GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Green Bay Board of Education has approved a 4.7% cost of living increase for teachers and paraprofessionals. The decision was made during a special board meeting on Monday.
“We believe that the cost of living increase was important to demonstrate to our staff that we recognize the hard work and dedication they have shown to our students and families, especially this school year,” stated Board President Eric Vanden Heuvel. “In addition, during a tight labor market, it is important that the District continues to provide competitive salaries/wages and benefits, so we can recruit and retain qualified, caring and compassionate staff who work with our students.”
“The decision to hold a special board meeting to approve the increase for the teacher and paraprofessional bargaining unit was to ensure the District was able to offer a competitive salary as we are currently hiring college graduates for next school year,” stated Chief Human Resources Officer Lori Miron. “Salary/wage increases for the remainder of District staff will be presented to the Board of Education for a vote on April 11, 2022.”
The cost of living increase will go into effect on July 1, 2022. Under current state law, school districts are allowed to only increase staff base wages by the cost of living, without having to ask voters for approval.