Keeping teachers is struggle

Elizabeth School District works

Salaries

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e Elizabeth School District (ESD) is among the lowest-paying school districts in the Denver metro area. Recently, the district worked to increase their entering teacher salary by nearly $2,500 from $37,502 to $40,000. Despite these e orts, ESD still struggles to keep up with many neighboring school districts.

“When I started here 10 years ago it was $29,400,” said Kin Shuman, ESD human resources director. “I’m con dent that with the support of our board and the community we will continue to make great strides in support of our students.”

ESC is not alone in its struggle. According to a Fox31 article from April 26, 2022, rst-year Colorado public school teachers are among the nation’s lowest paid in the eld. ey cite the average starting 2021 salary at $35,724, nearly $8.5k lower than the national average. According to TEACH Colorado, the average teacher salary in Colorado is around $60,130.

Starting teacher salaries (with bachelor’s degree) for Elizabeth School District and nearby districts (in order from highest to lowest pay):

• Cherry Creek School District (2023-2024) $58,710 (tentative)

According to their website, Lasagna Love is a global nonpro t and grassroots movement that aims to positively impact communities by connecting neighbors with neighbors through homemade meal delivery.

“I began my journey of helping my community as a Lasagna Love chef a year ago and have been blessed to feed many families all over Elizabeth and Elbert County. Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to interact with our community, but it is also a great experience for my family,” said Lasagna Love volunteer Roxanne Aviles. “My 10- and 15-year-old kiddos absolutely love cooking and have been able to share the experience of helping our neighbors through this partnership. ey not only get to be involved in the cooking process, but they are

SEE LASAGNA, P4

• Jeffco Public Schools (20222023) $50,000

• Strasburg School Distric31J (2023-2024) $46,125

• Bennett 29J (2023-2024) $46,000

• Douglas County School District (2023-2024) $45,209

• Adams/Arapahoe 27J (20232024) $45,002

• Elizabeth School District (20232024) $40,000

Starting teacher salaries (with bachelor’s degree) for Elbert County school districts (in order from highest to lowest pay)

• Elizabeth School District (20232024) $40,000

• Agate School District #300 (20232024) $40,000

• Calhan School District (20232024) $40,000

• Big Sandy School District 100J $38,500

• Elbert School District #200 (20222023) $36,000

• Kiowa C2 — Salary Schedules are unavailable. Colorado Department of Education lists their 2021-2022 average teacher salary at $38,522 e lower pay is a part of the driving force behind the exodus of teachers from ESD to nearby school districts. As of June 20, the district needed 10 elementary school teachers, three middle school teachers, and six high school teachers. In addition to teachers, Elizabeth High School is seeking a new head softball coach, assistant baseball coach and assistant track coach. e district is also in need of three maintenance and custodial sta and two bus drivers. ey’re also looking to ll 16 support service positions and two security positions.

“Our funding is much lower than our neighboring districts. Teachers in some districts make 50k or more. Teachers in our district make 40k,” said Superintendent Snowberger at