CMS approves $2.1 billion plan to ‘invest in its people.’ Now, they need county’s help
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education approved a $2.1 billion plan Tuesday to “invest in its people” as teacher turnover rates continue to increase.
The $2.1 billion 2023-24 operating budget includes $227.4 million in one-time COVID-19 relief. It seeks $596.9 million from Mecklenburg County, an increase of $39 million, or 7%, over last year’s allocation.
Of the additional county money, $29 million would be used for anticipated state raises for teachers, principals and and non-certified staff. The state budget now making its way through the General Assembly calls for raises averaging 5.5% for teachers and other certified staff.
“The proposed salary increases for district employees are long overdue, particularly those for teachers,” CMS board chair Elyse Dashew said. “More increases are needed, particularly for starting teachers who don’t earn enough to live in Charlotte without spouses or roommates. This is a substantial first step.”
In CMS, there are 242 teacher vacancies, and more than 20% turnover in sixth-grade through 12th-grade English Language Arts classrooms, as well as math and science in the same grades. Math teacher turnover in CMS has increased since the 2021-22 school year but decreased in science.
Teacher attrition in CMS increased from 9.31% in 2020-21 to 11.01% in 2021-22. Out of 9,176 teachers employed during the 2020-21 school year, 854 left. That’s compared to 9,371 teachers employed in the district in the 2021-22 school year with 1,486 leaving. Statistics for this school year won’t be available until the fall, CMS officials said.
“Our proposed budget is focused on building district capacity, which will benefit all of our students,” Interim Superintendent Crystal Hill said. “Increased money for our employees, especially for teachers, will help us fill teacher vacancies and hard-to-staff positions – which will directly benefit our students.”
By the numbers
District officials say salaries must be increased because teachers earn about 2% less than other professions that also require a bachelor’s degree. CMS offered the following data to back up its argument:
▪ $58,658: Average teacher pay in North Carolina, which ranks seventh among 10 states in the Southeast.
▪ $66,506: Average teacher pay in Alabama, which ranks No. 1 among 10 states in the Southeast.
▪ $39,695: Average beginning teacher pay in North Carolina, which ranks last among the 10 states in the Southeast.
▪ $46,821: Average beginning teacher pay in Texas, which ranks No. 1 among 10 states in the Southeast.
▪ $522,000: Average listing price of a home in Charlotte.
▪ $1,435: Average monthly cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte.
▪ $61,479: Annual income needed to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte.
What else is in the county increase?
While the spending plan calls for county funds to go to salary increases, it also includes $8.4 million for charter enrollment growth ($6.8 million) and opening two new elementary schools ($1.6 million). One school, located at 7515 The Plaza, will provide relief for Hidden Valley, Joseph W. Grier, Newell and Reedy Creek elementary schools.
The second elementary school at 5932 Farm Pond Lane will provide relief for Windsor Park, Winterfield, Idlewild, Albemarle Road and Charlotte East Language Academy schools.
Other parts of the county allocation would pay for school resource officer contract rate increases and fuel increases for officer vehicles.
What’s next
The school board will present the budget to the Board of County Commissioners on May 11. Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio is expected to make her recommendations to the board on May 18.
A public hearing on the Mecklenburg County budget is scheduled for May 24, with a commissioners’ vote scheduled June 6.
CMS is also waiting to see whether the county will consider asking voters to approve nearly $3 billion in borrowing to build new facilities. If approved, it would be the largest such request in North Carolina history. The BOCC could place a bond referendum on the November ballot, when it would appear alongside Charlotte City Council and town board elections.
“We are hopeful the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners will approve our budget request,” Dashew said.
