Architects of two pay plans say they could be combined

The creators of two competing teacher pay plans say there’s one thing they agree on — the state has to act quickly to boost the pay of educators. Des Moines Businessman Marvin Pomerantz led an education forum that developed a plan that’s been endorsed by republicans. Wellmark C-E-O John Forsyth chaired the Governor’s task force on teacher pay. Both say they’d be willing to combine their plans to gain speedy approval by the legislature. Pomerantz says the state has to act now to avoid a shortage of teachers.He says if nothing is done, within four years the state won’t have enough teachers.Pomerantz and Forsyth agree the current system has to be scrapped and replaced with one that provides more accountability.Forsyth says both plans link at least part of a teacher’s pay to student achievement and career development. He says if a teacher does well, their salary would be competitive with others nationwide.Both plans are expected to cost the state between 250 and 300-million dollars over four years. Both Forsyth and Pomerantz say this can be achieved without raising taxes if the state reallocates some education dollars. The two men made their comments during taping of the Iowa Public TV program “Iowa Press.”