The DeSoto Parish School Board has approved a comprehensive compensation package that includes a 6.8% salary increase for all full-time employees, along with targeted recruitment, retention, and recognition incentives set to take effect during the 2026-2027 school year.
The approved plan represents a significant investment in educators, administrators, and support staff across the district as officials work to maintain competitive compensation and strengthen employee retention.
Superintendent Clay Corley said the package reflects the district’s commitment to supporting the employees who contribute to student success every day.
“Our people are the reason we continue to be one of the top-performing districts in the state,” Corley said. “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.”
Corley added that the initiative is designed to create an environment where talented educators and staff members can build long-term careers within the district.
“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,” he said. “That matters for our kids, and it matters for this community.”
Recruitment and Retention Focus
In addition to the district-wide pay increase, the package includes targeted incentive stipends aimed at addressing staffing shortages in key areas.
Teachers serving in inclusion and self-contained special education classrooms who are working toward special education certification will be eligible for annual incentives. Additional compensation opportunities will also be available for employees serving in designated hard-to-staff schools, depending on their role and certification status.
District leaders said the incentives are intended to improve recruitment efforts while encouraging experienced employees to remain in critical positions.
Expanded Employee Recognition
The compensation package also expands financial recognition for outstanding employees through new Employee of the Year incentive awards.
Teachers, new teachers, support employees, and principals who earn honors at the school, district, semifinalist, finalist, or overall winner levels will be eligible for monetary awards recognizing their accomplishments and contributions to student achievement.
School Board President Bobby Boyd said the action demonstrates the board’s commitment to investing in employees at every level.
“This action reflects the Board’s belief that our employees are our greatest asset,” Boyd said. “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,” he added.
Long-Term Investment in Education
District officials said the compensation package was developed through a collaborative review process that considered employee feedback, market trends, staffing challenges, and long-term financial planning.
The board’s approval underscores an ongoing effort to position DeSoto Parish Schools as an employer of choice while maintaining a strong focus on academic achievement and organizational excellence.
School leaders expressed confidence that the new compensation structure will help attract and retain high-quality educators and support personnel while continuing to support positive outcomes for students throughout the parish.
Additional information about employment opportunities within DeSoto Parish Schools is available through the district’s website.