Some FACTS about Marple-Newtown school spending

The Marple-Newtown School Board and the Marple-Newtown Education Association (MNEA) are negotiating a new teacher contract. The teachers’ old contract expired June 30^th. Here are some facts to consider as you hear about these talks:

Total budget for teacher salaries in the Marple-Newtown School District

• In 2006, the total amount for teacher salaries in the budget was   20,997,382
• In 2007, the total amount for teacher salaries in the budget was   21,523,204
• In 2009, the total amount for teacher salaries in the budget was   20,990,578

That’s right-the total amount for teacher salaries was less in 2009 than it was in 2006

Starting salaries 2009-2010in the eight neighboring districts:

1.      Radnor                              $47,544

2.      Tredyffrin-Easttown          $46,650

3.      Great Valley                       $46,492

4.      Wallingford-Swarthmore   $46,000

5.      Rose Tree                         $44,202

6.      Haverford                          $44,000

7.      Springfield                         $44,000

8.      Marple Newtown             $40,778

That’s right-Marple offers the lowest starting salary of the eight neighboring districts-by far. It also offers the lowest maximum salary by far.

How about the ability to pay?

Well, Marple’s proposed tax rate is 15.13. Great Valley’s is 18.25. Radnor, Rose Tree, and Haverford are all over 20. Wallingford-Swarthmore is 36.56! Marple’s tax rate is among the lowest in the entire region!

So, to sum up, the Marple-Newton School District has a very low tax rate. It pays its teachers the lowest salaries in the immediate area, and in fact paid out less for teacher salaries in 2009 than it did in 2006. (This is due to the fact that many senior teachers have retired in recent years.)

Unless Marple begins to catch up to its neighbors, it will lose quality teachers to them. Wise parents and taxpayers know that good schools=high property values. This is a race Marple can’t afford to lose!