Governor Josh Stein provides NC Strong update on schools, DMV
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Gov. Josh Stein highlighted investments in North Carolina's public schools Thursday, saying the state's new budget will help boost teacher pay, improve student outcomes and strengthen school leadership as students prepare to return to classrooms across the state.
Stein pointed to the budget signed into law last month, which includes what his office says is the largest average teacher pay raise in 20 years and the largest starting teacher pay raise in nearly 50 years. The budget also provides raises and bonuses for other school employees.
"Without this year's budget, the state would have been ranked 47th in the country in teacher pay, lower than every neighboring state," Stein said.
While calling the budget a significant step forward, Stein said North Carolina still ranks 40th nationally in teacher pay and that more work is needed to support veteran educators and other school personnel.
"This budget represents an important step forward," Stein said. "I see this budget as a launching pad, not a landing spot."
The governor also highlighted education initiatives funded through the budget, including Advanced Teaching Roles, Science of Reading training for middle school educators and math intervention programs designed to improve student achievement.
"We need to do what works when it comes to educating our kids," Stein said. "The training all North Carolina elementary school teachers have now received on the Science of Reading is helping kids build a strong foundation in reading. We need to extend that knowledge to middle school educators."
Stein noted the budget expands the state's Principal Recruitment Supplement Program, which places high-performing principals in low-performing schools.
In addition to discussing education investments, Stein provided an update on DMV operations, saying average customer wait times dropped to 22 minutes in July. He also announced the recipients of the 2026 North Carolina Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions in literature, public service, science and the arts.
