If you can go back in your memory to your days in chemistry class, you will understand that a 2% solution of any liquid is not a very strong solution. It is in fact, rather weak. Governor McDonnell is not dabbling in chemical solutions, but rather in a financial one and this solution is rather weak also.
On December 12th, Governor McDonald, standing amidst students, politicians and professional education members, including VASSP, unveiled on television news his 2% salary proposal for teachers, aides, administrators, and guidance counselors. This salary boost, the first one for educators since 2007, will become a reality if the legislature in 2013 acts to make contract changes. This change, which is part of the Education Fairness Act, would extend the probationary period for teachers from 3 to 5 years. In addition, there would be a definition of incompetence related to unsatisfactory performance included and the policy will define the relationship between the evaluation and contract.
Sounds good? Now comes the sticky part of this 2% solution. The first hurdle in the way for this financial arrangement is approval by the General Assembly. Politics being what it is, fickle and unpredictable, the GA must agree to contract changes to start the process. The next hurdle is the need for localities to match funding. Counties and cities may find it difficult to produce the match for this boost to educator’s salaries.
In chemical labs, solutions can sit in bottles on shelves for months and not be used. Let’s hope that this governor’s solution is accepted and moved on to the deserving educators in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is a small one, but better than no solution at all.
