Cumberland County Schools employees will see one of the largest pay bumps in the region at the end of the school year after the Board of Education approved a major increase to local salary supplements Monday night.
North Carolina pays teachers’ salaries, but counties offer additional money to recruit and retain workers. The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners allocated $13.7 million for the increase this year.
The district says the move brings Cumberland County Schools from “near the bottom” in the Sandhills region to first place for pay supplements.
Cumberland County previously offered one of the lowest local supplements in the region—roughly $1,200 per teacher, according to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. That was lower than neighboring Hoke, Robeson, Scotland, Harnett, and Moore counties.
Under the new plan, the average local teacher supplement will rise to $5,775.
When the state and local supplements are combined, teachers will receive an average of $7,298 in additional pay, school officials say.
Classified employees, including instructional assistants, bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria staff will see their local pay supplement increase from 2 percent to 6 percent of their annual salary. District leaders say the increase reflects the essential work these employees do in keeping schools running every day.
According to district spokesperson Dr. Lindsey Whitley, the new supplement amounts will begin appearing in teacher paychecks at the end of the school year.
“Supplements for employees are typically paid toward the end of the school year,” Lindsey said. “Because the districts fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, the raises will take effect at the start of next semester.”
Teachers across all experience levels will receive at least a $1,000 raise through the new supplement schedule, with larger increases tied to years of service.
- A beginning teacher will see the total supplement rise to roughly $5,291.
- A teacher with 10 years of experience will receive an estimated $2,200 increase.
- A 20-year educator will see about a $3,720 increase.
- A 30-year teacher will receive approximately $6,856 more, bringing the total supplement to $14,112 when combined with state pay.
Superintendent Eric C. Bracy said the raises strengthen the district’s ability to compete.
“This plan is a win for all of our educators and staff,” Bracy said. “By strengthening our supplements, we are honoring the teachers and classified employees who serve our students every day and sending a clear message across the region that CCS is a great place to work, grow and build a future.”
Education reporter Dasia Williams can be reached at dwilliams@cityviewnc.com
