CHARLESTON -- The demands of West Virginia's teachers were made clear Monday morning, as chants of "It's not enough" echoed through the Capitol Rotunda.

The rally, by members of the West Virginia Education Association, was meant to pressure lawmakers into giving teachers higher salaries. Gov. Joe Manchin's proposal of 3 percent, WVEA President Charlie Delauder said, isn't enough.

"Just a year ago, we met here to talk about teachers' salary," Delauder said to a crowd of about 300. "It's deja vu all over again."

Within an hour of the rally's conclusion, Manchin's office released a statement indicating most of the state's teachers would see a salary increase of 5.5 percent next year. That, the release said, was a combination of Manchin's original 3 percent proposal, a $400 supplement to all classroom teachers (equal to about 1 percent), and the use of local funds distributed to each county.

"Put together, our proposed pay package increase is a significant average of 5 1/2 percent," Manchin stated in a press release. "So our classroom teachers would see a fair and substantial increase in their base pay."

Some teachers disputed Manchin's statement, arguing that each county receives a different amount of local funds, meaning some teachers could see more or less than Manchin's projected figure.

The decision, though, lies with members of the House and Senate. And Delauder urged teachers to schedule appointments, make phone calls and let their voices be heard.

The WVEA and the state organization of the American Federation of Teachers are asking that salaries be increased by $10,000 over the next three years. That would raise the starting pay for teachers in the state by about a third on average.

"We should not have to appear before legislators every year asking for raises," Delauder said. "Three percent plus $400 would be about $1,600 (per teacher). If we're lucky, maybe we can be 48th next year."

He was referring to a National Education Association report that ranks West Virginia 49th in average teacher salaries for 2005-'06.

He also said the elected leaders must not respect educators because they have allowed the average salary to drop so low so fast. Delauder said that 14 years ago, West Virginia's average salary was 30th in the nation, and at the time, education made up 57 percent of the state's budget.

"Education is the number one priority in the state," Delauder said, pointing out a reference in the state constitution. "If they choose not to follow that, they don't believe in the state constitution they've sworn to uphold."

Manchin's budget proposal dedicates about 45 percent to public education, a figure more than double any other category, including higher education (about 11 percent).

Cabell Midland art teacher Lee Selbe said he'd like to see the state invest more in education by improving teachers' salaries. And, he'd like lawmakers to remember that most teachers get into the profession because they love children. Some may have to give up that love or move away from West Virginia if legislators don't make changes.

"Leaving certainly has to be a thought (for teachers)," Selbe said. "A few years ago, they were paying $10,000 just for you step off the plane in Las Vegas.

"West Virginia is a wonderful place to be," Selbe added. "But when you're 48th in the nation, you've got to think about paying bills and taking care of family."

Selbe's daughter, Myriaha, a Cabell Midland science teacher, said low salaries are affecting her department, where two teachers aren't certified in science. The Marshall University graduate also said if it wasn't for her husband's good job and healthy income, she'd be teaching in another state.

Teachers at the rally held up signs expressing their distaste with Manchin's proposal. A few signs even indicated a willingness to strike if they weren't taken care of.

Many teachers sat in on the House of Delegate's 11 a.m. session and were welcomed by their respective county's delegate. After the session, those same teachers sought out their representatives and asked them to consider going above and beyond Manchin's proposal.

Delegate Brady Paxton, D-Putnam and vice chairman of the House Education Committee, watched the rally and talked to some teachers after the morning session. He said concerns ranged from salaries to retirement to substitutes.

"Everyone has a sad story, and they're all true because of the low salary and retirement," Paxton said.

National Video

The Associated Press

Meadow Bridge High School principal Al Martine joins in the West Virginia Education Association protest for higher wages at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston on Monday.