MANSFIELD, LA. – The DeSoto Parish School Board has approved a comprehensive salary package that includes a 6.8% pay increase for all full-time employees, along with targeted incentives and salary schedule enhancements designed to strengthen recruitment, retention, and employee recognition across the district. The new salary schedule and incentive package will officially take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
The approved plan represents a significant investment in the district's workforce and reflects the Board's continued commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality educators and support staff while ensuring competitive compensation for all employees.
“Our people are the reason we continue to be one of the top-performing districts in the state. This compensation package is the Board’s way of saying what we’ve always believed, if you want great outcomes for kids, you invest in the adults who show up every day,” said Superintendent Clay Corley.
“It isn’t just a pay increase, it’s a commitment to building the kind of district where talented educators want to stay and grow. That matters for our kids, and it matters for this community.”
In addition to the across-the-board pay increase, the package includes several strategic initiatives aimed at addressing workforce needs and rewarding excellence:
Targeted Recruitment and Retention Incentives
To support recruitment and retention in critical shortage areas, the district approved incentive stipends for employees serving in hard-to-staff positions and schools.
Inclusion and Self-Contained Special Education teachers working toward special education certification will be eligible for annual incentives, while employees serving in designated hard-to-staff schools may also qualify for additional compensation based on their role and certification status.
Recognition for Excellence
The compensation package also expands recognition opportunities for outstanding employees through new Employee of the Year incentives. Teachers, new teachers, support employees, and principals who earn school-level, district-level, semifinalist, finalist, or overall honors will be eligible for monetary awards recognizing their achievements and contributions to student success.
"This action reflects the Board’s belief that our employees are our greatest asset,” said Board President, Bobby Boyd.
“ By investing in competitive salaries, recognizing excellence, and supporting hard-to-fill positions, we are strengthening the foundation of student success across DeSoto Parish. We want every employee to know their work is valued, appreciated, and essential to the future of our schools."
District leaders noted that the compensation package was developed through a collaborative review of employee needs, market trends, staffing challenges, and long-term financial planning.
The DeSoto Parish School Board's action underscores its ongoing commitment to investing in the people who make a difference in the lives of students every day. District leaders believe the new compensation package will help position DeSoto Parish Schools as an employer of choice while supporting continued academic success and organizational excellence.
For more information about employment opportunities with DeSoto Parish Schools, visit www.desotopsb.com.