Committee advances budget amendment to create Office of Educational Advocacy; staffing and mayoral pay changes included

Wilmington — The Finance and Economic Development Committee voted Jan. 13 to send Ordinance 25‑1, an amendment to the fiscal year 2025 operating budget, to the full Wilmington City Council for consideration on Jan. 16. The amendment would fund a pilot Office of Educational Advocacy, revise several city job titles and positions, and raise the mayor's salary; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Council President Trippie Congo, sponsor of the amendment, opened discussion by saying state education outcomes demand local action: “Our state ranks 45th in the country … less than half of Wilmington students are testing at grade level in math, and only 26% are at grade level in English,” he said, arguing the city needs a permanent office to advocate for Wilmington students.

The amendment funds a Phase 1 pilot for an Office of Educational Advocacy that would be staffed by a director, a consultant and an administrative assistant. Dr. Kendra Broomfield Nwanga, the council's legislative research and policy director, described the proposed office as a connector that would track and compile casework across public, charter and private schools, build sustained advocacy, and advise council on legislative changes. “The goal would be to…