JACKSON, Miss. (WMC) - The state could pay assistant teachers more by cutting administrative waste, according to a new report from the Mississippi State Auditor.

According to auditor Shad White, the minimum assistant teacher salary remains lower than all other state jobs, and this has led to a shortage.

According to the report, assistant teachers in Mississippi earn $22,840 annually.

The recommendation in the report suggests making a $67.3 million investment to give assistant teachers a $6,000 pay raise.

That would get them the regional average.

The report also explains that higher assistant teacher-to-student ratios would improve math and reading performances.

See Full Page