Rebecca Noel

Hundreds of Union County teachers call out sick amid delayed pay increases The UCPS Board has yet to approve an already funded $100 per month increases for teachers.

Hundreds of Union County teachers call out sick amid delayed pay increases. About 700 teachers called out Wednesday amid demands the school board OK a $1,000 annual pay increase funded by Union County commissioners. (Via @rebeccanoel.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #nced #ncpol

Queens of Charlotte and Elon University announce plans to merge next year The merger is expected to conclude by August 2026.

Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University announce plans to merge next year. Elon will operate Queens, which has faced enrollment challenges & budget cuts. (Via @rebeccanoel.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e... #nced

Can schools fire teachers for critical posts about Charlie Kirk? Public employees have more speech protections than private employees, but there are some exceptions.

Can schools fire teachers for critical posts about Charlie Kirk? Lawyers said it’s not legal to fire public employees for most speech online. But also, they’re not as secure now in longstanding speech protections. (Via @rebeccanoel.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e... #nced #ncpol

NC teachers spend more than peers in 48 states on classroom supplies, study shows While teachers around the country are paying more for school supplies, NC educators spend 60% more than the national average.

NC teachers spend more than peers in 48 states on classroom supplies, study shows. North Carolina educators will spend an average of $1,632 out-of-pocket on school supplies this year. It’s a 22% increase over 2024. (Via @rebeccanoel.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #nced #ncpol

My latest:

Took a look at how universal school voucher eligibility has affected NC school diversity so far for my latest project. Read the full story below:

Trump admin expected to release full $165M in frozen funding for NC public schools One of the biggest districts in North Carolina, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, had planned on making cuts elsewhere to ensure students weren’t affected.

Breaking: The US Dept of Education is expected to release $6.8 billion in withheld funds, NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson says.

That includes $12.5 million for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

The latest:

www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politic...

My latest:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools budget approved over teacher raise objections As the district braces for federal cuts, school board members say the power to increase teacher salaries lies with the state.

The CMS board passed its 2025-26 budget last night in a split vote. Three board members said they want to ask the county for more money for teacher raises.

My latest for @charlotteobserver.com

www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...

My latest for @charlotteobserver.bsky.social