Senators HAYES, SETZLER, and MATTHEWS propose the following amendment (DAD 1A.56 STEP):
    Amend the bill, as and if amended, Part IB, Section 1A, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EIA, page 367, proviso 1A.56, lines 25 - 35 and page 368, lines 1-2, by striking the proviso in its entirety and inserting
/     1A.56.     (SDE-EIA: XII.C.2.-Teacher Salaries/SE Average) For Fiscal year 2012-13, a local school district board of trustees must increase the salary compensation for all certified teachers employed by the district by no less than one year of experience credit. Application of this provision must be applied uniformly for all teachers within the school district. For purposes of this provision teachers are defined by the Department of Education using the Professional Certified Staff (PCS) System. A local school district board of trustees shall continue to pay teachers for changes in their education level. Steps are limited to eligible certified teachers. If a school district believes it will be unable to provide one additional step on the teacher salary schedule without incurring a deficit, it may apply to the State Board of Education for a waiver from the requirements of this step increase. No waivers may be granted if the school district shows a deficit as a result of granting salary increases to anyone other than certified teachers. Upon approval of the waiver requirement by the state board, the district is exempt from providing this step increase for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. The state board shall report to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee by September 1, 2012, regarding those districts which requested a waiver and the waivers that were granted to particular districts. Application of this step provision must be applied uniformly for all eligible certified teachers within the school district.
    The projected Southeastern average teacher salary shall be the average of the average teachers salaries of the southeastern states as projected by the Division of Budget and Analyses. For the current school year the Southeastern average teacher salary is projected to be $49,319. The Department of Education is directed to increase by two percent the salaries of teachers as reflected on the 2008-2009 statewide minimum teacher salary schedule which shall continue to be used for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 as adjusted. The General Assembly remains desirous of raising the average teacher salary in South Carolina through incremental increases over the next few years so as to make such equivalent to the national average teacher salary. With the additional funds made available, in Fiscal Year 2012-13, including Teacher Salary Support - State Share, school districts shall give at least a two percent increase in instructional staff salaries regardless of years of experience. This requirement is additive to other legislative directives regarding increases in teacher salaries. Each school district shall receive funds under the Teacher Salary Support - State Share line item in the same manner as Teacher Salaries Supplement funds are distributed.
    Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1, XII.C.2. for Teacher Salaries must be used to increase salaries of those teachers eligible pursuant to Section 59-20-50 (b), to include classroom teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, occupational and physical therapists, school nurses, orientation/mobility instructors, and audiologists in the school districts of the state.
    Waivers may not be granted relative to the two percent salary adjustment provided herein. /
    Renumber sections to conform.
    Amend sections, totals and title to conform.