Greensboro, NC - Most classified employees in Guilford County Schools (GCS), including teacher assistants, treasurers and bus drivers, will soon see an increase in pay, thanks to a revision in the district’s classified salary schedule.

The move was approved by the Guilford County Board of Education on Tuesday using $15.4 million from the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and funding provided in the 2023-24 North Carolina budget that became law on October 3, 2023.

For most classified staff, rates have been increased based on job responsibilities, and the number of steps has been reduced to reflect a more reasonable length of time in a person’s career. Each step represents a year of experience.

“This is the first step toward paying our classified staff members in line with the demands of today’s economy,” says Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley. “Our employees deserve to be fairly compensated for their outstanding work, and I appreciate our local elected officials for their efforts to help bridge the salary gap between public education and private industry.”

Teacher salary schedules are designated by the state and were increased in the state budget based on years of experience and other factors. GCS teachers will receive those increases as well as a $1,000 retention bonus from the district for returning licensed staff. However, this year the county did not provide funds to increase the local teacher supplement, choosing instead to focus on pay raises for classified employees, who are often among the lowest paid.  

“While we are glad to see progress in both classified and licensed employees’ pay, we need to do more to recruit, retain and reward top talent,” says Oakley. “To meet the needs of our students, we must continue to attract qualified, experienced teachers and staff to create the ideal environment for learning, making GCS the best place to learn, work and grow. We cannot be first in business but last in education funding.”

Pay raises are retroactive to the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2023. Classified employees will see their pay increases and retroactive payments in the October 31 payroll. Teachers will also receive raises and retroactive payments on October 31; retention bonuses will be provided on Nov. 14.