Predictability, uniformity, transparency — those are just some of the reasons a state task force is looking at if Oregon should have a statewide salary schedule for educators. And by educators, the state is looking at teachers and other school staff.

A statewide system might make it easier to provide incentives for hard to fill positions, such as special education teachers. It might make it easier to ensure Oregon jobs are competitive with other states.

But there are also challenges. The state has different costs of living. Regional pay disparities may only be reinforced. What would it mean for local option levies? How much local control would a school district retain? Would it control health care and number of school days? Those are important considerations for educators, as well. In fact, the Oregon School Employees Association, which represents some 22,000 education employees across the state, submitted testimony at the end of January saying it opposes shifting to a statewide system.

The goal is to have a final set of recommendations that may lead to a statewide change by September. This week the task force is scheduled to hear from other unions and look at research into teachers leaving the profession.

Whatever the task force comes up with, it won’t be a reasonable option unless there is also a plan to pay for it.