Perspective | New notebooks, new beginnings this school year
As families across North Carolina fill shopping carts with binders and fresh boxes of crayons, another school year is just around the corner.
As a dad of three graduates of North Carolina public schools, I have fond memories of back-to-school shopping together: debating backpack colors and making sure everyone had exactly what they needed for the first day. With the new sneakers and new notebooks, you could feel the fresh start, the excitement that comes from a new school year.
I am gratified that as today’s students head back to school, their teachers will for the first time in way too long receive meaningful pay raises. This summer, I was proud to sign a state budget that takes an important first step to invest in teachers. Because when we support teachers, equip students, and invest in strong public schools, we create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. And that is what I sought to do with this budget.
At the heart of every successful school are outstanding teachers.
Teachers are the single most important in-school factor in a student’s success, and they deserve to be valued accordingly. For too long, North Carolina has struggled to remain competitive in teacher pay and support.
This budget puts us back on track. It delivers the largest average teacher pay raise in two decades and the largest increase in starting teacher pay in nearly 50 years. It also provides a 3% raise and a bonus for principals, bus drivers, teacher assistants, cafeteria workers, and other dedicated school employees who help keep our schools running every day. Beyond compensation, we are investing in teacher recruitment and retention through apprenticeships, professional development, and licensure improvements.
Yet, even with this year’s pay bumps, North Carolina still ranks in the bottom 10 states in teacher pay and other school employees are struggling just to keep pace with inflation. We have more work to do.
We also made important investments that will directly improve student outcomes across the state. Every child deserves access to the tools and support they need to thrive, regardless of where they live. The budget expands the Advanced Teaching Roles program so experienced educators can lead and mentor other teachers without leaving the classroom they love.
The budget also strengthens literacy by expanding evidence-based reading supports and extending Science of Reading professional development into middle schools. We are providing new assessment tools to strengthen math achievement in low-performing schools, enhancing school safety through security upgrades, and preparing students for the future by establishing thoughtful AI literacy policies.
These investments recognize that preparing students for tomorrow requires meeting the challenges of today.
As the new school year begins, I want to offer my sincere gratitude to our teachers and school staff. Thank you for choosing this profession and for showing up each morning ready to make a difference in the lives of our young people.
To our students, welcome back. Whether you are walking into kindergarten for the very first time or using your new driver’s license to drive to high school, this school year is an opportunity. Be curious and ask questions. Remember that success is measured not only by grades but also by character, perseverance, and the way that we treat each other.
As we crack open new notebooks and welcome these new beginnings, back-to-school season reminds us that education is one of the most important investments we make — not only in our children, but also in the future of our state. I am proud of the progress we have made, and I remain committed to ensuring every North Carolina student has the chance to succeed.
I wish every public school student, teacher, and family a rewarding school year.