The time is approaching to head to the polls, and voters have a big decision to make.
“The amendment is proposing that we create a permanent pathway for permanent salary increases for teachers and school employees.” Larry Carter said.
Carter is the president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.
He tells WDSU that voting yes on Amendment 3 would change Louisiana’s constitution to dissolve three protected state education funds.
There are $2 billion in those funds, which cover things like preschool programs for at-risk students, updated curriculum and vocational and tech programs.
That’s concerning for some teachers.
“As a teacher, I cannot accept a pay raise that will be detrimental to my students’ education because to me, their education comes first,” St. Tammany Parish teacher Mark Curry-Theriot said.
However, Carter believes this is necessary because it guarantees a permanent pay increase for teachers and supporting staff.
Right now, they only receive a stipend, which is not guaranteed on a yearly basis.
He said that budget shortfalls could put that in jeopardy.
“There’s an anticipated $104 million decrease from next year’s budget from the revenue estimating conference,” Carter said.
The amendment is designed to free up money to pay down debt, Carter said those savings would allow for teachers to see a permanent pay increase of $2,250 and support staff $1,125.
“I’m not a fan of stipends. I would like to see a more permanent issue,” St. Tammany bus driver Bridgett Bennett said. “That’s another reason for me to support it. When it comes to the programs that could lose funding, Carter said lawmakers are looking at how to keep those alive.”
“There are discussions around early childhood and around programs for higher ed.” Carter said, “All being discussed while we are having discussions around Amendment 3.”
READ MORE:Educators are divided on proposed amendment to increase teacher pay
