School Board approves budget, staff raises

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County School Board passed a budget for the 2012-2013 school year. The new budget totals more than $220 million.

The board was waiting on legislative approval to give more money back to local school districts before adopting the spending plan.

The new budget will replace some things lost to tight financial times, including a 1.2 percent raise for teachers and staff.

“They’ll be very happy to see that raise,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said. “Now it’s not what they were looking for, but considering no raise for four years, it’s a start. They have had to deal with larger class sizes, fewer supplies, so I am glad that the legislators recognized their needs.”

Dr. Markley credits the school board and county commissioners with helping keep costs down the past few years.