Atlanta Daily World

Propose Raise For Teachers In The State

A $32 million increase in education funds to finance a $1,000 annual pay raise for teachers was proposed Friday by State School Superintendent Claude Purcell.

The recommendation was in line with proposals made earlier by a minority faction within the Georgia Education Association. Such an increase would likely involve new taxes.

Purcell came out for the big pay hike in an address to a regional meeting of the GEA.

He said present starting salaries of $3,100 are not sufficient to attract teachers or to encourage students to enter the teaching profession.

"It is our job to create a climate throughout Georgia that will support and sustain a first class educational program," Purcell said.

"It is our duty to both the children and the legislature to see that the school needs are clearly and vigorously presented."

Gov. Ernest Vandiver acknowledged in recent public statements that a tax hike for schools and other purposes may be in the offing. He said more services cannot be handed out without more revenue.

Purcell suggested that funds from his proposal come from a $22.5 million hike in state appropriations for schools and $9.5 million from local school systems.

Purcell predicted an amendment will be adopted to the state Constitution in November that will earmark motor fuel taxes for highway purposes.

Approval of the measure would clear the way for the 1961 legislature to adopt its first appropriations act in several years, thereby putting such agencies as the education department in direct negotiations with the legislature for funds. The governor and the budget bureau now handles their financing.

Georgia school teachers were given a $200 per year raise this year.