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rounding counties ($13,498). Assuming those counties receive an eight to 10 percent increase to base this year and next, it would put the average at 24 to 28 percent above our current base.
With the increased per pupil state aid for next year, and without the major allocation for roof repair of this year, it is entirely feasible and proper to make up half of the higher figure in the budget under discussion. Hence, my recommendation for a 14 percent increase to teacher base salary.
In closing, let ir.t- refer to a very good question asked at the School Board meeting by Guy Foster last week, but left somewhat hangingwhat have the teachers indicated they are willing to do in return for the increase they proposed?
They are willing to stay and teach, probably with greatly improved morale. To quote the last sentence of their written presentation: “The only way to attract quality teachers to Rappahannock County and to keep the career o..:s here is to help them achieve a respectable standard of living, a condition which cannot exist should current standards prevail.”
It is easy to understand why Rappahannock has a hard time competing for good teachers when our pay scale places us in the bottom eight percent of all Virginia counties (125th out of 135), and lower than the average for Mississippi, ranked lowest in the entire U.S.
Please understand how critical his issue is for our children’s education. Please state your intention to bring our teachers’ salaries in line with surrounding counties on a two year plan, and take the first step in this direction this year by proposing a 14 percent increase to base in the budget you send the Supervisors.
BARNEY O’MEARA
Sperryville, Va.
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