Compare Bills

Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Education - K-12, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-27

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill changes pay eligibility rules for school social workers in North Carolina. Currently, only school social workers with master's degrees (or higher) can receive education-based salary supplements. The bill removes the master's degree requirement, allowing all certified school social workers to qualify for these supplements. It allocates $500,000 in state funding to cover the cost beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that school social workers perform important roles supporting student mental health and wellbeing, comparable to other support staff like school nurses who already qualify for these supplements regardless of degree level.
• •They contend that salary supplements should recognize the work itself rather than specific degree requirements, helping attract and retain qualified social workers in North Carolina schools.
• •This could address staffing shortages and ensure more equitable pay treatment across similar school support positions.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that removing degree requirements could set a precedent for lowering qualifications across other education support roles or create inconsistency in how the state values advanced education.
• •Some may question whether the $500,000 allocation is the most effective use of education funding, or whether resources should prioritize other school needs.
• •Others might contend that master's degrees should remain connected to higher compensation as an incentive for professional development and credential attainment.