Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Public school teachers are getting a much-deserved salary boost and appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
On June 11, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board approved pay raises for teachers and support staff as part of its 2026-2027 budget, signaling a major investment in its employees. A starting teacher’s salary is now set to increase from $50,000 to $56,000. The new salary schedule takes effect July 1 with the start of the 2026–27 fiscal year.
Teacher raises are crucial for retaining experienced educators in the classroom, attracting top-tier college graduates to the profession, and directly improving student performance. Research shows a clear link between compensation and educational quality, with higher pay ultimately benefiting entire communities.
“Our employees are the foundation of student success, and this investment reflects the value we place on recruiting and retaining outstanding educators and staff,” says Superintendent LaMont Cole. “This proposed salary structure is designed to ensure our compensation system is fair, competitive and supportive of long-term career growth.”
A pay raise is more than a financial benefit—it is an investment in teachers, students, and the future of education. When educators feel valued and supported, schools are better positioned to attract, retain, and empower the professionals who shape the next generation.
Teachers say the pay raise brings financial relief, a sense of appreciation, and a boost to morale—signaling respect and acknowledgment of their professionalism and the extra hours they dedicate to grading, lesson planning and student support.
“I’ve worked under four or five superintendents who kept promising a raise and we kept getting stipends, so Superintendent Cole has delivered on something, and this is a big something,” says Kirk Green, 7th grade U.S. history teacher at Westdale Middle School.
“I’ve known teachers that were considering going to outlying districts, not because they don’t like EBR but because they have to make a living. We love teaching. It’s a calling, but it’s also how we pay our bills. This pay raise is across the board, not just teachers, so everyone is getting something. Nothing is perfect, but this is substantial and we appreciate it.”
Additional highlights of the FY26-27 budget include:
- $17.1 million for literacy and foundational learning initiatives.
- $18.8 million for workforce development and career readiness.
- $6.3 million for safety and security enhancements.
- $64.3 million in facilities improvements across the district.
The district’s total FY26-27 investment is approximately $836.4 million and was developed through stakeholder engagement, data analysis and alignment with the district’s Strategic Plan.
