Our contract allows for placing a new employee on a higher step based on previous employment and educational experience. The new employee has 30 days from the date of hire to provide verification of this experience. It can be prior teaching experience, prior relevant work experience, military or Americorps service. Our contract also allows for a higher initial salary placement if the person is certified in an area of shortage. For the 2023-2024 school year, the superintendent has designated every position as an area of shortage. If your colleague is a newly hired educator, have them review pages 6-7 of our contract to ensure they are receiving the best salary possible. Once the 30-day window has elapsed, their salary is set.