MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — After Union County Public School teachers staged an October “sick out” and a November demonstration all calling for better pay, they’re set to receive a $1,000 supplemental bonus.
It’ll be retroactive to July 2025. With that, over the last two years, teachers have received $2,150 in pay boosts.
“Which is the only and largest two-year increase during my tenure as superintendent,” said the district’s leader, Dr. Andrew Houlihan.
The board members’ decision Thursday night moves the district from 37th in North Carolina for teacher pay to 18th.
While educators and their supporters are grateful for the supplemental increase, they say it’s still not enough for a district that routinely ranks highly in the state.
“A reminder that it is only but after you pay your taxes and your health care and your retirement fund, it equals to about $12 a week,” said Jen Sanders, a staunch teacher’s advocate.
School board members originally requested $14.6 million from county commissioners to fund $2,000 bonuses. But Union County commissioners claimed that would’ve led to a tax increase, leading to less bonus money.
Union county school board approves $1,000 supplemental increase for teachers following protests 3Union county school board approves $1,000 supplemental increase for teachers following protests 4
Teachers held a demonstration before the meeting, chanting statements like “support it, and fund it, our kids can’t wait.”
They’re unhappy with the school board’s and county commission’s decisions over the past few months on what they earn.
Some teachers say they’ve picked up extra jobs to more income.
“We love what we do, we don’t do it for the money, but every little bit counts. And so, we need more of that,” she said.
Teachers, advocates and supporters say they will continue the fight until teachers get the money they deserve.
By rssfeeds-admin 
