WK8  2001 
Report to the People
By:
State Senator Ernie Harris
As we gear up for the 2002 session, there are several issues we will study during the remainder of this year. Among them are teacher compensation, the effect of the prevailing wage law on public construction projects, tax reform, workers' compensation, and proper disposal of solid waste. Over the coming months, I would like to report to you how these studies are progressing and what they mean as we prepare for the upcoming session.

The interim committee on Education is studying ways to improve the average salary for a Kentucky public school teacher. Kentucky made significant progress in the mid-90s, but has lost ground recently. With the passage of KERA, Kentucky moved into the top five of southern states in terms of teacher compensation. However, since 1995, we have actually slipped from 5th to 9th among southern states.

We need to look at the comparisons between Kentucky and other southern states to see where we can make progress, especially since almost all Kentucky schools are experiencing teacher shortages, particularly in the areas of special education, the sciences, and advanced placement courses. There has also been an increase in the amount of emergency certificates issued by the state. One reason for this may be the low salary we pay for starting teachers. The average salary for a starting teacher with a four-year degree in Kentucky is $19,910. Compared to other southern states, Kentucky is ranked second to last (only Louisiana has a lower starting salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree). 

Kentucky ranks slightly better when looking at the national average salary for teachers. The national average is $40,582, compared to Kentucky's average of $35,526; however, Kentucky is at a distinct disadvantage when compared to surrounding states. According to figures provided by the American Federation of Teachers, the average teacher salary in Illinois is $45,286, Indiana is $41,159, Ohio is $40,734, and Tennessee is $36,500.

Our state must make sure we are doing everything we can to attract and retain quality teachers. A part of that equation is to make sure our pay structure for the non-certified employees is adequate so we do not experience shortages in these crucial areas.

As always, I welcome your comments about this issue, as well as any issue that is impacting Kentucky. You can always call the toll-free legislative message line at 1-800-372-7181. Or you can call me at home; the number is 502-241-2821. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
 
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