Bill Could Increase Teacher’s Pay

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., — The state Department of Education is researching what it would cost to boost the starting salary for teachers, as well as provide raises to teachers toward the end of their careers. Currently, the state salary schedule provides for no step increases beyond 22 years in the classroom. Many districts pay for additional raises out of local property taxes. But advocates say teachers in less fortunate districts are seeing less in their paycheck this year than last. The chairman of the House panel writing the K-12 budget said he recognizes that’s not fair and asked the agency to evaluate the costs. (Source: Associated Press )