Up to $47K for school counselors

The Board of Education and the Public School System are proposing a compensation plan that would provide school counselors up to $47,000 in annual pay based on qualifications and credentials.

In the proposed rules and regulations published Feb. 25 in the Commonwealth Register, the new salary rate, known as the Highly Qualified Counselors Requirements and Compensation Plan, would pay non-highly qualified counselors a starting rate of $27,911 per annum. This comes with the condition that they obtain a bachelor or higher degree and has taken either Praxis 1 or 2 before July 31, 2006.

A starting rate of $28,884 per annum is earmarked for counselors who have a bachelor’s degree or higher and have taken both Praxis tests before the deadline.

For new employees beginning Aug. 1, 2006, or later, the board has approved the same compensation package for those who passed Praxis 2 and has proof of taking Praxis 1.

Current employees who have a bachelor’s degree, valid certificate, and passed both Praxis tests will be provided a per annum salary of $30,976, provided they have up to two years experience.

A compensation package of $33,289 awaits those who have a master’s degree, are Praxis qualified, and have up to two years of work-related experience,

New employees beginning August 2006 or later and have four years work experience, a degree, and passed the Praxis tests will be compensated $30,976.

Those with five years and above experience will get $33,289, while those who have a master’s or higher degree, Praxis qualified, and have at least five years and above experience will be paid $35,837.

For counselors who have basic II certification, bachelor’s degree, over two years work experience, and passed both Praxis tests, the approved rate is $35,837, while those who have a master’s degree, two years experience, and Praxis qualified can have as much as $38,646 per year.

Counselors who have obtained standard certificate with endorsement, with bachelor degree and passed rigorous tests, and six to 10 years experience will be paid $38,464. Those who have the same qualifications but have two to five years experience, $35,837; and those who have 10 years and above experience, $41,745.

Those with a master’s degree, certificate of endorsement, and Praxis qualified will get $38,646 if they have up to three years experience, while those who have four to six years experience will get $41,745. Those who have seven to 10 years of experience and have the same qualifications will get $45,163.

The highest salary provided to an HQC is $47,001 and they must have a master’s or higher degree, professional certificate with endorsement, passed both Praxis 1 and 2, and 10 years and above work experience.

The proposed regulations state that new employees after August 2006 or later will be classified under the PSS HQC plan after two years of consecutive service in PSS and upon satisfying certification requirements.

Due to the budgetary constraints, PSS indicated that it will no longer implement annual step or within grade increases.

“Counselors will stay at the level set forth in the employment contract for the term of the contract unless the counselor submits proof showing full qualification at a different level,” the regulation stated, adding that PSS will not grant salary increases for partial work on a master’s or doctorate degree.

The proposal added that counselors who are currently earning more than the proposed salary grade will maintain their current salary level if they are Praxis 1 and 2 qualified.

The regulation would become effective 10 days after adoption and publication in the register.