JENKS, Okla. — The state approved a salary increase for teachers this year, and that will go into effect on their paycheck.
But after a school board vote, the people who work behind the scenes will see a three percent raise themselves.
"Usually I feel, being a classified employee, that sometimes we're forgotten. And we are also the glue that holds the school together. So I'm happy that they thought about us and gave us the raise," early childhood assistant Dana Sykes said.
Administrative assistants and bus drivers often make less than their counterparts at the front of the classroom. Sykes said it can be a struggle to make ends meet.
"I don't even know how I would make it and I don't know how the people that I work with... there are a lot of people that work here and they're single parents... how they make it on the salary," she said.
Teacher assistant in Jenks tell 2 Works for You although three percent may not seem like much, it can go towards everything from another gas tank to money in their savings account.
"Now with the increase I'll be able to help out with more bills with my husband, maybe go on a little vacation," Sykes said.
One bus driver said it's this kind of recognition that's kept her in the district for 20 years.
"Jenks has always made me feel like this is my second family. And the children, our students. That's their number one goal is the children, and that's my number one goal is the children," Simona Culver said.
That raise will be reflected on paychecks next month.
Staff with the district said they make it a priority to give these employees a boost every time teachers see a salary increase.
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