Be sure to read the opinion piece that was in the paper on Sunday. It contains an argument to increase School Board Members' financial compensation. They are hoping to introduce a bill to the Legislature to increase payment to close to $18,000 for 50 meetings a year. On the topic of school boards not being paid adequately Snuffer, a Raleigh County Board Member, was quoted as saying, "It becomes a very thankless job. It's hard to keep attracting professional people. It just gets harder."
I have strong beliefs on the pitiful pay that educators in the state of West Virginia receive. I know how hard they work because I am one of the thousands of under paid, under appreciated teachers in the state. It's easy for people to BITCH about teachers pay when they have never stepped foot in a classroom since their own days of schooling. I've heard all of the arguments. I dispute them all. Nonetheless, teacher salaries aren't the ones being examined at the moment. We are currently looking at the argument to increase a board member's compensation. Keeping in mind that most board members in the business world are voluntary positions to begin with. They are asking for a raise that is more than what they are currently being reimbursed?! $8,000-$18,5000.
The annual pay that they are asking to be given for 50 meetings a year is more than half of the starting salary of a university or college educated beginning teacher with a Master's degree. My thoughts to those of you who are are feeling under appreciated in your elected positions: Welcome to the world of teachers in the educational field. Seriously?! Join the ranks with the group of professionals who have been underpaid and under appreciated for decades?! Welcome.
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