Asheville City Schools Struggle with Teacher Turnover Amid Governor’s Push for Raises

Asheville City Schools Grapple with Highest Teacher Turnover in NC as Governor Pushes for 8.5% Raises

State lawmakers are currently in the midst of debating teacher raises as Asheville City Schools continue to struggle with the highest teacher turnover rate in the state. This issue has been primarily attributed to pay concerns, among other factors, based on a recent survey conducted with local school staff members.

A Personal Insight

One of the staff members, Asheville High teacher Dan Clare, shared his personal experience, highlighting the financial challenges faced by educators in the community. Despite his desire to teach in the same community where he resides and where his children attend school, Clare mentioned that without his partner’s out-of-state job, he wouldn’t be able to afford to work as a teacher in Asheville.

“The ever-increasing price of living in Asheville alone is daunting enough to deter qualified new teachers from coming,” Clare expressed, shedding light on the struggles faced by educators in the region.

Governor’s Proposal

On April 24, Governor Roy Cooper proposed a significant 8.5% raise for teachers along with $1,500 bonuses, aiming to address the pressing issue of teacher retention. However, it remains uncertain whether this proposal will garner the necessary support from lawmakers in Raleigh.

Despite the ambiguity surrounding the potential raises, leaders of the Senate and House, both of which hold a veto-proof Republican majority, have not completely dismissed the idea. When questioned by the Citizen Times on April 30, Senator Warren Daniel emphasized that teacher turnover is a complex issue that cannot be solely resolved through salary increases or bonuses.

Differing Views

While Senator Daniel stressed the continuous efforts to explore solutions for lowering the state’s teacher turnover rate, his Democratic challenger, former statehouse member John Ager of Fairview, argued in favor of the Governor’s proposed budget, asserting that it serves to rectify the neglect suffered by public schools over the past decade.

“Public education, the engine of our democracy, is the N.C. General Assembly’s number one responsibility,” Ager stated, emphasizing the critical role of educators in shaping the future.

Local Efforts

In response to calls for raises to local supplements, the County Commissioners voted for a tax rate increase slated for June 2023, which would effectively boost pay for both Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools by 2%. Additionally, the Asheville City Schools board implemented a 2% staff pay raise back in February.

Recent state data revealed that Asheville City Schools experienced the highest turnover rate in NC at 30.7% from March 2022 to March 2023, a concerning figure that underscores the urgency of addressing retention issues within the education system.

Staff Perspectives

According to Tim Lloyd, president of the Asheville City Schools Educators Association, a survey conducted among school staff members in the fall of 2023 indicated that low pay was a significant concern for 91% of respondents and the primary issue for 44% of them. Other challenges highlighted in the survey included staff feeling overburdened and under-supported in their roles.

In an effort to advocate for improved conditions, the union put forth a petition in spring 2024 calling for raises to meet the local living wage standard, hiring of full-time substitutes, additional support for behavioral specialists, compensation for work beyond contract hours, and several other essential changes.

Looking Ahead

The teacher turnover crisis facing Asheville City Schools underscores the need for urgent action to address the systemic issues impacting educators in the region. As stakeholders continue to debate the best path forward, the future of education in Asheville hinges on collaborative efforts to support and retain talented teachers who play a crucial role in shaping the next generation.

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