Former Principal urges Cabarrus County School Board to address salary disparities

The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on April 22, 2025, addressing significant issues including salary disparities within the Cabarrus County Schools and budget requests from Rowan Cabarrus Community College.

During the public comment segment, a former principal of Cabarrus County Schools raised concerns about salary inequities experienced during their tenure. The speaker highlighted that despite a $2.6 million salary study and funding allocated to the school district, they received no financial adjustments. They emphasized the need for fair compensation to attract and retain talented educators, urging the commissioners to consider these issues as they review the school district's budget.

Following the public comments, the meeting transitioned to new business, where representatives from Rowan Cabarrus Community College presented their fiscal year 2026 budget request. Dr. Carol Spalding, along with her team, outlined the college's strategic plan aimed at enhancing workforce development and education in the community. They reported a significant increase in student enrollment, with a 22% growth rate over the past few years, and discussed the urgent need for a new Workforce Innovation Center to accommodate this growth.

The college's budget request included a total operating budget of approximately $4.9 million, reflecting a 6.9% increase primarily due to salary and benefit adjustments. Additionally, they sought funding for capital projects totaling over $58 million, which included renovations and compliance upgrades for existing facilities.

The commissioners expressed support for the college's initiatives, recognizing the importance of education in improving local employment opportunities and economic conditions. The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the consent agenda, followed by discussions on fire district changes, which included a public hearing regarding the Freeman property.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in educational funding and the commitment of local leaders to address these issues while fostering community development through higher education.