The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ Board of Education is committing to raising teacher pay in the district, but is doing so at their own risk.

The Board of Education has now officially locked themselves into raising the teacher supplement provided by the school system from 12 percent to 16 percent starting in August.

Teachers in North Carolina are given a base salary determined by the state, but individual school systems provide supplements .

“We are committing to that match increase without knowing what the outcome will be from the county commissioners,” board member Andrew Davidson said. “We are willing to accept the budgetary consequences of making that choice.”

The board is preparing to ask the Orange County Board of Commissioners for nearly $4.5 million dollars to increase their budget, $1.8 million going towards the raise in supplements.

Because the Board of Education approved the raise in their meeting Thursday, should the commissioners decide to reject the increase, the school system would still be responsible for paying the new salaries.

“It’s not something we take lightly,” board chairman James Barrett said. “But it’s also critically important for the recruitment period and just the time of the year we’re in given the budget cycle works, but we need teachers in August.”

The move comes after Wake County Schools raised its supplement to 16 percent last year.

Members of the board felt the school system would have problems competing for talent or retaining their teachers if they offered lower pay than Wake County.

“This is also the season where teachers who have been here with us for a couple of years will now have reassurance that their salary come August here will be at 16 percent supplement,” Barrett said.

The district will present its proposed budget to the commissioners April 26.

Related Stories
‹
The Morning News: Rani Dasi to County Commissioner, Mandarin Dual Language at CHCCS
In today's news: CHCCS board member Rani Dasi is nominated for an open seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
Glenwood Elementary Parents Urge School Board to Keep Programs Together as Relocation Conversations Begin
The CHCCS school board gathered to hear options for rehousing the acclaimed Mandarin program as Glenwood Elementary School prepares to close.
The Morning News: Moving CHCCS Students, Previewing UNC Football, and Saving Mr. Pickles
In today's news: six-year-old cocker spaniel Mr. Pickles is reunited with some of the officers and vets who saved his life earlier this year.
Patrick Greene Named as Next Principal of Chapel Hill High School
The CHCCS Board of Education has confirmed the appointment of Patrick Greene as the next principal of Chapel Hill High School.
Rani Dasi Seeks Seat of Late Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford
Rani Dasi, a current member of the CHCCS board, announced her intention to fill the vacant seat left by the late Jamezetta Bedford.
Local Officials React To Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford's Death
Jamezetta Bedford — a longtime elected official in Orange County — died on Sunday. Here's what local officials had to say following the news.
On Air Today: High School Poet Milagros Secena, Heading to ACT-SO Nationals
Aaron welcomes Carrboro High School student Milagros Secena, who's heading to a national poetry competition hosted by the NAACP.
'We're in Crisis': CHCCS Board of Education Approves Plan to Limit Classroom Screen Time
When it comes to screen time, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is trying to have better guardrails in the classroom.
The Morning News: Digital Learning at CHCCS, New Chatham Commissioner, College World Series
In today's news: CHCCS approves a new digital learning plan, and Chatham Commissioners appoint Sheriff Mike Roberson to their board.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before CHCCS, Orange County High Schools’ 2026 Graduations
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools will celebrate its high school graduates across three days this weekend. 
›