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SANDY — Canyons School District would pay teachers a $50,000 starting salary under a tentative agreement with its teachers association, making it the highest starting pay for teachers in Salt Lake County, second only to the Park City School District statewide.
All Canyons teachers would receive a $7,665 annual raise under the proposed agreement, according to a statement read by Nancy Tingey, president of the school board, at the district's annual celebration of top educators Tuesday night.
“Nothing in the public education system has a greater effect on a student’s learning than the teacher in the classroom. To the end of furthering the vision and mission of Canyons District through elevating the role of a teacher in our district’s success, we, the Canyons Board of Education, are looking to make a significant investment in teacher salaries,” Tingey said.
Canyons District spokesman Jeff Haney said the proposed agreement also demonstrates the district's commitment to students.
"We're investing not just in our teachers but in our children when we pay teachers in line with other professionals," Haney said.
The agreement will be considered at the board’s next meeting and requires ratification by the Canyons Education Association.
The pay raises will require an average $12 monthly property tax increase for property owners. The school district will conduct a truth-in-taxation hearing in August to present the proposed tax increase to district patrons.
The proposed pay raise represents "a double-digit percentage boost for every teacher," Tingey said.
It elevates "the teaching profession by bringing salaries in line with those of other professionals in Utah, and making it possible for teachers to pursue their passion, and do what they’re good at while also earning a living wage," she said.
All tax revenue from the proposed property tax hike "would go exclusively to teacher salaries. We see this investment as a positive step toward inspiring college students to regard teaching as a viable career and reinforce the belief that teaching is a destination profession," Tingey said.
Coupled with the commitment to constructing new schools and renovating existing schools and robust educator training opportunities, "this proposed new compensation plan will make Canyons stand out as a district of choice, not just in Utah but around the country," Tingey said.
Contributing: Mary Richards Email: marjorie@deseretnews.com
