The Columbia School Board met earlier Tuesday to present the 2007-2008 budget.

It includes a $1,000 raise for each teacher, which is roughly a five percent increase.

School board members say consistent salary raises are crucial to fair pay.

"It certainly has to do with the board of education's commitment for fair renumeration for teachers and they've always had that commitment," Superintendent Phyllis Chase said. "And as such we've seen significant increases over the years in teacher salaries."

If the budget passes, the new salary increase will take effect July first.