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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) State Sen. Cooper Garnos, who has experience as a teacher, says he might introduce a bill in the 2008 Legislature to set a minimum starting salary for South Dakota teachers.

Garnos, a Republican from Presho, says he hasn't picked a number yet but that it probably will be around $30,000. He says it would move South Dakota out of last place in the nation.

The School Administrators of South Dakota and the South Dakota education have figures showing that only five districts paid their new teachers $30,000 or more in 2006-2007.

According to Garnos, any such bill also would have to increase state aid to education to help districts meet the new requirement.

Information from: Tony Mangan/KCCR-AM (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-07-08 1134CST | save this article / add to your favorites list