Commissioners discuss salary increase for NC Pre-K teachers to retain staff

In a recent Wake County government meeting, officials discussed the pressing need to increase reimbursement rates for North Carolina Pre-K teachers to ensure competitive salaries and retain qualified staff. The conversation highlighted the ongoing challenges in recruiting and maintaining educators in the face of rising competition from Wake County Public Schools.

The primary request for fiscal year 2026 centers on aligning the pay scale for NC Pre-K teachers with that of their counterparts in public schools. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining pay equity across different educational settings, whether in private or public institutions. The current salary for a fully licensed NC Pre-K teacher starts at approximately $43,000 and can reach up to $60,912 with 15 years of experience. The proposed increase of about 3% would translate to an additional $2,000 annually for the average teacher, who typically has around six years of experience.

Commissioner Evans noted that previous adjustments had helped retain providers, reversing a trend of losing educators. However, the recent raises in the public school system have created disparities that need to be addressed. The meeting underscored the importance of these salary adjustments not only for retention but also for attracting new talent to the field.

Additionally, the discussion touched on the impact of the loss of federal subsidies for child care and early childhood education, which had previously provided financial support to educators. While some funding was allocated during the North Carolina legislative short session, it was deemed insufficient to meet the needs of the pre-K sector.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of addressing these financial challenges to ensure the continued success of early childhood education in Wake County. As the county moves forward, the focus will remain on securing adequate funding to support both current staffing levels and the overall quality of early childhood education programs.