By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

DESTREHAN – The Louisiana Legislature recently approved a $69 million increase in funding to local school districts that will provide a pay incentive for some St. Charles Parish teachers.
The legislation, House Bill 1 by Rep. James Fannin, stated that
50 percent of the increase in funding was required to be given to certificated teachers. St. Charles Parish Public Schools certificated teachers’ required payment of $192 would have been significantly less than other teachers in the state because
the funding is based on the Minimum Foundation Program allocation.
The St. Charles Parish School Board voted to increase the minimum percent required by state law and give certificated teachers 100 percent of the increase received by the state during its July 2 board meeting. This increase will allow certificated teachers to receive a one-time payment of $400 in November 2013.
District Teacher of the Year, La’Keisha McKinney, said she was happy to hear the news of the increase, but not surprised. McKinney has taught in the St. Charles Parish Public School system for 16 years.
“Having the pay incentive is just a little extra motivation for all of the hard work that teachers do on a continuous basis,” said McKinney. “It just shows teachers that they are appreciated by the school board and other administrators for the job they do. It shows the dedication and the value that is put on teachers in our district.”
“Perfecting the craft of teaching and learning requires administrative support; because of the support teachers receive in St. Charles Parish Public Schools, we are able to refine our teaching practices and maximize student learning,” she continued.
“It is important that teachers know how much we appreciate the job they are doing,” said Clarence “Sonny” Savoie, board president. He added, “Teachers are on the front-lines and are vital to our continued success. All along, this School Board wanted to reward teachers by giving them the total amount of funding received from the state.”