The proposed bill aims to enhance the salaries of certified teachers in West Virginia by introducing a new section, 18A-4-2d, which establishes a market pay enhancement based on regional housing costs. The legislation outlines the need for competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified educators, particularly in light of regional disparities in the cost of living. It mandates that the West Virginia Board of Education calculate a market pay enhancement using the highest of two multipliers derived from the median home prices in the state, region, and county. This enhancement will be adjusted annually and will not exceed 50% of the average teacher's base salary in the affected county.

Additionally, the bill requires the West Virginia Board of Education to report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance regarding the market pay enhancements. It specifies that these payments will be in addition to existing salary schedules and allows for counties to provide greater enhancements if desired. The Board is also empowered to propose rules for the implementation of this new section, ensuring that the provisions are effectively integrated into the state's educational funding framework.

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