The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind Board has approved a new teacher pay scale, which caps salaries for incoming staff at just under $66,000, nearly 40% lower than the current cap. The decision also limits salary increases at the 10-year experience mark for placement. The board cited the system's budget deficit as the reason for the change, which led to the closure of the Tucson ASDB campus and move to Copper Creek Elementary School in Oro Valley. Bill Koehler, the former ASDB Assistant Superintendent, said the decision was a "slap in the face" to staff and does not reflect the need for teachers at the school. The changes will take effect next fiscal year.