May 10, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 23 ... County Work Sessions Planned FROM PAGE 22 starting teacher salary in Maryland for the same period was $43,003. Supporters of the Board of Education’s proposed budget responded to the continued references to average starting and teacher salaries nationwide by asserting that Worcester does not want to be average and that means a fair pay scale to attract and retain the best teachers. “Now, I’ve heard a lot of discussion tonight about salary averages and the amount our teachers are paid, and I just wonder how many of those salary averages came from the school system that was number one in that state,” said resident Vicky Layman. Layman added that as a parent she wants the best possible education for her child. But more than just parents with school-age children should support increased education, she said, because it is an investment into the next generation. Worcester’s spot at the top of the state in terms of test scores, graduation rates and success needs to be protected, Layman told the commission. “I expect a lot. I know everyone else does. You don’t get to be number one with the average salary,” she said. “These people go above and beyond. They do all they can for the kids plus some.” Tax dollars invested into education do see a better-than-even return, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerry Wilson. “We believe the investment in education is a wise one, resulting in significant returns. In fact, a recent study by Salisbury University’s BEACON business school indicates that for every $1 spent on education in Worcester County, the county gets a return of $1.61,” he said. “This means that the tax dollars spent on education multiply at a rate higher than many other county expenditures. A highquality education benefits our students and our community.” The county has advertised a notice acknowledging that to keep pace with constant yield the property tax rate would have to increase from the current 77 cents per $100 of property value to 79.69 cents. Constant yield means that the county would adjust the tax rate up or down to stay even with falling or rising property values across Worcester. Staying at constant yield would not bring any additional tax revenue into the county over the prior year. Just because the constant yield rate has been advertised, the county is in no way obligated to actually increase property taxes. That choice, along with all other aspects of the budget, will be decided on June 4. There will be three budget work sessions leading up to the budget adoption: May 14, May 22 and May 28. All will take place at 9 a.m. at the Snow Hill Government Center. EVERY SUNDAY ORIOLES DAY GAME $10 ALL YOU CAN EAT OPEN DAILY 11 A.M. FULL MENU AND CARRY-OUT OPEN TIL 1 A.M. Located On The Corner Of 28th St. And Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2020 • www.pitandpub.com