U.S. ranking adds fuel to fight over teacher pay

Wednesday, April 29, 1998 | 10:16 a.m.

Nevada teachers take home an average of about $40,800 a year -- 6.2 percent above the national average and 15th overall -- but that's not enough says the head of the local teacher's union.

And, John Jasonek, interim director of the Clark County Classroom Teachers Association, says that if the 1996-97 survey of teachers salaries by the American Federation of Teachers survey isn't flawed then Nevada didn't get such a high rating because of Clark County.

Jasonek said a survey by his organization -- of Clark County teachers at various career stages -- shows that local teachers don't even make the top 10 of 17 Nevada counties.

"The issue is how are we doing in Clark County," Jasonek said today. "If Clark County teachers were earning the highest salaries in the state, I see no reason why Nevada shouldn't be in the top five."

The AFT survey found that educators in Connecticut earned about $51,200 a year to lead the nation and that the other gambling-revenue-generated state of New Jersey was second at $49,786.

Clark County teachers currently are at an impasse with the Clark County School District regarding a new two-year contract. It is scheduled to go before an arbitrator July 20-22.

The teachers are asking for 4.75 percent raises each of the next two years. The school district is offering 3.25 percent plus a one percent bonus.

In essence, that works out to a quarter-cent difference, but the bonus would disappear in year three and the teachers would have to return to the negotiating table at a point of great disadvantage, Jasonek said.

School District officials argue that the salaries that are being offered, including an attractive benefit package which is not under dispute by the teachers, are competitive.

Also school officials say that Nevada has no state income tax and the district pays both shares of teachers' retirement contributions -- factors that increase teachers' take home pay.