Almost all school workers get raises

Increases range from 2.75 to 5% in PB County

The Palm Beach County School Board presented a holiday gift to almost all its 27,000 employees: raises, approved unanimously.

The raises, mostly ranging from 2.75 percent to 5 percent, depending on the category of employees and their performance, will cost about $30 million.

The board had budgeted $22 million for the salary boosts, but Chief Financial Officer Mike Burke said district enrollment grew beyond initial projections, which triggers more tax money distributed to the district, helping fill in the gap.

Teachers’ raises were approved last month; they will get an average 3.2 percent increase.

Under the plan approved Wednesday:

Administrators and managers will get a 3 percent salary boost. Superintendent Robert Avossa, who earns $325,000, also will get a 3 percent raise; his increases are tied to those of administrators.

Principals’ salary range was raised; the minimum salary will be $95,500, while the max will grow to $126,800. Highly effective principals will get 3.5

percent increases; those rated effective will receive 2.75 percent.

The salary range for assistant principals was bumped up to a $71,700 minimum and $95,200 maximum.

Paraprofessionals, secretaries and office personnel will get a 3 percent increase.

Mechanics, lunchroom aides, bus attendants, school treasurers and food service workers will get 5 percent.

Teachers aides who work with students who have severe medical challenges will get an increase in their annual $1,700 supplement to $2,300.

The only group still to receive raises are school police officers; negotiations begin next month.