FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2023
Cleveland County and Cleveland County Schools Partner to Increase Teacher Supplements
SHELBY, N.C- Cleveland County Commissioners and the Cleveland County Board of Education continue to work together by placing teacher supplements as a high funding priority. The collaborative work done by both organizations has resulted in significant increases in the local Cleveland County teacher’s supplement over the last two years.
“Supporting teachers is a significant investment in our collective future. Increases to teacher supplements, coupled with the recent increases approved in the State budget, will assist in our efforts to recruit, and retain high-quality educators,” said County Commissioner Chairman Kevin Gordon. “We appreciate the teaching profession and the true dedication our teachers have to the future of our children and the future of our county.”
In October 2023, the state’s budget became law and teachers, as well as other school employees, will see a salary increase of approximately 7% over the biennium.
As a part of this year's local budget, the Commissioners and Board of Education jointly committed to again raise the local teacher’s supplement. Teacher supplements are a locally-funded percentage of the state base added to a certified teacher’s salary. Teacher supplements are critical because they serve as a significant and meaningful local impact on teacher pay and differentiate what county districts can offer to their teachers. Just last year, the Commissioners and Board of Education agreed to increase the local supplement by 2% which raised the supplement rate to 7.75%. This year’s increase will bring the local Cleveland County teacher’s supplement to 9.25%.
The cost of the supplements is approximately $800,000 per 1% increase. Local supplement increases are funded from local sources.
“The School Board is thankful to the Board of Commissioners for their continued support and partnership,” said Robert Queen, Chairman of the Cleveland County Board of Education. “Cleveland County has been blessed with educators that make a difference in the lives of their students and in our community.”
Teacher supplements will be paid based on salaries adjusted to include the increase approved during the state budget. They are distributed annually in November. It is the Commissioner's and School Board's intention to continue to grow the supplement with a goal to achieve a supplement percentage of 10%, by 2025.
12.5.23 PDF Press Release Link
Media contact:
Karyn Owens
Marketing and Communications Director
Cleveland County Government
704-484-4800
karyn.owens@clevelandcountync.gov