North Carolina is one of the worst in the country in the amount our elected leaders spend per student, about $2,400 behind the national average. Imagine what $2,400 per child could mean for our students and their future. However, we have the lowest corporate tax rate in the country for states that have one—and it’s set to go lower again.

North Carolina ranks 37th for teacher pay, about $9,600 behind the national average. When adjusting for inflation, educators are losing money (almost 12 percent)—the third worst in the country.

Our students deserve better. They deserve resources to help make them successful. They deserve professionally paid educators. They deserve safe schools and schools that are not crumbling and in disrepair. We love our public schools and North Carolina deserves better!

Public school educators have these expectations of North Carolina lawmakers:

• Per-Pupil Spending to the National Average in Four Years
• A Multi-Year Professional Compensation and Benefits Plan for ALL educators
  
  • End Experienced Educator Pay Discrimination
  • Average Teacher Pay to National Average in Four Years
  • Significant and Livable Raises for ALL Public School Employees
  • Restore Advanced Degree Pay
  • Restore Longevity Pay
  • Annual Cost of Living Increase
  • Enhanced And Protected Health Insurance and Pension
  • End Pay For Performance, Including for Administrators
  • Reinstate Career Status
  • Real Dedicated Planning Time and Lunch Time
• No Corporate Tax Cuts Until Per-Pupil Spending and Teacher Pay Reach National Average
• Investing in the health and well-being of our students and making schools safer
  
  • At least 500 additional school nurses, social workers, psychologists, and counselors this year
  • Improve health options for our most vulnerable student by expanding Medicaid
• Fix our crumbling schools and large class sizes with a Statewide School Construction Bond

By signing this petition, you are asking your state lawmakers to pledge to support these critical investments in our students, educators, and public schools. You are demanding better for public education.