This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 18A-4-2d, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at enhancing teacher salaries through a market pay enhancement system. The legislation outlines the necessity for competitive pay to attract and retain certified teachers in West Virginia, particularly in light of regional disparities in cost of living. It establishes a framework for calculating market pay enhancements based on the median home prices in the region where teachers are employed, ensuring that their salaries remain competitive with those in neighboring states and counties.

The bill mandates that the State Board of Education determine the West Virginia median home price and the regional median home price every five years, starting January 1, 2026. Based on these calculations, a market pay enhancement will be issued to certified teachers in counties where the average teacher salary is not competitive. The enhancements will be distributed annually, starting July 15, 2026, and will be subject to personal income tax. Additionally, the bill specifies that these enhancements are not subject to the state grievance process and are in addition to any existing salary schedules or county supplements. The State Board of Education is also required to report on these enhancements to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-4-2d