I'm encouraged by the introduction of House Bill 192 in the North Carolina General Assembly, which represents a major step toward fulfilling our commitment to transformative investments in NC's educators. This bipartisan bill would not only raise teacher salaries significantly but also reinstate education-based salary supplements that recognize advanced degrees and professional growth.
When we invest in our teachers, we invest in our 1.5 million students. The proposed $1.6 billion commitment demonstrates that our legislators understand what we've known all along - educator compensation must match the importance of their work. I'm particularly pleased to see the bill includes supplements for school psychologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, school nurses and counselors - all vital members of our education team.
This proposal aligns perfectly with my commitment to uplift public education by revering the professionals who serve our students every day. I look forward to working alongside legislators to advance this important priority and call on all champions of NC public education to do the same.