UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Dozens of Union County teachers rallied outside district headquarters on Wednesday, advocating for higher pay after a proposed budget reduced their expected salary increases.
The Union County Board of Education initially requested $14.6 million to provide a $2,000 supplement increase for teachers and employees, but the Union County Board of County Commissioners approved only $8.8 million, leading to a revised proposal of a $1,000 supplement.
“We can’t imagine doing anything else, but we need a little more support. The better equipped we are, the better prepared our kids are going to be, and a happier community we’re going to have,” Stephanie Rhoads, a teacher in the Union County School District, said.
[ READ: Union County teachers protest for better pay ]
Teachers and supporters, dressed in red, lined the streets holding signs and calling for change, highlighting their demand for better pay and support.
The BOE Finance Committee has recommended a $1,000 supplement increase, which amounts to an extra hundred dollars a month for teachers.
The BOE said in a letter that it is continuing to urge the BOCC to reconsider the budget and provide the full $14.6 million necessary to meet their original request.
The school board is expected to discuss the budget recommendations at its next meeting on Nov. 6, leaving room for potential changes.
WATCH: Union County teachers protest for better pay
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