Affordability

The district’s own audited financial reports show that the district is in strong financial shape. Recent audited statements show steady revenue growth, a healthy fund balance, and repeated annual budget surpluses. A large share of these budget surpluses is due to the district consistently underspending its budget for teacher salaries.

The real question, then, isn’t can the district afford fair salaries—it’s will the district make investing in its teachers a priority.

While the district raises tax each year, teacher salaries and benefits are not what is driving rising costs to tax payers in Haverford Township. Teacher healthcare premium benefits costs to the district are down 20% since 2019. Over the past decade, the teacher salary schedule has increased only by about 1% each year. While such low cost of living increases are generally untenable, under recent historically high inflation, this condition has resulted in our experienced teachers losing 15% of their salaries relative to rising costs during the pandemic recovery.  

We believe that investing in teachers is an investment in student success. The district can meet this need without raising taxes or cutting programs. What it requires is the commitment to value the people who make our schools work every day.