GRPS raises could help narrow pay gap

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Despite the probability of higher pay, fifth-grade teacher Helen Metcalf says she's never really thought about leaving Grand Rapids Public Schools.

"Because my heart is with Grand Rapids Public Schools," Metcalf told 24 Hour News 8. "But we would like to be able to compete with the outer laying districts."

Being able to compete is part of the reason why spokesman John Helmholdt said GRPS is looking at raises for teachers and other employees, as 24 Hour News 8 first reported Tuesday night.

Though the spokesman stressed the raises are not certain, the district has millions more in funding than it expected. That's thanks to an unexpected small state funding increase, more teacher retirements than expected and two new federal grant programs.

The raises could help bring GRPS teacher pay closer to other Kent County districts.

"GRPS has been a plucking ground because our teachers are the best. They're the most qualified, they work in the most dynamic environments. Same thing with our principals and support staff," he said.

Both the teachers union president and Helmholdt said the district's teachers are the lowest paid in the county. And among 12 Kent County districts where 2010-11 first-year pay data was immediately available Wednesday, that holds true.

First-year teachers with a bachelor's degree in Kelloggsville Public Schools make $40,917.

Districts like Northview Public Schools ($37,590) and Rockford Public Schools ($37,184) are closer to the middle.

A starting teacher in GRPS will make $35,323.

"We are, as I said, surprised," 31-year GRPS veteran Metcalf said of the potential for a raise. "We're happy and we hope that it's just a trend that will continue because it is a profession and we'd like to be compensated for our professionalism and what we do for children."

A raise is not certain to close the gap. Many of the sources of additional funding for GRPS are not unique to the district. And at least one Kent County district, East Grand Rapids, is considering using one of the federal grant programs to pay its teachers more.

Given the lean times GRPS and other Michigan districts have faced in recent years, 24 Hour News 8 asked Helmholdt if the district has considered saving the money should finances get tougher in the years to come.

He again stressed no decision has been made on raises and noted that there are plenty of "x-factors" in play, including what happens with the economy and in the state legislature.

And GRPS will be cautious about using any one-time dollars to cover ongoing employee costs.

"At the same point, I think it's important to note that we have been right-sizing for the better part of the last decade," Helmholdt said. "We've made some tough decisions. We've also been very conservative in our fiscal stewardship which has led us to a point where we can look at reopening contracts to look at additional compensation."

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2010-11 TEACHER PAY IN 12 KENT COUNTY DISTRICTS:
(BASE is first-year pay for teachers holding a bachelor's degree. AVERAGES are provided when district administrators had such data available.)

Byron Center
BASE: $39,482

Comstock Park
BASE: $36,470 AVERAGE: $61,506

East Grand Rapids
BASE: $39,444 AVERAGE: $65,513

Forest Hills:
BASE: $38,318 AVERAGE: $61,952

Godfrey Lee:
BASE: $36,611 AVERAGE: $55,000 (est.)

Grand Rapids Public SchoolsBASE:
$35,323 AVERAGE: $55,000 (est.)

Kelloggsville
BASE: $40,917

Kenowa Hills
BASE: $37,011 AVERAGE: $48,672

Kent City:
BASE: $35,985

Northview:
BASE: $37,590 AVERAGE: $56,142

Rockford
BASE: $37,184 AVERAGE: $59,000 (est.)

Sparta
BASE: $39,382

SOURCE: School administrators, teacher contracts