More Money for Private School Pay Raises and Vouchers in NC House Budget Proposal By NC Newsline The North Carolina House of Representatives has unveiled its proposed state budget for the next fiscal year, which includes significant increases in funding for private schools. The proposed budget allocates an additional $44 million for pay raises for private school teachers and staff, bringing their salaries closer to those of their public school counterparts. Additionally, the budget includes $100 million for a new voucher program that would provide scholarships for students to attend private schools. Supporters of the proposal argue that it would improve educational options for families and provide more competitive compensation for private school teachers. However, critics contend that it would divert funding away from public schools and create an unfair advantage for wealthy families who can afford to send their children to private schools. The budget proposal has sparked a debate in the state legislature, with Democrats largely opposed and Republicans generally supportive. The debate is expected to continue as the budget makes its way through the legislative process. Key Points: * The House budget proposal includes $44 million for private school teacher pay raises and $100 million for a voucher program. * Supporters argue that the funding would improve educational options and compensate private school teachers fairly. * Critics say that the proposal would harm public schools and unfairly benefit wealthy families. * The budget proposal faces opposition from Democrats and support from Republicans. Additional Information: * The voucher program would be available to students from low- and middle-income families. * The budget also includes funding increases for early childhood education, teacher assistants, and other public school programs. * The budget is subject to approval by both the House and Senate before becoming law.Starting Teacher Pay Increase
Starting Teacher Pay Increase The House Republican budget includes a significant increase in starting teacher pay to $4,400 per month. This aims to enhance the state’s competitiveness in teacher recruitment, as North Carolina currently ranks 42nd nationally in starting teacher salaries. Expansion of Private School Vouchers The budget proposes an additional $248 million for private school vouchers, broadening the program’s reach. Despite criticism from public school advocates, Republicans maintain that this expansion is necessary to fulfill obligations to families who participate in the program. Child Care Funding The budget provides $135 million in stabilization grants to help close a gap in child care funding. This funding is intended to prevent child care center closures and ensure affordable child care options for families. Teacher and Employee Pay Raises In addition to the starting teacher pay increase, the budget includes a 4.4% pay increase for all teachers and a 1% salary increase for state employees, on top of a 3% raise already included. Teachers with master’s degrees in the subjects they teach are eligible for additional compensation. Correctional Officer Pay Correctional officers will receive an additional 9% pay increase, funded by eliminating 1,400 vacant positions. This move is intended to address the shortage of correctional officers. Negotiations with the Senate The budget is an opening bid and will need Senate approval. Negotiations between House and Senate Republicans are ongoing, with potential disagreements on government retiree bonuses, teacher salaries, and Medicaid provider rates serving as stumbling blocks. Special Provisions The budget also includes special provisions unrelated to funding, such as: * Requiring prosecutors to explain in writing and open court any decisions to reduce or dismiss charges in civil disorder cases. * Transferring the appointment of the DMV commissioner from the Secretary of Transportation to the governor. * Establishing community media advisory committees in local school districts to review supplemental and instructional materials.
More money for private school pay raises and vouchers in NC House budget proposal The North Carolina House of Representatives has released its proposed budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which includes increased funding for private schools. The budget proposal includes a 5% pay raise for private school teachers and staff, as well as an increase in the amount of money available for private school vouchers. The budget proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Some education advocates have praised the increased funding for private schools, arguing that it will help to improve the quality of education for all students. Others have criticized the proposal, arguing that it will divert money away from public schools. The proposed budget is still under consideration by the North Carolina General Assembly. It is unclear whether the final budget will include the increased funding for private schools.
