Hansen calls boost in teacher pay a ‘Band-Aid’

More funding needed

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the hopes of gaining a slight advantage this hiring season, the Douglas County School District board approved salary increases for sta earlier than in the past, bumping starting pay from $43,680 to $45,209.

Currently, Douglas County School District has one of the lowest starting pays in the Denver metro area and Superintendent Erin Kane said the district has struggled to attract and retain sta in recent years.

During the Feb. 28 meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved a proposed 3.5% base increase for all licensed sta , such as teachers, as well as a 2-2.5% step increase, a 6% increase for classi ed

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(sales) tax rate. Well, great news — it’s getting even lower,” Millet said.

In December of this year, the city will have paid o its arts center and recreation bonds, so the city’s sales tax will drop from the current 2.8125% to 2.5%.

SEE SPEECH, P2