"Pay is important, and I definitely think our teachers are going to be fired up about the 8 percent pay increase, but that's not the only factor that I think helps retain teachers," said principal Steve Mares of Daniels Magnet Middle School in Raleigh.
Daniels Middle School is in need of six new teachers by fall. So far, only three of the six have been hired.
In addition to a salary increase, Mares said there needs to be more money allocated for school construction and renovation projects because new classrooms and equipment help attract new teachers.
"That helps us stay competitive with a lot of the new schools that are coming in," Mares said. "When teachers come in and we tour them around the school and they see a brand new classroom, that means a lot."
In November, Wake County voters will weigh in on a proposed $1 billion school bond package that would cover mostly construction and renovation.
House and Senate leaders agreed last week on an $18.9 billion budget that would allow the raise. Depending on the number of years of service, some teachers will receive 8 percent, some less. The two chambers are expected to vote on the spending bill this week.
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