RALEIGH — Gov. Pat McCrory says his plan to bump teacher pay statewide was inspired by a longtime Lumbee educator who died recently.

“Ruth Revels was one of those teachers who had a lasting impact and influence on me. I will always remember her passion and strong belief in each one of her students,” McCrory said. “In honor of Mrs. Revels who recently passed away, I announced a plan to reward teachers for their hard work and raise average pay to over $50,000 plus benefits.”

Revels, who died March 14, helped establish the Guilford Native American Association along with her husband, Lonnie. Revels served as the organization’s first director. She served as a member of the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs, which advocates for Indian communities, tribes, and organizations, and was appointed chair of the commission in 2013.

The former Miss Pembroke State taught McCrory when he was a student at Ragsdale High School.

“I have lost a very special friend,” he said upon her death.

Unveiled on April 5, McCrory’s proposal includes giving North Carolina teachers a 5 percent pay increase with the aim of pushing average teacher pay above $50,000 per year. Under the plan, teachers and principals would see average bonuses of 3.5 percent. The permanent pay raises, according to McCrory ’s office, would cost about $250 million each year while the one-time bonuses would run $165 million for teachers and $10 million for principals.

McCrory also plans to propose that $2 million go toward funding 300 scholarships for aspiring math and science teachers; $5 million for scholarships for K-12 students with disabilities; and more money to expand access to Wi-Fi and electronic textbooks. The Associated Press reports that McCrory also wants to add 400 pre-kindergarten spots for at-risk 4-year-olds.

In addition to education, McCrory’s budget priorities include more taxpayer spending on mental health, the elderly and children.

According to the Associated Press, McCrory is asking legislators to spend more on emergency housing for adults with substance abuse or mental problems. The governor also wants to expand Medicaid and state services for the elderly.

Ruth Revels
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_Ruth_Revels_Photo_cmyk.jpgRuth Revels

By Sarah Willets

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Sarah Willets can be reached at 910-816-1974 or on Twitter @Sarah_Willets.