What is the difference between "on schedule" and "off schedule"?

A raise off step is reminiscent of a one time bonus or stipend. School districts offer teachers off step increases as a way of giving teachers more money, but keeping it off the pay scale. Every time the pay scale goes up, that becomes an increase that the district has to pay forever. In addition, it becomes the starting point for further increases. But, an increase off step is a way to keep salaries down and makes future negotiations difficult as the loss is often never regained.
(Not) Spreading the Wealth

Michigan Teacher Pay Slipping In National Ranking
Michigan teachers found their pay growing 18 percent over the last decade. However, that figure was dead last in a national ranking. When adjusted for inflation, Michigan's average teacher's salary actually dropped 7.3 percent over that time period.
Wouldn't Be Where I Am Today - Without My Teacher
