State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Martirano outlined the goals and needs for the Department of Education on Tuesday during the 2018 fiscal year to the Senate Education Committee.
Martirano said the Department of Education has made many fiscal sacrifices over the past five to six years, which appear to correlate with a drop in enrollment.
After eliminating 80 employees from the Department of Education since June 2011, the state has seen a decrease in enrollment of nearly 9,000 students.
Not only has enrollment been declining, but West Virginia’s teachers remain some of the worst-paid in the nation. According to a 2015-2016 rating by the National Education Association, West Virginia is 46th in the nation for teacher salaries.
Martirano said he is grateful for Governor Justice’s decision to try and raise teachers’ salaries this fiscal year.
Martirano also highlighted the fact that there are 718 professional educator positions that are now vacant. He cited a study that has shown how good teachers’ salaries can fill up these vacancies and make the education system more competitive with other states.
When asked about his opinion on cutting RESAs, Martirano said he cannot issue a public statement until the State Board of Education makes their recommendation.
However, he did advise the committee to review such measures “very artfully,” as many specific services previously conducted by RESAs would have to still be performed for the state to move forward.
In total, the Department of Education is asking for $2.4 billion for the 2018 fiscal year.
The committee will continue to review their request.
