HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 110

(By Delegates J. Nelson, Pasdon, Moffatt, R. Phillips,

                          Butler, Ellington, Perry, Upson, Wagner, R. Smith and Duke)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study reducing the State Board of Education budget and redirecting those funds toward increasing teacher salaries.

            Whereas, A disproportionate share of funding for public education in the state is allocated to the West Virginia Board of Education budget, rather than to teacher compensation and classroom level expenses, where funding is needed most; and

            Whereas, In recent years, teachers are retiring at an increasing rate and the percentage of students at local colleges majoring in education has decreased; and

            Whereas, According to the West Virginia Education Association, teachers in 47 states receive higher salaries, on average, than teachers in West Virginia; and

            Whereas, Competitive salaries for teachers will attract and retain highly qualified individuals for teaching positions in West Virginia and could significantly improve the overall quality of public education in this state; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to study reducing the State Board of Education budget and redirecting those funds toward increasing teacher salaries; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance submit its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations, to the Legislature at the beginning of the 2016 Regular Legislative Session; and, be it

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