A long-awaited bill aimed at boosting teacher pay in the state has cleared a major hurdle in the Senate, with lawmakers approving a revised version that includes softer penalties for rural districts. The measure, which has been a top priority for education advocates, would require schools to increase teacher salaries by a certain percentage each year, but rural districts would be given more flexibility to meet the requirements. The changes were made in an effort to address concerns from rural lawmakers who feared the original bill would place an undue burden on already-strapped school budgets. The bill now heads to the House, where it is expected to face further debate and potential amendments.
Senate advances teacher-pay mandate with softer penalties for rural districts State Affairs