NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Metro is continuing to work to fill empty teacher positions before students return to the classroom next week.
Just last week, the school board approved a $5,500 pay increase, bumping the starting salary to $40,000 for first year teachers.
Officials told Nashville's News 2 the increase is designed to attract the best teachers in the region.
"Consequently we should see greater student performance because you have the best teachers in the classroom," said Napier Elementary Principal Dr. Ronald Powe.
For new teachers who already committed to Metro, the salary increase came as a nice surprise.
"They were in the process and I wasn't exactly sure which way it would go, but I am excited about that as well," said first year teacher Sarah Smith.
According to school officials, Metro has received more than 1,000 applications for just over 500 open positions in the district.
"We've attracted teachers from all over the region, from Atlanta, from Memphis, from all around. Teachers are more willing to come here because our pay is very competitive," said Powe.
Students are set to return to school on Wednesday, August 1.
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