RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Virginia educators are calling in state leaders to use the upcoming special session to address funding for public schools.
Virginia Education Association President Meg Gruber appealed to Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the General Assembly on Thursday.
Gruber says Virginia is in danger of being unable to find qualified teachers because of low pay and reduced retirement benefits.
Her association says a report compiled by the National Education Association shows Virginia teachers earn about $7,500 less than the national average.
Gruber says that despite the significant gap, none of the budget proposals considered by lawmakers this session included the state share of a salary increase for teachers.
