Ohio County Board of Education Hears Teachers’ Union Concerns
Insurance Costs, Pay, Staff Retention Top List
Joselyn King Trending
WHEELING -- Ohio County's new "Education West Virginia" teachers union wants to work with school district officials to discuss financial issues as Ohio County Schools faces a projected loss in revenue next year of $8.5 million.
At the end of March, the state's two teachers unions -- the West Virginia Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia -- voted to merge. Jenny Craig and Tim Triveri serve as co-presidents of the union in Ohio County.
Education West Virginia "really wants to establish a partnership between our union and the central office," Triveri said.
He appeared before the Ohio County Board at its most recent meeting to discuss the concerns teachers have about the rising cost of their Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) health insurance, getting no raises this year and teachers quitting their positions to take jobs elsewhere that provide supplemental pay.
"The 2024 school year has been especially challenging," Triveri told board members. "As a result, many (teachers) are contemplating leaving for more favorable conditions in neighboring counties and states.
"We respectfully ask to work together to review the budget for the 2025-2026 school year, to explore avenues to increase overall salaries, supplemental health insurance stipends and academic salaries. As you are aware, the legislature did not take action to address the budget shortfalls of PEIA, or to pass any legislation to provide salary increases for any school employees to help offset the rising cost of health care."
This fiscal year alone, PEIA members are facing an average premium increase of 14% starting this July -- along with significant increases in deductibles, out of pocket maximums and co-pays for various services, he reported. This includes emergency care, outpatient treatments and prescription drug costs.
Some prescription costs are expected to raise as much as 150%. The cost of adding a spouse has more than doubled from $150 a month to $350.
"As we strive to maintain the values of our educational system amid PEIA concerns, there are rising costs in the area and we would like to bring to your attention the need for a 5% salary increase for employees," he continued. "Many of our highly qualified staff are considering opportunities in neighboring counties such as Marshall and Wetzel, where compensation packages are more attractive -- particularly in terms of salary rate and benefits including health supplemental stipends."
To remain competitive, the union is also proposing an increase in the supplemental pay for academic coaches to $1,675. Currently the compensation in Ohio County is only 14.9% of what similar positions offer in neighboring districts, according to Triveri.
The financial effects of the Hope Scholarship also is likely to affect the school district's finances, according to Triveri.
In addition, it is also important Ohio County Schools prioritize retaining qualified staff so "we can uphold the tradition of offering exemplary education opportunities" to students.
"Our dedicated teachers and service personnel are passionate about their roles in Ohio County Schools, yet they are confronted with tough decisions regarding their futures as they seek opportunities elsewhere...," Triveri said.
Board President David Croft noted the current financial constraints on the school district make it "not easy for us."
"One of the things we have to consider is -- I'm a firm believer that you have to pay your people well to keep them," Croft said. "It's not just (about) recruitment. It's retention.
"I'm sure you have an idea, when you make this request, of knowing what it's going to cost and knowing that we're already down $8.5 million."
The question the board is going to have to consider is whether it wants to educate students with fewer teachers while paying them more.
Croft called for a work session to go over the budget and see how the school district "can do the most with the limited resources it has."
"I understand we are a very blessed county with the excess levy and the amount of money that contributes to our salaries," Croft continued. "I hope that when we have a special meeting to talk about the budget, you will participate.
"It's not going to be pleasant. Because when you have a limited amount, somebody is going to get something and somebody is not. "
Any changes in the budget needs to be done "collectively," he added.
"Let's just keep talking and collaborating on how we can deal with these challenges we all have," Croft said.
Both Croft and Triveri agreed the state needs to keep its promises to properly fund education and PEIA.
"The state needs to meet its obligation to us," Triveri said. "The impact board members and superintendents can have on legislators is enormous. If they feel the pressure from you guys, maybe they will move on having a special session and meet their obligations."