CMS teachers petition for higher pay amid pandemic, other challenges

CHARLOTTE — Teachers with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools must balance multiple challenges -- especially during the pandemic -- and some say the district’s bonus for staying in the classroom is not enough.

Teila Hand-Broadnax teaches at Olympic High School and said she has seen the most resignations ever district-wide this year.

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“When COVID hit, it became a lot more with virtual teaching,” Hand-Broadnax told Channel 9 reporter Anthony Kustura.

To retain teachers, the CMS Board of Education approved federal funds to pay full-time employees an extra $2,500. Part-time employees will get $1,250, which is split into two payments: one in December, the second in the fall.

Here’s how much money CMS employees will get in retention bonuses

Teachers have had to deal with more lockdowns and school violence during a pandemic, which has proved to be taxing on employees. As a result, Hand-Broadnax thinks they should get paid more money.

She said that she barely makes enough money to make ends meet.

“I think our wages should reflect the cost of living within our city,” she told Channel 9.

Hand-Broadnax and hundreds of other employees signed a petition asking the School Board to double the bonus:

$5,000 for full-time employees
$2,500 for part-time employees

“I think, across the board, everyone who is involved in education for children should be compensated with a proper bonus because we’re all in it together,” she said.

Channel 9 reported 871 CMS employees have resigned this year.

Hand-Broadnax said the shortage of teachers has increased the workload for those who chose to stay. She added that she believes they should be compensated fairly.

“Please remember who is out there educating our children,” she said. “I got into teaching for the love of children and helping to be there for our youth. I didn’t get into it for the money.”

Kustura asked CMS officials and the board of education if they’re considering the bonus. As of late Tuesday afternoon, he had not received a response.

(WATCH BELOW: CMS approves retention bonuses for employees)