On Monday Gov. Josh Stein called on the North Carolina General Assembly to approve a $1.4 billion ‘critical needs’ budget to address urgent needs while lawmakers continue work on a comprehensive budget. The biggest portion of the Governor’s request was $397 million toward teacher and instructional support raises – 13% for beginning teachers and 5.8% average raises for other educators. Principals would receive the same 2.5% raise as other state employees. There are also funds to “restore master’s pay for over 1,000 teachers whose advanced degrees are in subjects they teach.”

President of the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals’ Association (NCPAPA) and principal of Hertford Grammar School in Perquimans County Dr. John Lassiter joined Gov. Stein to ask lawmakers to invest in public schools.

“If we truly want a highly qualified teacher in every classroom, then our students have to see teaching as a career worth pursuing—one with dignity, stability, and a respectable salary,” said Dr. Lassiter. “We need a raise that reflects the dignity and prestige this profession was once known for. And we need to compete for great teachers across state lines so North Carolina classrooms don't become training grounds for other states' workforces."

The governor’s office said an updated state revenue forecast is expected to be released later this month, ahead of the short session, which begins on April 21. NCASA continues to advocate for a comprehensive budget along with our key policy priorities for the upcoming short session.