Cape Girardeau teachers unanimously endorsed a salary proposal that is headed to the Cape Girardeau Board of Education for its approval.

No percent of increase has yet been calculated, but each teacher will receive an increase of at least $750, if the board concurs.

Teachers may have hoped for more, but considering the fact that the district won't be getting any increase in state funding this year, it seems a fair compromise. The teacher salary package will cost the district an additional $481,457.

Jackson teachers received a 6 percent pay raise for the coming year.

Teacher salaries have come a long way in the last 15 years. Starting pay this fall in the Cape Girardeau public schools will be $20,750. Jackson's starting salary will be $20,300.

In 1980, following a 12.7 percent pay increase, the starting salary in the Cape Girardeau schools was $10,900. The top of the pay schedule was a $19,350 salary -- less than a starting teacher's salary this fall.

Clearly, salary increases were due. By 1985, the starting salary in the Cape Girardeau schools was $15,000. It had risen to $19,400 in 1990.

Cape Girardeau teachers have weathered a tough year with controversy surrounding the superintendent and school board. Their efforts to keep classes and students on track despite the turmoil is appreciated.

The public realizes the importance of teachers and the job they do. A pay raise will help the school district attract good teachers and keep them in the classrooms. But teachers must also realize that educational pay has come a long way in the last 15 years.