Pay disparity hampers Idaho teacher retention in small districts

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) - Some smaller Idaho school districts are struggling to retain teachers who are tempted by the bigger paychecks and increased resources offered by larger districts.

The Post Register reports records from the State Department of Education shows that 184 teachers have changed school districts in Idaho since the 2014 school year. Many, like teacher Gregory Egan, switched from a smaller district to a larger one.

Egan left the Clark County Junior/Senior High school in Dubois to join the Bonneville Joint School District in Idaho Falls. He says he was drawn by better pay, improved housing options and the opportunity for more school resources and activities.

Last year, the average base salary for a teacher in Idaho Falls was roughly $46,700. Base salary averages in the Clark County, Madison, Ririe, Sugar-Salem and West Jefferson school districts were all at least $4,000 lower.

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Information from: Post Register