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Carteret County teachers ask commissioners for 13% pay supplement during public comments
Summary
Multiple teachers and education supporters urged the Board of Commissioners to increase the local teacher pay supplement to 13%, saying current supplements lag neighboring counties and contribute to recruitment and retention problems.
Several Carteret County public school teachers and education supporters used the May 19 public-comment period to urge the Board of Commissioners to increase the county’s teacher supplement to 13 percent, paid evenly across paychecks.
Speakers said low supplements are driving teachers away and forcing many to hold multiple jobs. Trisha Vaklobal, a special-education teacher at West Carter High School, said teachers "stay in teaching not because we aren't qualified for something else, but because teaching is a calling," and added, "love doesn't pay the bills," asking the board to adopt a 13% supplement.
Other speakers described similar concerns. Jennifer Rouse, who said she has taught 21 years, said Carteret County’s supplement is lower than neighboring counties and is harming recruitment. Claudia Jenkins, who said she moved to Carteret County from another district, said her take-home pay fell and cited data she provided showing higher supplements in nearby counties. Laura Palmer described losing a newly graduated teacher—offered jobs in neighboring counties that paid more—and called recruitment a growing problem. Daga Bailey Lancaster, a county native with 25 years of experience, said rising rents and stagnant take-home pay make it “nearly impossible” for many educators to live where they work and urged a monthly 13% supplement and restoration of staff and resources.
Speakers repeatedly asked commissioners to compare Carteret County’s supplement to neighboring counties; one speaker said Brunswick County offers 12–13 percent. Commenters also asked the county to consider making the supplement monthly, to restore cut positions and to fund classroom resources so teachers are not buying supplies out of pocket.
Commissioners did not take action during public comment. Several commissioners acknowledged the requests on the record and said the board will evaluate budget proposals in the coming weeks as part of the FY‑2026 budget process.
