MANCHESTER — Clay County Board of Education employees will receive a two percent pay increase for the upcoming school year, continuing a decade-long effort by district leaders to improve compensation for both certified and classified staff.
The latest raise brings the total salary increases approved by the board over the past 10 years to 25.5 percent, a milestone board members say reflects a commitment to investing in the people who serve the district’s students every day. The increase will cost approximately $822,444.95 and applies to all certified and classified employees.
The raise also moves Clay County teachers to the top of the regional salary scale among neighboring districts. Under the new salary schedule, a beginning teacher with a Rank III certification will earn $43,717 in Clay County, compared to $42,741 in Laurel County. Jackson County also approved a two percent raise this year, bringing its starting teacher salary to $42,904, while Knox County’s starting salary stands at $38,594.
Superintendent William Sexton credited the board for making employee compensation a priority year after year.
“I want to thank our board members for their continued dedication to our employees,” Sexton said. “Over the years, they have consistently demonstrated how much they value the people who work in this district. Whether it’s teachers, instructional assistants, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers or office staff, this board understands that our employees are our greatest asset. Their commitment has allowed us to remain competitive and continue attracting and retaining quality people who make a difference in the lives of our students.”
Board member Anthony Lovett said the impact of the raises has been felt throughout the district.
“These raises have truly changed lives,” Lovett said. “When you look back over the last decade and see what our employees were making compared to where they are today, it’s remarkable. We have teachers, bus drivers, instructional assistants, custodians and office staff who are better able to provide for their families because this board has made employee compensation a priority. We know our employees are the heart of this district, and investing in them is one of the best investments we can make.”
Lovett said the board’s long-term commitment to salary increases has helped strengthen employee morale and improve the district’s ability to recruit and retain quality personnel.
Board member Leewood Cornett said the board remains focused on ensuring employees receive every dollar possible.
“I’ve always believed our employees deserve every dime we can give them,” Cornett said. “They work hard every day for our students, and they are the reason this district continues to move forward. We have made it a priority to reward that dedication whenever our finances allow.”
Cornett said the district’s current position is something he never imagined seeing.
“I never dreamed we would be in a financial position where we could pay our teachers more than Laurel County,” he said. “They have a much larger budget and a much larger tax base. For Clay County to be able to offer higher starting teacher pay is something our employees should be proud of and something this community should be proud of as well.”
The increase continues a trend established by the board over the past decade as district leaders have worked to improve employee compensation while maintaining the district’s financial stability.
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