Cleveland schools’ teachers seek 5 percent raise

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — City teachers are asking for a 5 percent salary increase in the next fiscal year.

Cleveland Board of Education members said this week they will do what they can.

Meanwhile, the Bradley County Education Association and county school system representatives are just beginning their negotiations.

Gloria Scott Richmond, representing the Cleveland Education Association, asked for the increase at the city school board meeting this week. It is the same increase teachers and other classroom workers received for the fiscal year that ends June 30.

“The request that I have will not only benefit members of the CEA but the full spectrum of Cleveland City Schools employees,” Mrs. Richmond said.

With food and fuel prices soaring, she said, “it is a challenge to live on an educator’s salary.”

She said the Tennessee Education Association will continue working with Gov. Phil Bredesen to raise state funding for teacher salaries to 90 percent of the national average.

“We are not in it for the money, obviously,” Mrs. Richmond said. Teaching is a calling, she said. “We know we are supposed to be here.”

City school board member Tom Cloud said he is concerned about continued loss of teachers to Georgia.

“If a new teacher can make $15,000 more a year by driving 30 miles, there is something to be said about that,” Mr. Cloud said.

Chairwoman Dawn Robinson, past president of the Tennessee School Boards Association, said teacher salaries should be higher.

“When our teachers can qualify for free and reduced lunch, that is a real issue with me,” Mrs. Robinson said.

Representatives of the Bradley Education Association and the county school system held their first negotiating session for the year in February.