The Mississippi Senate is proposing a phased approach to teacher pay raises, offering teachers $2,000 annually over three years, totaling a $6,000 increase. Special education teachers would receive an additional $3,000 annually for three years, totaling $9,000, under the Senate’s plan.
The Senate’s strike-all amendment to House Bill 1395 also extends the period for charter schools to purchase shuttered public school buildings from 90 days to 12 months. The amendment was introduced by Senate Education Committee Chair State Senator Dennis DeBar, a Republican, and proposed by State Senator David Blount, a Democrat.
DeBar explained that the phased raises are designed to keep the budget balanced. The base teacher salary would increase from the current $41,500 to $47,500 by the end of three years. The education budget impact is estimated at about $328.5 million over that period, or roughly $109.5 million annually, DeBar said.
Additional increases include a one-time $2,000 raise for assistant teachers, community college instructors, and university professors. Special education teachers would see an extra $3,000 over three years. The Senate’s plan does not include changes to the state’s retirement system but mentions ongoing efforts to address unfunded liabilities and other pension reforms.
The legislation is set to take effect July 1, pending House approval. If school districts do not provide the promised raises to assistant teachers, funding reductions could be imposed. DeBar noted the money would be kept outside the state’s education funding formula to ensure it directly benefits teachers.
House Education Committee Chair Rob Roberson expressed interest in working with the Senate on the proposal, noting a preference for a shorter timeline. Senate leaders emphasized the importance of a phased approach to meet constitutional budget requirements. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann called the plan a meaningful step forward for educator pay increases.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
