School District Classified Employee

[Moedad]

Jurisdiction

California

My wife works for a school district as an instructional aide. She's been there for 22+ years. In 2003 she earned a bachelors degree in child development. Recently someone told her she should've legally received a bump in pay for the degree. They were somewhat vague on the requirement, but indicated it had a federal basis, which sounds a little suspect in regard to a CA school district employee. We checked anyway, but can't find any confirmation of this claim. Hoping someone here can respond with an answer one way or the other.

 

[adjusterjack]

We checked anyway, but can't find any confirmation of this claim.

Because there is no law mandating a raise in salary upon getting a degree. Whoever told her that is an idiot.

If she works for a state college or community college (government owned) there may be some civil service requirements or if she is a member of a union there may be some union contract requirements.

But in the absence of those, it's strictly up to the employer as to whether she gets a raise or not. If she can't get one for the asking she is free to seek employment elsewhere and see if she can do better in the salary department.

 

[Betty3]

There is no law that I know of that says after obtaining a certain degree you are automatically entitled to an increase in salary.

 

[cbg]

Barring a union or other contract or some kind of notation in a municipal charter, the ONLY time the law requires that a person be given a raise is if minimum wage is raised by the appropriate legislative body and the employee's current wage is below the new minimum.

 

[army judge]

One day I plan to write another book about urban myths and legal fairy tales.

 

[cbg]

One day I plan to write another book about urban myths and legal fairy tales.

I'll be happy to contribute!

 

[army judge]

One day I plan to write another book about urban myths and legal fairy tales.

I'll be happy to contribute!

Super, when I finish my current first effort, I'll let you know.

I think it would be an entertaining little read.

 

[ElleMD]

Lots of experience in education here, and no, there is no such law. There may be a union agreement, or policy of providing a bump in pay for a BA. 13 years later, I would not count on it. Generally speaking education only raises wages when the education obtained is required for that position. Teachers are required to obtain post-graduate credits so there is a bump in pay when they do so. It would be less common for such a bump for an instructional assistant as that is not a job which requires a BA.