HB 1793 -- Minimum Teacher Salary

Sponsor:  Shields

This bill revises the minimum teacher's salary program, beginning
with the 2002-2003 school year.  The current minimum salaries of
$18,000 for a beginning teacher and $24,000 for a teacher with a
master's degree and 10 years of experience are left in place, and
a new voluntary program is created with five tiers:  (1)  $26,500
for those with less than five years of experience; (2)  $31,500
for those with at least five years of experience; (3)  $36,500
for those with at least 19 years of experience or a master's
degree and at least 10 years of experience; (4)  $41,500 for
those with a master's and at least 19 years of experience; and
(5)  $46,5000 for those with a master's and at least 29 years of
experience.

Districts electing to participate must meet certain
qualifications, among which are the following:  (1)  an operating
levy no less than the 2000-2001 operating levy after all
reductions and rollbacks (except for those required by the
constitution); (2)  no increase to any voluntary rollback; (3)
no fund transfers in excess of statutory limits; and (4) certain
restrictions on salary schedules and placement on salary
schedules.  The district may receive reduced minimum salary aid
under certain circumstances.  Expenditures relating to minimum
salaries must not be used to show compliance with any statute,
specifically including the certificated salary compliance
requirement.

The bill directs the General Assembly to make an annual
appropriation to the Excellence in Education Fund for paying
minimum salary supplements.  Future $1,000 increases in salary
levels are contingent upon a decrease in total state payments to
85% or less of the full-funding cost for the first school year of
full funding and will occur in the second fiscal year following
the decrease.  The salary supplements are to be funded from
transfers from gaming boat admissions fees.

The bill adds a history of the cost to the state for the minimum
salary program to the existing elements of the annual report of
the Commissioner of Education on teacher salaries.  The bill also
defines relevant terms and requires the State Board of Education
to promulgate rules necessary to implement the program.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:02 am