CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A new bill introduced in the West Virginia Legislature would give school service personnel a significant pay increase.
House Bill 5043, sponsored by Delegate Toney, proposes a $900 monthly raise for school service employees across the state. The bill was introduced on February 2, 2026, and has been referred to the House Committee on Finance.
The legislation amends state code governing service personnel salaries and updates the state minimum pay scale for workers such as custodians, bus operators, cooks, aides, mechanics, secretaries, and other non-teaching school employees. If approved, the increase would apply beginning with the 2027–2028 school year and continue thereafter.
In addition to the base raise, the bill maintains and adjusts existing pay supplements for education levels, including additional monthly pay for high school diplomas, college credits, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates. Shift differentials, holiday pay, overtime provisions, and hazardous duty pay—such as asbestos removal—would remain in place under current law.
Supporters say the proposal is aimed at addressing staffing shortages, improving employee retention, and recognizing the essential role service personnel play in keeping schools operating safely and effectively. Critics are expected to question the long-term cost to the state budget and how the raises would be funded.
If passed, House Bill 5043 would mark one of the largest pay increases ever proposed for West Virginia school service personnel.
