The Peoria Unified governing board Sept. 27 voted unanimously to increase the starting pay of instructional assistants within the district.

To meet the changing needs of the job market, the district has developed a pay structure that compensates employees based on the program they support, officials said.

Starting pay for IAs is now $16.50 per hour with IAs who support specialized self-contained programs and developmental preschool earning a minimum of $18 per hour. This change in compensation structure is estimated to save the district $5 million annually as there will be less reliance on contracted employees.

Additionally, the district is implementing a Grow Your Own program aimed at supporting IAs interested in becoming a classroom teacher.

There are few jobs that make a greater imp

See Full Page