colleagues in Arizona
Wednesday, May 16, the North Carolina Association of Educators is holding an event called Advocacy Day: March for Students and Rally for Respect in Raleigh. We’ll be marching from NCAE headquarters to the General Assembly to greet lawmakers as the short session begins. The event is intended as a call for our legislators to increase their support of public education.
When adjusted for inflation, the average North Carolina teacher’s salary has decreased 5% since the onset of the recession in 2009-10. Per-pupil spending has decreased 12.2% over the same period. Under the same leadership that has presided over this shameful decline, cuts to corporate and income tax rates are set to cost the state $3.5 billion annually in potential revenue.
Other changes we’ve seen in education over the last several years:
- Repeal of due process rights protecting teachers from unfair dismissal
- Stripping of masters pay and longevity pay
- Removal of retiree health benefits for anyone hired after January 1, 2021
- Decrease in transparency and dialogue around education legislation through practice of inserting legislation into budget bill
We believe it’s time for a change in priorities.
Teachers, please consider taking personal leave (not a sick day) and showing up in Raleigh to help North Carolina’s educators send a loud and clear message to our legislators.
For Charlotte area folks, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators is chartering buses to provide free transportation to both member and non-members.
The deadline to sign up is April 30 and you can sign up here: http://tinyurl.com/cmaemay16