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100 <br /> EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page 16 <br /> positions CHCCS not only to navigate present challenges, but to build a resilient and thriving <br /> future for all students. <br /> Expansion Item #1: Certified and Classified Supplement Investment <br /> Increase in the Classified Supplement Percentages <br /> In fall 2021, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) commissioned Evergreen Solutions, <br /> LLC to conduct a classification and compensation study for non-certified employees, including <br /> Teacher Assistants, Custodians, and Bus Drivers. The study provided valuable insights into <br /> employee demographics, compensation practices, and market disparities. Due to funding <br /> constraints, the district implemented a capped adjustment of three steps, benefiting over 600 <br /> employees with a 5.3% average salary increase. While this was an important step toward <br /> improving classified employee compensation and market competitiveness, a gap remains <br /> between current wages and market rates, especially given rising costs and inflation. <br /> As part of ongoing strategic budget planning, CHCCS continues to examine potential approaches <br /> to strengthening compensation for classified staff. Classified employees play a critical role in <br /> supporting instruction, maintaining safe and effective learning environments, and ensuring the <br /> smooth operation of district services. Maintaining competitive and equitable compensation <br /> structures remains an important consideration in long-term financial planning. <br /> Currently, classified staff receive baseline local supplements ranging from 5.5%to 9.5%, <br /> differentiated by years of experience. The estimated cost of a 1% increase is approximately <br /> $350,000, inclusive of benefits. Implementation would allow the District to adjust to current <br /> fiscal conditions and labor market trends to remain competitive as it works to continue recruiting <br /> and maintaining the highest quality staff to serve our students. This expansion requests includes <br /> a full 3% increase to each band of the classified salary structure as outlined in the table below: <br /> Years of Experience Percent Paid on Base Wages Proposed 3% Increase <br /> 0 No supplement No Supplement <br /> 1-3 5.5% 8.5% <br /> 4-8 6.5% 9.5% <br /> 9-13 7.5% 10.5% <br /> 14-18 8.5% 11.5% <br /> 19+ 9.5% 12.5% <br /> The proposed 3% increase to the classified salary structure represents a total estimated cost of <br /> $1,050,000,based on an approximate cost of$350,000 per 1% increase, inclusive of benefits. <br /> Increase in the Certified Supplement Percentages <br /> As part of long-range financial planning, CHCCS continues to explore potential strategies to <br /> sustain competitive compensation for certified staff. Teachers and other certified employees are <br /> central to instructional excellence and student outcomes, and maintaining a strong compensation <br /> framework remains an important consideration in supporting recruitment, retention, and overall <br /> district stability. For FY 2026, baseline local supplements for certified staff range from 18%to <br /> Chapel Hill—Carrboro City Schools—FY 2026-27 Board of Education's Budget Request <br />