The Nation - News from March 21, 1985

The last striking Mississippi teachers returned to their classrooms, ending nearly a month of wildcat walkouts, after they gained a partial victory in their fight for higher wages. In a pay package approved by the Legislature over the governor’s veto, teachers will get a total of $4,400 in raises over the next three years, with $1,000 in the third year tied to a yet-to-be developed merit pay plan. Salaries now average $15,971--lowest in the nation. The state has the lowest per capita income also.