27 Apr 2017

Hawaii public school teachers close to securing pay rise

4:43 pm on 27 April 2017

Public school teachers in Hawaii are close to ratifying a significant pay hike for the next four years.

School books and a chalkboard

Photo: 123 RF

Teachers are set to get about 14 percent more pay over the next four years and some will see salaries jump by nearly US$10,000.

President of Hawaii Teachers Association, Corey Rosenlee, said members were scheduled to vote to ratify the agreement tomorrow.

"We are hoping that teacher's feel that they won't have to work a second job or feel that they aren't valued in the teaching profession. Hopefully we will keep more teachers and we don't have this high turnover rate that is too common here in Hawaii."

After nine months negotiating, Mr Rosenlee, said this was a good agreement and was thankful for the support of the Hawaii Governor David Ige.