Union County Schools outlines $177M budget to enhance teacher pay and facilities

Union County Public Schools is poised for significant advancements following a recent joint meeting of the Board of Education and Board of Commissioners on April 10, 2025. The district, which ranks as the sixth largest in North Carolina with nearly 41,000 students, is focusing on enhancing its educational offerings and teacher compensation amid ongoing budgetary challenges.

A key highlight from the meeting was the district's impressive graduation rate of 93.3% for the 2023-2024 school year, the highest in the state. However, despite this success, Union County finds itself in Tier 3 of the state funding system, receiving the lowest per-pupil funding compared to other counties. This financial disparity has prompted the district to seek innovative solutions to improve teacher salaries and retain talent.

To address these challenges, the district has proposed a budget that includes a $2,000 increase in teacher supplements, which would elevate Union County's ranking from 37th to 10th in the state for teacher pay. This increase is part of a broader strategy to attract and retain skilled educators, particularly in critical areas such as special education and English as a second language.

The proposed budget also anticipates a total increase of over $27 million, bringing the overall request to approximately $177 million. This funding will support essential operational needs, including rising utility costs, insurance, and the anticipated growth in charter school enrollment. Additionally, the budget allocates resources for facility improvements, technology upgrades, and necessary replacements for aging school equipment.

The district is also exploring a paid internship program for psychologists to help address staffing shortages in critical support roles. This initiative aims to cultivate future talent within the district, ensuring that Union County can meet the diverse needs of its student population.

As the district navigates these financial complexities, the commitment to maintaining high educational standards remains clear. The proposed budget reflects a proactive approach to securing the resources necessary for continued success and improvement in Union County Public Schools. The community can expect further updates as the budget progresses through the approval process, with hopes that these investments will yield positive outcomes for students and educators alike.