CHCCS superintendent Tom Forcella said next year’s budget has one thing in mind — teacher salaries.

“This budget this year has a focus addressing the salary issue problem,” Forcella said. “And very little else in terms of dollars for this year are included in any kind of enhancement of any other kind of programs.”

Teacher salaries are decided by the state, but school systems can offer supplements to that income from their own budgets.

Last year Wake County Schools significantly increased their budget after receiving 15 million dollars for teacher salaries from their county commissioners.

Forcella estimated that Wake County Schools pays teachers an average of two to three thousand dollars more per year and recommended the board increase supplements in next year’s budget.

“I hear principals tell us they have a hard time retaining teachers with Wake County paying a significantly higher supplement than we do,” said board member Andrew Davidson. “So I think it’s absolutely imperative that we get behind this salary increase in every way that we can.”

Forcella recommended the board increase supplements for new teachers from 12 percent to 16 percent as a way to stay competitive in recruiting and retaining teachers.

This expense would add an additional $1.85 million to next year’s budget.

The move would come at some risk because the board is scheduled to ask the county for the necessary funds in April, but there is no guarantee the county will approve.

“We understand that we would be doing this at some risk of cuts,” said board member James Barrett.

The school system will soon begin trying to recruit new teachers and retain others. Because the board is moving forward with this proposal, they will be offering jobs at this increased supplement before receiving county approval for increased funding.

Should the county deny the board’s request; Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools will be responsible for cutting $1.85 million next year from its budget to finance the increase in teacher pay.

“It’s something that we have to do,” he said. “And the timing is absolutely critical because of the recruitment cycle and the retention cycle that we’re right in the middle of. It’s the right thing to do to focus on salary.”

The board will submit their proposal for next year’s budget to the county on April 13 and present their proposal April 26.

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