FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: Brunswick Co. School Board can’t give itself a raise

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It looks like the Brunswick County School Board cannot give itself a raise after all.

As WWAY reported FIRST ON 3 earlier this week, the board recently approved a raise for members. I would have been the second raise in as many years, which would have increased board member salaries about 26 percent over that time.

The problem is state law gives the power to raise the school board’s pay to the “tax-levying authority” for the county. Today, the board’s attorney Rick Green said his based on a statutory review, that means the Brunswick County Commission has the sole authority to adjust the board’s salary and expenses.

According to a news release, the proposed increase was not included in the approved budget, so the $3,300 earmarked for it goes back in the school district’s general fund.

There are still questions about what will happen to the $1,800 per member raise the school board approved for itself last year. The district says it will have to consult with the county on what to do about that money.