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Louisiana education board backs governor teacher raise plan

The $3.8 billion formula includes $140 million in new spending, with $101 million earmarked for raises.

Credit: AP

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards speaks at the opening of a special legislative session in Baton Rouge, La., Monday, June 18, 2018. Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, back right, and House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, look on. With time running out before hundreds of millions in cuts take hold, Louisiana lawmakers take one more stab at raising money for next year's budget, returning Monday for their fourth legislative session this year. Edwards called the House and Senate back to Baton Rouge for their 10th legislative session since the term began in 2016, with frustration mounting that the "fiscal cliff" is only two weeks away and attempts to reach a deal have repeatedly cratered. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, Pool)

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards' push to give Louisiana public school teachers a pay raise and school districts their first spending increase in years has won support from the state's top school board.

Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Tuesday backed the K-12 public school financing formula proposed by the Democratic governor for the 2019-20 year. A final vote comes Wednesday. Then, the formula moves to state lawmakers for consideration.

The $3.8 billion formula includes $140 million in new spending, with $101 million earmarked for raises. Teachers and certificated personnel would receive $1,000 salary hikes, while support staff such as cafeteria workers would get $500 pay increases.

Districts would receive $39 million to spend at their own discretion.

Edwards appeared Tuesday before the board to urge support.