Lawmakers endorse plan to kill National Board pay raises for new teachers

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South Carolina’s National Board Certified public school teachers would no longer get raises from the state, according to a plan approved by a House committee Tuesday.

The plan would close the program for new applicants beginning July 1. The plan would not end the salary supplements for current National Board certified teachers; it would just close the program for anyone wishing to apply for it.

It also does not prevent local school districts from paying its National Board certified teachers more money.

South Carolina pays about $68 million a year to teachers with National Board Certification, according to Jay Ragley, spokesman for the South Carolina Department of Education.

“Some feel like this is just an unfair measure. It rewards some teachers while many other teachers who perform very well are being hindered by it,” Rep. Kenny Bingham, R-Lexington, said.

The plan would suspend the program for one year.

The House Ways and Means Committee approved the plan Tuesday. Rep. Harry Ott, D-Calhoun, was the lone “no” vote. It still must be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate.

-- Adam Beam

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Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012

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Lawmakers endorse plan to kill National Board pay raises for new teachers

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