Nash County Public Schools asks county for teacher and classified supplements, retention bonuses and expansion of advanced teaching roles

Nash County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Ellis told Nash County commissioners on May 14 that the district’s 2025 budget request centers on personnel costs to sustain recent academic progress and retain staff.

"Your investment in our schools and students is not only appreciated, but, it's a vital growth for this community," Ellis said, opening the district presentation.

Nut graf: District leaders asked the county to consider multi‑year support for several personnel initiatives: a classified‑staff supplement (presented as options of 3%, 4% or 5% including benefits), certified teacher supplements (1%–3% scenarios presented), annual retention bonuses funded by ESSER in prior years, and an expansion of the state‑endorsed Advanced Teaching Roles (ATR) program to more schools.

Details: Personnel staff described the classified supplement proposal as applying to drivers, monitors, child‑nutrition staff, clerical staff, maintenance and custodial workers, teacher assistants and district coordinators. The presentation included cost estimates for 3%, 4% and 5% supplements (including FICA and retirement) and projected totals across the district.

Advanced Teaching Roles: A district official described ATR as a state‑endorsed program that compensates highly effective teachers who lead teams while remaining in or near classrooms. The district asked to expand ATR positions districtwide (currently in elementary schools and two middle schools) and requested funding to add roughly 21 additional ATR stipends with a minimum stipend of $10,000 per teacher (presented approximate total: about $340,000).

Commissioner questions: Commissioners sought context for the requests. Commissioner Davis asked whether the classified supplement had been requested previously; district staff said a classified supplement had been included in prior presentations and that a flat $15 state minimum wage in prior years influenced local adjustments. Commissioners also discussed whether supplements historically favored certified staff and the relationship between supplements and retention.

Ending: Ellis and staff emphasized the requests are intended to sustain gains in student outcomes and stabilize staffing. The district asked commissioners to review cost details and indicated staff would provide follow‑up materials on fund balance, enrollment and county appropriation histories upon request.