Breaking News from the Legislature

July 23, 2008

I was recently contacted by Mr. Causby to inform the Board that the governor did sign the budget.  There is no change in our funding from what I have reported to you before.  He did report that the governor got 1 million dollars for his Earn and Learn program and that there is 90 million dollars in the budget for ABC bonuses.  Gene’s main concern is that our State Health Plan is in serious trouble.  There is a 247 million dollar shortfall currently in the plan.  The legislature chose not to address the issue this session so they will face that shortfall next session and Gene feels that our co-pays and everything else dealing with our health insurance will go up.  For the next year there is no change in insurance.  The legislature did pass a bill that says that a teacher may take personal leave on any unprotected work day and not have to pay the $50.00 toward a sub.  Gene will get a per pupil expenditure for us in a few days.  He did not feel that it would be beneficial to bother the office of budget and finance at this point until things settle down. 

Phil McGirt

July 15, 2008

I was contacted by Mr. Causby on July 11 in regards to the budget.  Due to my work schedule, I am just getting this out to you!  The budget has been passed by both houses but has not been signed by the governor. He has 10 days to sign.  It includes:

• an increase of $616,491.00 for driver education to cover the 9th grade growth,

• nothing in the budget covers the increase in fuel cost for driver education,

• teachers will receive on the average a 3% pay increase,

• principals will receive on the average a 2.69% increase,

• all central office, non certified, etc. will receive 2.75% or $1,100 whichever is greater,

• retirees will receive a 2.2% COLA,

• teachers will be able to take one personal day without paying $50.00, and

• there is essentially no change in the health plan.

Gene does not have the per pupil allocation at this point, but expects to have that soon.  I will email it to you as soon as I get it.

Phil McGirt

May 29, 2008

Gene Causby reported today that the House is moving rapidly toward adopting a budget and it looks like they may have the final reading by next Wednesday.  He reported that the House Appropriations Transportation Sub Committee has submitted its recommendation to the full committee and that it includes an additional $616,491.00 for ninth grade growth.  He thinks this is exactly what the governor had recommended but was not certain. 

Gene further reported that it looks as if teachers and administrators will get a 3% raise, non-certified personnel a 1.75% raise or $1,100.00.  Retirees COLA 2.2%

Gene further reported that there has been no talk of transferring our funds from the Highway fund to the General Fund.

Phil McGirt

 Breaking News Archives

For More Information Contact:

North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Administration
Tel: 980-343-6159
FAX: 980-343-6044
Internet: DrEd@cms.k12.nc.us

Send mail to NCDTSEA Webmaster with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2008 North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Administration
Last modified: 09/14/08