Legislation aimed at increasing teacher salaries in Mississippi did not pass before the legislative deadline Tuesday, according to House and Senate Education Committee chairs. The bills, which would have provided raises for educators, failed to make it out of committee, effectively ending their prospects for this session.
Despite the setback, committee leaders pledged to keep working on ways to fund teacher pay increases. However, past efforts face uncertain prospects. A 2022 bill that raised the base salary to about $41,500 remains the last successful pay increase, and inflation has diminished its impact over time, according to a December report by the State Auditor’s Office.
Earlier in the session, lawmakers introduced multiple proposals. House Bill 1126 would have provided a $5,000 across-the-board raise and an extra $3,000 for special education teachers. Senate Bill 2001 proposed a $2,000 increase, with Senate Education Chair Dennis DeBar (R) indicating he planned to seek a larger raise. However, both bills failed to advance before the deadline, with House and Senate committees halting meetings and effectively ending consideration.
House Education Committee Chair Rob Roberson (R) told the Magnolia Tribune that efforts may resume later this session, or lawmakers might revisit the issue next year. DeBar also expressed hope to revive some form of pay raise through an appropriation bill, though he noted such a measure would only be effective for one year.
Advocates continue to push for higher teacher pay, citing the state’s teacher average salary of approximately $53,000—significantly below the national average of $70,000. The ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about teacher compensation and funding priorities in Mississippi.
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
