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Maine 43rd in the nation in teacher salaries
February 12, 2009
AUGUSTA – A bill submitted by State Rep. Patricia Sutherland, D-Chapman, to study teacher salaries was referred Thursday to the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
LD 522, “To Establish the Study Commission Regarding Teachers’ Salaries” would create a commission comprised of seven legislators, one superintendent of a regional school unit, and the commissioners of Education and Labor. The commissioner would examine the minimum teachers’ salary law and existing system of state subsidies, the relationship between teachers’ salaries in Maine and salaries in other states, the impact of inflation, recruitment and retention, and other matters regarding teachers’ salaries.
“We are still falling behind in terms of teachers’ salaries despite a minimum teachers’ salary law and subsidies for local schools,” said Sutherland. “We need to determine the best course of action that will allow us to make effective and substantial changes.”
In the past five years, Maine has slipped from 35th in the nation to 43rd in average teacher salaries.
A report including findings and recommendations for legislation and policy changes would be submitted by the commission no later than Dec. 1, 2009.
As an emergency measure, the legislation would go into effect immediately is signed by the governor.
Contact:
Rep. Patricia Sutherland, 764-1490
Katie Dzurec, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1430