CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A bill moving in the West Virginia State Senate aims to enhance teacher salaries by adjusting pay based on regional housing costs.
Senate Bill 506 proposes a “market pay enhancement” to address disparities in the cost of living across different regions.
This enhancement would adjust teacher salaries according to the median home prices in their employment county and neighboring counties, compared to the state’s overall median home price.
The West Virginia State Board of Education would be responsible for calculating these adjustments every five years, starting January 1, 2026, using data from the National Association of Realtors.
The goal is to offer competitive pay to attract and retain qualified teachers, ensuring a high-quality public education system.
The bill was advanced from second reading to third reading in the Senate on Thursday, where it faces a vote for passage on Friday.
If enacted, this legislation would adjust teacher salaries based on regional housing costs, aiming to make compensation more competitive with neighboring states.
Senators say this approach seeks to attract and retain qualified educators, thereby enhancing the quality of education in West Virginia.
