CMS teachers wearing red demand better pay, funding from county leaders

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of teachers demanded better pay and better funding from county commissioners meeting on Monday.

Teachers, who were inspired by last month’s march on Raleigh, were holding signs and wearing red as they confronted county leaders.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools asked for an extra $40 million from the county.

Under County Manager Dena Diorio's budget, CMS will only receive an additional $24.2 million.

The budget funds more guidance counselors, social workers and more school security personnel, something the superintendent has requested specifically.

But it doesn't provide CMS with requested program expansions or give teachers a 7 percent supplemental pay raise.

“If you could see, you would be able to empathize,” said substitute teacher Yvette Ingram. “It wouldn't be how is this budget funded? It would be, how can we fund more?”

“We also need to feel the respect and support from a county commission that is fully behind our school system,” teacher Justin Parmenter said.

Commissioners didn't have a chance to respond to the remarks, but Vice Chairman Jim Puckett said he doesn't believe the whole CMS budget will be provided.

“We have to run the county,” Puckett said.

In the proposed budget, there is a tax increase of about $1.50 a month on a $250,000 home.

Puckett said if the county does what many teachers asked for, the tax hike will have to be much higher.

“The county can't really afford to fully fund it,” Puckett said.

Puckett said the superintendent can rearrange his priorities with the additional funding he is receiving.

Commissioners will discuss potential changes to the budget on June 12.

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