though the committee cannot safely accommodate all of us for public testimony at the hearing, they do want to hear from you. I received a letter from Chairman DeBar inviting your written comments on the teacher salary issue, which he will provide to all committee members.
I have submitted my own written comments on behalf of The Parents’ Campaign, and I encourage you to submit your thoughts, as well.
Your written remarks must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, so they can be prepared for the committee ahead of the hearing. Please email your comments to Kristi Ishee at kishee@senate.ms.gov by the deadline.
Mississippi is experiencing a severe teacher shortage, which is driven primarily by our state’s lowest-in-the-nation teacher salaries. Teacher pay in neighboring states is significantly higher than in Mississippi, even in states like Arkansas, which has an economy very similar to ours.
School district leaders tell us they are finding it increasingly difficult to fill teacher vacancies, and more and more teachers are considering leaving the field as they struggle to make ends meet. Business leaders and the state economist testified last week that what Mississippi needs most is a better investment in public education. All the while, state leaders tell us that our state is so flush with cash that they want to return a big chunk of it to taxpayers by eliminating the income tax. It defies logic.
Teachers, parents – everyone – please make your voices heard.
I know you care deeply about our teachers and the children who rely on them for a quality education. Here’s how you can help:
- Send your written comments about teacher compensation to the email address above by the September 8 deadline
- Encourage your friends and family to submit comments, as well
- Make sure your legislators know that your priority is competitive teacher compensation, not a risky tax cut plan
The September 15 hearings will be an important first step toward competitive salaries for Mississippi teachers. Your written remarks will help legislators better understand the critical need for significantly higher teacher pay. Our teachers deliver for us day in and day out. It’s our turn to deliver for them. Together, we’ve got this!
Gratefully,
Nancy Loome
Executive Director
