Mapp On Salary Increase For Teachers: 'I Can't Say What Month And What Year Well Be Able To Do That

[TexasTowelie]

ST. CROIX, VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Dept. of Education is losing teachers at an unsustainable rate. As of earlier this month, it had 137 teaching vacancies. Since August, it had 60 separations: 17 teachers from the STTJ District and 13 from the STX District, and the remaining 30 in support staff. The problem? Educators continue to leave en masse for better opportunities elsewhere, decrying the low pay and unendurable number of deductions from the already low pay.

So they leave, looking to better their lives. “After much thought and trial in trying to make ends meet here, I must inform you of my intent to depart from the D.O.E. .. This is by no means a hasty decision, however, due to the fact I have $500 coming out of each paycheck, I can no longer keep up with my bills,” one departing teacher told D.O.E. in a letter announcing her resignation.

The problem was bluntly admitted by D.O.E. Commissioner Sharon McCollum last year: “Applicants’ interest quickly dissipates when they attempt to negotiate incentives and salary schedules. Our department is simply at a disadvantage and unable to compete with school districts nationally in regards to monetary compensation,” she said.

During The Consortium’s interview with Governor Kenneth Mapp on Thursday, where the publication chose most of its questions from the community, Mr. Mapp said he could not give a timeline on when teachers would see a pay increase.

Read more: http://viconsortium.com/featured/mapp-on-salary-increase-for-teachers-i-cant-say-what-month-and-what-year-well-be-able-to-do-that/

[iemitsu]

1. But billionaires deserve tax breaks.