News Release
April 4, 2006
Procomp Ranks Swell To 1,200 During Second Opt-In Window
More than 430 teachers and other student service professionals opted into ProComp during the district's second opt-in window, bringing the total number now paid under the new pay system to 1,200 - or about 30 percent of the instructional staff.
"It's gratifying that so many members of our teaching force have adopted ProComp in such a short period of time," said Brad Jupp, senior academic policy advisor for Denver Public Schools. "ProComp will benefit their earnings capacity while they integrate some of the district's most rigorous academic reforms into their teaching practices."
Added Chief Academic Officer Jaime Aquino: "Student learning is directly linked to teacher quality and skill. We believe that ProComp will enable Denver to attract, develop and retain teachers who can help students achieve in this district."
ProComp rewards educators for achievement in four broad areas: helping to increase student achievement, developing their professional knowledge and skills, receiving satisfactory evaluations, and filling special needs in schools or specific positions.
During the first opt-in period, more than 750 educators joined ProComp. Those staff members began earning bonuses in January 2006 for working in hard-to-serve schools and filling hard-to-staff positions.
Educators who joined in the most recent second opt-in window (which closed Friday, March 31) will start receiving their new salaries in the 2006-2007 contract year. All teachers hired by the district beginning January 1, 2006, will automatically participate in ProComp.
In November 2005, Denver voters approved a mill levy increase that will raise $25 million each year just for ProComp salaries and related expenses. The money generated is placed in a trust to ensure that it is managed and used as voters intended.
For more information, contact Cary Baird, 303-883-0797.