CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new bill under review in the West Virginia Senate could significantly change how teacher salaries are determined, basing pay increases on median home values within each county. The proposed legislation, introduced by Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, aims to attract and retain educators in areas with higher living costs.
If enacted, the bill could lead to dramatic salary increases in wealthier counties. In Jefferson County, for example, some teachers’ pay could more than double, surpassing $101,000 annually. However, only 25 counties in the state would qualify for the wage adjustments, leaving teachers in lower-income areas without additional compensation.
Mixed Reactions from Lawmakers
West Virginia ranks at the bottom nationwide in teacher pay, contributing to a shortage of certified educators. While some lawmakers view the bill as a necessary step to prevent teachers from leaving for better-paying opportunities in neighboring states, others are concerned about deepening pay disparities.
Sen. Craig Hart, R-Mingo, who is also a public school teacher, voiced his reservations. “I have mixed feelings about this,” Hart said during a Senate Education Committee meeting. “Counties like mine, where the average home costs just $64,000, would be left behind.”
He added, “I understand the need to keep teachers in wealthier counties, but they may already have the financial resources to address this issue.”
The measure, known as Senate Bill 506, calls for the state board of education to develop a formula that ties teacher salaries to local housing markets. Supporters argue that aligning pay with regional costs could help West Virginia compete with surrounding states in attracting educators.
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Financial Challenges and Legislative Hurdles
The estimated cost of implementing the raises in 2026 would be around $183 million. However, lawmakers are currently working to address a $400 million budget shortfall proposed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, which could complicate funding the initiative.
Over the past five years, state employees have received modest pay increases, but rising health insurance costs have offset these gains, leaving teacher salaries stagnant. Although Gov. Morrisey called for teacher raises in his State of the State address, he has not introduced legislation to support the effort.
Addressing Teacher Retention Issues
Educators in counties bordering other states—especially in the Eastern Panhandle—have struggled to compete with salaries offered in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
“The higher home prices in that region are definitely a factor,” said state schools Deputy Superintendent Sonya White.
Sen. Scott Fuller, R-Wayne, emphasized the importance of competitive wages to maintain the state’s teaching workforce. He pointed to Wayne and Cabell counties, where teachers frequently leave for positions in Kentucky and Ohio.
“This kind of pay increase is necessary,” Fuller said. “We have exceptional teachers, but we don’t have enough of them. And the ones we do have are often lured away by better salaries. I’m fully in support of this bill.”
Tarr acknowledged that some of the projected salaries under the new system may exceed what is typically expected for a teaching position, but he believes the market-based model is the best approach.
The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for further debate .