For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                           Contact:  Kimberly Steenhoek

Wednesday, March 29, 2006                                                                                                                                                                         (515) 281-6571

 

Senate Republicans Resolute on Teacher Pay-for-Performance

 

DES MOINES -- Senate Republicans today insisted that their teacher pay-for-performance measure be included in the final education reform package agreed to by lawmakers and the governor.  The measure would dedicate $450 million over the next five years to increasing teacher pay. 

 

“Senate Republicans refuse to accept any deal that doesn’t include teacher pay-for-performance,” said Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson (R-Clarion).  “Pay-for-performance is a win-win.  It would increase teacher pay while improving the quality of education in Iowa.”

 

“Senate Republicans agree that it’s unacceptable for Iowa's teacher pay to be 41st in the nation,” said Senate Co-President Jeff Lamberti (R-Ankeny).  “That is why we are making a $450 million commitment to increase teacher salaries in Iowa.”   

 

In February, Republican senators proposed establishing a teacher pay-for-performance program based on student achievement.  Following are details of the proposal:

  • Establishes a commission to design and implement a pay-for-performance system
    • The 10-member commission would consist of educators and individuals from the private sector, Department of Education and Legislature.
  • Beginning July 1, 2007, 10 K-12 school districts would be selected by the commission as demonstration projects. 
  • Beginning July 1, 2008, 20 additional K-12 school districts would be selected by the commission as demonstration projects.
  • Beginning July 1, 2009, the pay-for-performance system would be implemented statewide.
  • Increases teacher compensation by $30 million a year for five years for a total of $450 million.
    • The first year, 20 percent funds would go into a savings account for the pay-for-performance program; 80 percent of funds would go directly to increase teacher pay.
    • The second year, 40 percent of funds would go toward the pay-for-performance program; 60 percent funds would go directly to increase teacher pay.
    • The third year, 60 percent of funds would go toward the pay-for-performance program; 40 percent of the funds would go directly to increase teacher pay.
    • The fourth year, 80 percent of funds would go toward the pay-for-performance program; 20 percent of funds would go directly to increase teacher pay.
    • The fifth year, 100 percent of funds would go toward the pay for performance program.

 

Year

Funding Amount

Pay-For-Performance Program

Teacher Pay

1

$30 million

$6 million

$24 million

2

$60 million

$24 million

$36 million

3

$90 million

$54 million

$36 million

4

$120 million

$96 million

$24 million

5

$150 million

$150 million

N/A

Total

$450 million

$330 million

$120 million

 

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