Alabama Education Pay Raise Approved Alongside Retiree Longevity Bonuses Alabama's public education pay increase will apply to employees at all career stages, while the state also plans one-time longevity bonus payments for eligible retirees. Alabama lawmakers have approved a pay increase for public education employees, including classroom teachers, support personnel and community college workers. The increase applies across the tenure spectrum, benefiting first-year educators as well as employees with decades of classroom experience. Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said the legislature has continued to provide cost-of-living adjustments for teachers while working to control health care expenses. Mackey said the salary increase should help retain experienced educators and make public education careers in Alabama more attractive to prospective employees. He emphasized that compensation is an important factor in decisions about whether educators remain in the profession or seek employment elsewhere.A stronger salary structure, combined with affordable health coverage, could also help the state recruit qualified personnel from other locations. The state superintendent also welcomed the legislature's decision to help finance coverage through the state's Public Employees Health Insurance Plan, known as PEEHIP, for the current school year. He described stable and affordable insurance as an important recruiting advantage. Mackey said educators need both competitive pay and dependable health benefits to make public education employment sustainable over the long term.Looking ahead to the 2027 legislative session, Mackey said he would not be surprised if lawmakers are unable to cover the full cost of PEEHIP. He nevertheless expects premiums for the 2028 fiscal year to remain largely unchanged. Alabama is scheduled to elect a new governor in January, and that administration will face the task of balancing state budgets while addressing rising public education costs. Mackey said the education department is preparing to discuss these financial pressures with lawmakers.Future education funding requests are expected to include the cost of salaries and health benefits, along with other increasing operating expenses. He said the department intends to respond to legislative questions and help officials develop an appropriate budget plan during what is likely to be a tight fiscal and legislative schedule. State lawmakers also approved a one-time longevity bonus for eligible education retirees. Payments are scheduled to be distributed in October.The bonus is separate from the ongoing salary increase and represents an additional form of recognition for former public education employees