The bill proposes the addition of a new section, 18A-4-2d, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at enhancing the salaries of certified teachers based on regional market conditions. It establishes legislative findings that emphasize the need for competitive pay to attract and retain qualified educators in West Virginia, addressing regional disparities in cost of living. The bill defines key terms and outlines a methodology for calculating a "market pay enhancement," which will be determined annually using the highest of two multipliers based on median home prices in the teacher's county and surrounding regions. The enhancement will not exceed 50% of the average teacher's base salary in the affected county.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the West Virginia Board of Education report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance regarding the market pay enhancements and allows for the board to create rules for implementing this new section. The payments will be in addition to existing salary schedules and county supplements, ensuring that certified teachers receive competitive compensation reflective of their local market conditions. The bill also permits county boards to offer greater enhancements if they choose to do so.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-4-2d
Committee Substitute: 18A-4-2d
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18A-4-2d