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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget2026-04-29

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill increases teacher salaries across North Carolina using a new monthly salary schedule for the 2026-2027 school year, reinstates education-based salary supplements for teachers with advanced degrees, establishes a $5,000 student teaching grant program to help future teachers during their training, and requires a study on long-term educator compensation strategies. The bill appropriates $1.693 billion in state funding for these initiatives.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses North Carolina's teacher shortage by making educator salaries more competitive with other states and regions, which helps recruit and retain qualified teachers.
• •They contend that supporting student teachers financially removes barriers to entering the profession and strengthens the pipeline of future educators.
• •Additionally, reinstating education-based supplements rewards teachers who pursue advanced degrees, encouraging professional development and improving classroom instruction.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that the $1.693 billion annual cost represents a significant state budget commitment that could limit funding for other priorities or require tax increases.
• •Some may question whether salary increases alone will solve teacher shortages without addressing other workplace concerns like classroom conditions or administrative burdens.
• •Others might express concern about the sustainability of recurring appropriations and whether the state can maintain this funding level long-term.