SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 85

(By Senators Beach, Plymale, Wells, Browning, Edgell, Foster, Laird, Stollings, Tucker, Unger, and Boley)

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance conduct a study of multiple topics all related to teacher salaries; including salary linking, formulas and caps, and analyzing the language limitations of school levies.

    Whereas, the Legislature recognizes the need provide adequate and fair salaries for delivery of public education; and

    Whereas, the disparity between teacher salaries and the salaries of the State Superintendent, county superintendents, and central office employees has not been analyzed in the past; and

    Whereas, it is found that, currently, levy monies may be used to pay employees outside of a levy’s original intention; and

    Whereas, the misdirection of funds can be prevented with appropriate legislation; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to conduct a study of multiple topics all related to teacher salaries, including salary linking, formulas and caps, and analyzing the language limitations of school levies; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the following:

    (1)The possible need of establishing a formula or ratio that ties classroom teachers’ salaries to that of central office employees;

    (2) The disparity between teacher salaries and the salaries of the State Superintendent and school board superintendents in the State of West Virginia. The study should consider the potential of salary caps, salary formulas and linking further salary increases for superintendents to teacher salaries; and

    (3)The language limitations of school levies; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.