This week, the power of a collective voice has led to wins for Socorro AFT that will have a huge impact on the wallets of all district employees. We know public school employees are dedicated and deserve to be compensated for their hard work, particularly after a year of pandemic. Now, everyone in the district will be getting a raise.
In response to the hard work and advocacy of Socorro AFT members, the Socorro ISD school board approved a salary proposal from Socorro AFT on Tuesday.
The approved plan includes a 4% pay raise and a $1,000 retention bonus (to be paid in December 2021) for all district employees. Additionally, the board approved another $1,000 COVID-19 stipend to be distributed in May.
“Our district is a district of endless opportunities,” said Veronica Hernandez, Socorro AFT president, on the urgent need for this salary proposal. “Therefore, our focus should be on making sure that our children and employees come first.”
Four members of the Socorro ISD school board are up for re-election in May: Cindy Najera (District 2), Angelica Rodriguez (District 3), Paul Guerra (District 4), and Gary Gandara (District 5). Socorro AFT has endorsed all four candidates for their commitment to the well-being of district employees through the pandemic — something seen again in the approval of this salary proposal.
Early voting in that election has begun and runs through Tuesday, April 27. Election Day, the last day to vote, is Saturday, May 1. If you live in the area, you can find your ballot and voting information on the El Paso County Elections Department website.
Socorro AFT and El Paso AFT are both trying to elect or re-elect educator allies to school boards in the El Paso area. You can help them make phone calls, send texts, or drop literature to eligible voters by signing up as a political volunteer.
Not in the El Paso area? Help us elect pro-public education candidates to school boards and to the state Legislature. Please consider making a voluntary contribution to our political fund.