This study provides a survey of local school board members in the Commonwealth of Virginia which investigates attitudes and perceptions of merit pay for teachers. In addition, criteria considered important components of a merit pay program for teachers in Virginia are identified. Case studies of selected school systems in Virginia provide a comparison of the criteria with the characteristics of merit pay programs which are now or have been operational at sometime since 1960 in school systems in Virginia.

Findings indicate that the variables of sex, educational level, occupational status, length of service on the school board, and the location of the school system served significantly effect school board member attitude and perceptions of merit pay for teachers. In addition, the case studies indicate a relationship between school board members' perceptions of merit pay and the actual operational characteristics of merit pay programs.