BENTONVILLE — A discussion on pay raises for Bentonville teachers, administrators and classified employees was tabled during a School Board Personnel Committee meeting Monday.
The committee reviewed a recommendation that Johanson Group, a management consulting service, presented in August.
The recommendation states the district should increase certified teacher salaries by 1 percent plus an additional $250 for a master’s degree, $500 for a master’s degree and 15 credit hours and $750 for a master’s degree and 30 credit hours. Certified administrators should receive a 2 percent increase and classified staff a 3 percent increase, according to the recommendation.
Classified staff includes nurses, teaching assistants, office assistants and those working in food service.
A comparison of the local market compiled by Johanson Group placed Bentonville below pay schedules of the Springdale, Fayetteville and Rogers school districts.
The report states Bentonville teachers with bachelor’s degrees are paid $147 less than the average and teachers with master’s degrees plus 30 hours are paid $920 less than the average. Administrative employees are paid more than 4 percent lower. One Bentonville High School assistant principal salary is $7,570 less than the average of $81,570. Classified staff are a half-percent, or 10 cents, lower per hour on average than the local market.
Board member Marshall Ney questioned the way administrator and classified employee pay is compared. The report gives an average pay, but does not review how many years or how qualified an administrator or classified employee is, Ney said.
“What we don’t know is the average of a two-year assistant principal,” board member Kim Mertes said. “We just know what the average assistant principal is making.”
The committee decided to table the issue with plans to review more information during a special meeting or at the next Personnel Committee meeting.
“I do think these salaries are needed, but I want to make sure they are fair,” said Bryan Vernetti, board member.
Mike Mumma, principal at Mary Mae Jones Elementary School, said he understands the committee’s decision to table the issue.
“In the economic time they are going to try to make the best decision they can,” Mumma said. “I know they want to reward the people who work in the district.”
Ben Lewis, a teacher at Bentonville High School, said he feels fortunate the committee is reviewing raises.
“I think anything right now in this economy is more than enough,” Lewis said.