Charlotte City Allocates $1 Million for Affordable Housing for Teachers
The City of Charlotte is earmarking $1 million to support a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools initiative to provide affordable housing for teachers. The project, known as Teacher Village, aims to attract and retain teachers in the district by offering affordable housing options.
Support for Teachers
Board of Education Member for District 1, Melissa Easley, stated that the goal of Teacher Village is to bring additional benefits to working for CMS beyond just the pay. A recent CMS teacher survey revealed that 61% of teachers believe housing affordability could impact their decision to continue working for the district.
With starting teacher salaries and supplemental pay, new teachers in Mecklenburg County earn $46,301. However, many teachers are still struggling to afford housing in Charlotte, with some resorting to living in hotels or seeking additional income supplements.
Addressing the Issue
Charlotte City Council recently adopted a budget of $4.17 billion, with $1 million allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act interest funds for the Teacher Village project. The initiative will begin with a pilot program offering 100 affordable housing units for teachers.
City Council Members emphasized the importance of supporting teachers and addressing the affordable housing crisis in Charlotte. They acknowledged the challenge of retaining teachers in the district, with over 10,000 teachers leaving the classroom during the 2022-2023 school year in North Carolina.
Mixed Reactions
While some CMS teachers have expressed enthusiasm for the Teacher Village project, others have voiced concerns about the need for higher salaries. Board Member Easley acknowledged the importance of increasing teacher pay but highlighted that it is a state-level issue.
Student Mary Losey, who is studying to become a teacher, noted that affordable housing options would be beneficial but raised concerns about the potential impact on taxpayers and unintended consequences.
Next Steps
The Teacher Village project is still in its early stages, with plans for the affordable housing complex to be located on CMS property. The city’s funds will be used for pre-development costs, with private funding expected to support the rest of the project.
Charlotte City Council is set to receive further details about the plan before distributing the funds in the fall. Mecklenburg County has also approved $7.4 million to increase supplemental pay for teachers, particularly focusing on more experienced educators.
Conclusion
The Teacher Village project in Charlotte aims to provide affordable housing options for teachers in the district, addressing the challenge of housing affordability and teacher retention. While some teachers have welcomed the initiative, others have highlighted the need for higher salaries. The allocation of $1 million from the city towards this project underscores the commitment to supporting educators and ensuring they have access to affordable housing.