Teachers, Parents Press Union County Commissioners to Provide Remaining $1,000 of Promised Supplement

Dozens of teachers, parents and former employees told the Union County Board of Commissioners on Monday evening that the county should provide the remaining $1,000 of a previously promised $2,000 county supplement for Union County Public Schools staff.

"Our educators deserve clarity, honesty, and real solutions," said Amy Brantley, a Kensington Elementary employee and Waxhaw resident, who asked the board to provide the additional $1,000 and make teacher compensation a priority. Multiple speakers described working second and third jobs and paying out of pocket for classroom supplies.

Teachers and supporters cited board-level confusion and finger-pointing over the schools’ budget request. "We have seen curated statements from both sides and watched board meetings where each side is blaming the other," said Alexis Stadler of Waxhaw, who noted several commissioners previously served on the school board. Colleen McIntyre asked the county and the board of education to "come together, make a plan and act on it."

Several speakers referenced specific numbers: they said teachers originally requested $2,000 and reported the county has only funded half the requested supplement; one speaker said the board of education asked for roughly $14,600,000 and the county funded half of that request. Pamela Colton, who identified herself as a Union County teacher, urged a budget amendment or one-time bonus if necessary, calling the current partial payment "not gonna do anything" for many households.

Commissioner Brian Helms, responding to comments, clarified the county does not set base teacher pay — that is a state responsibility — and encouraged residents to review materials provided at recent meetings. Helms said Union County ranks "sixth in total funding" among North Carolina districts on an overall funding measure, while noting disparities in how federal and state funds are distributed; he encouraged residents to review the packet of budget figures referenced at the board’s November 3 meeting.

Speakers pressed the board both to identify local funding options and to take their case to Raleigh. "Please come together with the board of ed, stand with parents, fund our schools properly, and advocate at the state level," Kelly Burchard said.

The board did not take a formal vote on supplemental pay during the meeting; public comments concluded before the board moved to other agenda items. Commissioners reiterated that some budget responsibilities rest with the state and that staff would provide supplemental data as requested.

The public comment period closed after the last speaker; no immediate county action to fund the additional $1,000 was recorded on the meeting agenda.