New salary schedules for teachers and other school employees in Wake County were approved in the absence of state increases due to the budget impasse.
The Wake County Board of Education approved the schedules, with the largest percentage increases going to non-certified workers, including bus drivers. These raises, including bonuses, are from funds raised locally and were approved by the board in early December.
A North Carolina state operating budget for 2019-2020 has yet to be approved, so the state is still spending based on the previous financial year.
According to the WRAL, bus drivers will see their minimum pay rise from $13.11 to $15 an hour, with further step increases of 27 cents beginning Jan. 2. The news outlet noted that increases for bus drivers were seen as a priority due to shortages.
Bus drivers and support staff also received a one-time $500 bonus in their December pay. Teachers will receive a 1-percent increase, proactive to July 2019. This will be added to their pay this month.
While overall charter school enrollment was lower than expected last year, the numbers attending those schools managed directly by the board increased by much more than was estimated.
It is estimated that the district enrolled 1,436 additional students for a total of 161,907, close to 900 more students than initially estimated. This compares an increase of just 42 the previous year.
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