06:36 PM CST on Monday, January 9, 2006

By Carolyn Campbell / 11 News

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Dr. Abe Saavedra, Houston Independent School District’s superintendent, believes he has the answer for attracting and keeping the best and the brightest teachers in the classroom.

KHOU-TV

Monica Ramirez was selected 'Teacher of the Year' in 2005.

But at least one teacher representative is giving the plan an “F”.

Just five minutes in her classroom and you know she’s something special.

In fact, last year Monica Ramirez was selected ‘Teacher of the Year.’  It is quite an honor, but if HISD’s superintendent has his way exceptional teachers like Ramirez would be rewarded by the district in cash.

“I think it’s time we compensate our highest performing teachers appropriately, at the highest levels,” Dr. Saavedra said.   

Dr. Saavedra wants the school board to approve a $14.5 million program that would allow outstanding teachers up to $3,000 in performance pay bonuses this year.

In five years he’d like to raise that to $10,000.

“There are a lot of good pay for performance plans out there.  This is not one of them,” said Gayle Fallon, Houston Federation of Teachers president.

Fallon said the superintendent’s plan is confusing and does not address improving all teacher’s base salary.

“This does not take place of competitive salary schedule,” Dr. Saavedra said.  “I completely agree with her that we need to continue to improve our salary schedules to be competitive.”

Monica Ramirez welcomes any kind of financial incentive.

“Maybe it is too complicated to understand,” said Monica Ramirez, Anderson Elementary teacher.  “But I strongly believe it is a great tool for teachers to improve our self-esteem.  We love notes from kids and parents, but still the economic incentive is going to be great for the self-esteem of teachers.”

Dr. Saavedra made his case for the new performance bonus plan to the board Monday afternoon.  Board members are expected to vote on it Thursday.

You might be wondering with all the controversy over school funding how Dr. Saavedra will pay for the plan.  He simply said he would incorporate the bonus program in his annual budget.