Officials cite funding constraints and competing priorities, while educators raise concerns about declining support surrounding teacher pay supplements.
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Concerns are growing among educators in Gaston County after school leaders scaled back a key portion of their budget request for teacher pay supplements, as districts across North Carolina continue to wait on a finalized state budget.
Gaston County Schools’ proposed budget for the 2026-2027 school year totals just over $58 million. Of that, only $500,000 is earmarked for certified teacher supplements, a sharp drop from the $3.6 million included in earlier drafts.
This story continues below.
The reduction comes at a time when teacher pay is already under scrutiny statewide. North Carolina is currently the only state expected to see average teacher salaries decline this year, according to recent estimates.
“I hear it all the time,” Gaston County Board of Education member Lee Dedmon said. “We need to ask for more so we can get more.”
Superintendent Dr. Morgen Houchard acknowledged the concerns but said the district is trying to balance needs with financial reality.
“Yeah, we probably need more,” Houchard said. “But we try to aim for realistic numbers. We’re still adjusting after the loss of COVID funding. We hired more employees than we could sustain, and we also lost low-wealth funding after the school year started. That won’t happen again.”
Houchard also emphasized not all funding can be used interchangeably. The district relies on separate funding streams for capital projects and personnel costs.
“If you remember, a $250 million bond was passed in 2018,” Houchard said. “That money can only be used for capital projects. The two cannot mix.”
County leaders say they are also facing tough decisions. Gaston County Commission Chairman Chad Brown said commissioners must balance school funding with the needs of dozens of other departments.
“Last year we gave approximately $91 million to the school system,” Brown said. “With that, the school system has the authority to use that money any way they want. If they want to direct more toward supplements, they can.”
Brown added that comparisons to neighboring districts can be misleading.
“When you look at surrounding areas, other than Mecklenburg, they have fewer schools and teachers,” Brown said. “That means their supplement can be divided differently. We also have ongoing capital responsibilities like school buildings.”
The debate comes amid broader concerns about education funding across the state. The National Education Association estimates North Carolina now ranks 46th in per-pupil funding, down about 10 spots over the past two years. Current spending is roughly $13,680 per student, compared to a national average near $19,000.
The Gaston County Board of Education is expected to present its budget request at the county commissioners meeting Tuesday. Brown said he anticipates teachers will attend to advocate for increased funding.
Download the WCNC app
