Editor’s note: Paine didn’t receive a 10% raise on his total salary — it was a 10% average over two years of all state salaries.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to give state School Superintendent Dr. Steve Paine a raise equal to what classroom teachers have received the last two years.
School Board President Dave Perry said the board wanted to give Paine more but he told them he shouldn’t get more than teachers and others have received.
“He recognizes the system moves forward on the backs of teachers and principals,” Perry said. “He requested his increase did not exceed the increase of statewide educators.”
Perry and board Vice President Miller Hall both said Paine really didn’t want the raise.
“Dr. Paine didn’t ask for this raise. After his evaluation it’s something that we decided to do,” Miller said. “We didn’t give him one last year.”
Paine was hired at an annual salary of $230,000 when he returned to the state superintendent’s job in March 2017. The raise will total $4,170.Perry said Paine’s recent evaluation was outstanding.
“He’s exceeded standards and expectations. Dr. Paine is uniquely suited in fulfilling the requirements of state superintendent,” Perry said.
After last month’s annual evaluation, board member Debra Sullivan said Paine leads with purpose, vision, conviction and determination.
“Dr. Paine is methodical, politically-astute and pragmatic while at the same time optimistic about the potential of our schools to change students’ lives and the trajectory of our state,” Sullivan said.
Paine’s first stint as state school superintendent was from 2005 to 2011.