Arizona could become the second state (after Iowa) to do away with its seniority-based pay scale for teachers and replace it with a system in which teachers are paid based on how effective they are. But daunting obstacles lie ahead. A task force of business and education leaders appointed by Governor Jane Hull is on the verge of recommending a performance-based pay plan that would dramatically hike starting salaries and reward teachers based on student progress, parent satisfaction and professional development, according to an article in The Arizona Republic. Although many Arizona lawmakers seem open to the proposal, it would bear a hefty price tag - probably too hefty for the state to bear given a $1.6 billion budget deficit (and considering that voters already raised sales taxes to lift teacher salaries to their current level). In addition to the usual union foes, the plan also faces opposition from the new state schools chief and from local board members who are complaining that the system would undermine their authority to formulate teacher performance plans. "Teacher salaries facing overhaul," Robbie Sherwood, The Arizona Republic, November 28, 2001.
