Does it really cost $85,000 per teacher? | Letters | July 30

Published 2:20 pm Friday, July 30, 2010

A recent article, “Keep Island Schools Strong” (July 2) indicated a $400,000 fundraising goal to support 4.7 public school teachers.

While I respect the cause and value of this group’s efforts, I have to ask: Does it really cost $85,000 per year to hire one teacher?

Kathy Gallagher

Bainbridge Island

Editor’s Note: BISD anticipates a per teacher average cost of $85,000 in certificated salaries and benefits (both mandatory and insurance) next year, according to Cami Dombkowski, the district’s director of Human Resources.