Charlotte, North Carolina, July 30, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina General Assembly’s failure to finalize a budget for the upcoming fiscal year has left public school teachers uncertain about their pay. Disagreements between the House and Senate regarding tax cuts and salary increases have stalled progress. While the House proposes an 8.7% raise over two years, the Senate suggests a 2.3% increase this fiscal year. Teachers may begin the school year without anticipated raises, further complicating financial planning amidst repeated budget delays.
Charlotte, North Carolina – The North Carolina General Assembly’s failure to pass a new budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year has caused considerable uncertainty for public school teachers regarding their pay. The budget was initially expected to be approved by July 1, but ongoing disagreements between the House and Senate have resulted in a stalemate.
Both chambers of the state legislature have approved their respective versions of the budget, sparking disputes over proposed tax cuts and salary increases for state employees, including educators. As a result, many teachers are expressing frustration over the lack of clarity concerning any potential pay raises and when these changes might take effect.
The House version of the budget suggests an average pay increase of 8.7% for teachers over two years, with early career educators receiving even higher raises. Meanwhile, the Senate’s proposal indicates a more modest average raise of 2.3% for the current fiscal year and an additional 3.3% in the following two years, along with a one-time $3,000 bonus for some teachers. Governor Josh Stein has introduced the most ambitious plan, proposing an average raise of 10.6% and an increase in starting teacher pay to $51,200 by the year 2027.
In the absence of a new budget, educators will continue to receive their salaries based on last year’s schedule. Any raises approved in the eventual budget would apply retroactively to the beginning of the school year. As a temporary measure, the Republicans have introduced a mini budget, House Bill 125, which aims to fund essential government functions until a comprehensive budget is finalized. This mini budget has already passed the Senate and is anticipated to get approval from the House shortly.
It is crucial to note that the mini budget only addresses step-increases for teachers based on years of service, rather than providing actual salary raises. Presently, the base salary for beginning teachers stands at $41,000, which will remain unchanged until a full budget is approved. Furthermore, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) have projected an average 3% raise for its teachers based on an expectation of state funding but have acknowledged that this is not guaranteed.
With school in CMS set to commence on August 25, educators may begin the year without the anticipated 3% raise. Many teachers are struggling to plan for their financial futures amidst this ongoing uncertainty. This situation isn’t new; similar budget delays have occurred multiple times since 2019, leading to dissatisfaction and creating challenges in teacher retention and hiring.
To counter the effects of this uncertainty, county commissioners approved a 5% average pay increase for CMS educators in June. However, these measures do little to alleviate concerns about hiring difficulties that may arise due to the ambiguous salary landscape. Many educators note that continuous budget delays can exacerbate volatility in the profession, making it increasingly challenging for seasoned teachers to commit long-term.
The recently enacted mini budget focuses mainly on operational funding, rather than addressing the larger salary increases that have been a topic of debate earlier in the year. Legislative conversations are ongoing, centering on the contention over teacher pay increases, tax cuts, and funding for various projects, including a proposed initiative linked to the UNC and Duke University children’s hospital.
FAQ
What is causing the uncertainty around teacher pay in North Carolina?
The lack of a passed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year due to ongoing disputes between the House and Senate has led to uncertainty regarding pay increases for teachers.
What are the proposed pay increases for teachers?
The House version suggests an average increase of 8.7% over two years, while the Senate proposes a 2.3% raise this year and 3.3% over the next two years. Governor Stein’s plan includes a 10.6% raise.
What happens if the budget is not approved soon?
If the budget continues to be delayed, teachers will remain on last year’s salary schedule, and any future approved raises will be retroactively applied.
What is the current salary for beginning teachers?
The current base salary for beginning teachers in North Carolina is $41,000.
How does the mini budget affect teacher salaries?
The mini budget passed by Republicans funds only step-increases based on years of service, not actual salary raises.
Key Features Summary of Teacher Pay Situation
| Key Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Budget Status | Stalemate in North Carolina General Assembly; no new budget passed for 2025-26 fiscal year. |
| House Proposal | Average teacher pay increase of 8.7% over two years. |
| Senate Proposal | Average raise of 2.3% this fiscal year, 3.3% next two years, plus $3,000 bonus. |
| Governor’s Plan | 10.6% average raise, with starting pay rising to $51,200 by 2027. |
| Mini Budget Status | Funds essential government functions; provides step increases only for teachers. |
| Current Salary for New Teachers | $41,000, unchanged until a new budget is passed. |
| CMS Projected Salary Increase | 3% average raise dependent on state funding, currently not guaranteed. |
| School Start Date | CMS school year starts on August 25, potential uncertainty for teachers regarding pay. |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- ABC11
- Google Search: North Carolina teacher pay
- News Observer
- Google Scholar: N.C. budget disputes
- NC Newsline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public education in the United States
- Carolina Journal
- Google News: North Carolina education budget
- WCNC
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