Cumberland County Schools -

Cumberland County Schools (CCS) employees will see a significant boost in local salary supplements beginning with the 2025-26 school year after the Cumberland County Board of Education approved a new supplement plan at its Nov. 10 meeting.

The plan is funded by a $13.7 million increase from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for teacher and classified staff supplements. With this investment, CCS will move from near the bottom of the region to the top in local teacher supplements. The new schedule sets CCS’ average local teacher supplement at $5,775.06, ranking first in the region, and the all-source supplement average (local plus state) at $7,298, ranking first in the geographical area and third in the overall Sandhills region. The annual local supplement for classified employees has been increased from 2% to 6% of each employee’s gross annual salary. This represents a significant investment in support staff and recognition for the critical work they do every day.  

Every eligible teacher will receive at least a $1,000 increase in local supplement, with larger increases for more experienced educators. Beginning teachers will see a minimum increase of $1,000, bringing their total supplement from all sources to approximately $5,291. A teacher with 10 years of experience will receive a $2,200 increase, a teacher with 20 years will receive about a $3,720 increase and a teacher with 30 years of experience will receive a $6,856 increase in local supplement, bringing that teacher’s total supplement to $14,112 when combined with the state supplement.

The new teacher supplement schedule is designed to support beginning, mid-career and veteran teachers. District leaders say the improved supplements will be a powerful tool for recruiting teachers from surrounding districts, retaining those already serving CCS students and advancing the district’s focus on academic achievement and student success.

“This plan is a win for all of our educators and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy. “In Cumberland County Schools, experience matters, but so does every role and every stage of an employee’s career. By strengthening our supplements, we are honoring the teachers and classified employees who serve our students every day and sending a clear message across the region that CCS is a great place to work, grow and build a future.”

Board of Education leaders thanked the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for its partnership and investment, noting that the increased funding will help CCS continue to attract and retain premier professionals to serve students, families and the community.