CMS teachers, principals and staff to get pay raises

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ teachers, principals and staff members will receive pay raises just before the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

On Tuesday, Board members unanimously approved the $1.8 billion operating budget that will see the average CMS teacher get a 4.2% pay raise. Principals and assistant principals will see a 4% pay raise, retroactive to July 1. 

The budget also includes a 5% additional local county supplement increase for all teachers.

“This goes a long way in paying teachers and staff what they are worth and what they deserve, but it’s not all the way,” board member Rhonda Cheek said. “This does not end our advocacy to make sure that our staff is paid what they need to be paid.”

Why it matters: More than 2,100 teachers left the district since the start of the 2021-2022 school year. The teacher shortage is a national problem driven by burnout, low pay and increased demands.

In April, the board submitted its 2022-23 budget to be reviewed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. 

That budget requested $32.3 million to provide a 2.7% average increase for teachers, instructional support staff and assistant principals as well as a 2.5% increase for principals and non-certified staff.

In July, the North Carolina General Assembly approved the state budget and set raises for certified staff at 4.2%, and raises for principals, assistant principals and non-certified staff at 4%.

“I was really worried when the county funding didn’t come through for that,” Jennifer De La Jara, an at-large board member, said of the pay increase.” I am so thrilled that, with the state funding, we are able to make that happen.”

Teacher assistants also will receive a raise, going from $15 an hour to $16.50 an hour. Board members will receive a 4% increase.

Staff members including secretaries, campus security officers, delivery drivers and transportation technicians will receive a pay increase in part of market-driven adjustments, district officials said.

The budget, which excludes federal COVID funding, will include deferred or reduced spending to pay for salary increases and the opening of two new schools — Palisades High School and Mint Hill Elementary School).

The board said reduced spending also affects hiring additional support staff for student wellness and provides a slight increase for English Learner support.