Investing in Our Village: A Call to Protect Youth & Educators in Wake County
In the Triangle’s heart, in the homes and schools of our Black, Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous and first-generation legacy families, education is our collective foundation. It is where the promise of tomorrow is shaped, and where our children’s future takes root. Today, that foundation is under stress.
On November 17, 2025, the Wake County school board approved adjustments to the district budget—over $13 million in changes within a more than $2.2 billion plan. These adjustments are happening in the context of a larger waiting-game: the state budget has not yet been finalized, which means teacher raises are off the table for now and many schools face deferred maintenance, understaffing and increased operational costs.
What the changes say
Despite approving the budget, the board did not include new salary increases for teachers. According to district data, the expected raise from state funding—3% increase in base salary—did not materialize; instead, a small “step” increase (<1%) was authorized.
Maintenance and operations remain under‐funded: one board member warned that the five-year maintenance plan will now stretch to nine years due to deferred spending.
Cuts and cost-savings were made earlier this year: eliminating positions (digital learning coordinators, some secretarial and counselor roles), changing thermostat settings, etc., in part to open new schools and offset expected rises in salary/benefits.
Why this matters for our community
For organizations like Roots of Wisdom Scholars, which nurture youth leadership, academic excellence and community engagement, these budget decisions echo deeply:
When teachers and educational support staff are under-paid, the retention, morale and effectiveness of those who guide our children are at stake.
When buildings and everyday infrastructure (lighting, heating/cooling, repairs) lag, students’ learning environments suffer and the message is sent that our children’s spaces aren’t a priority.
When decisions are made amid budget uncertainty, the risk of unseen trade-offs grows—programs may shrink, supports may be delayed, and the most vulnerable students (first-gen, minority, underserved) may feel the impact first.
Our call to action
We believe in the power of community voice, and we believe the village must show up. Here’s what we propose:
Support and uplift our educators — Encourage local leaders to advocate for meaningful salary increases, better working conditions, and investments in staff who serve our children.
Demand transparency & accountability — Ask for clear reporting on maintenance spending, program reductions, staffing changes and how budget decisions will affect student outcomes, especially in schools serving Black, Indigenous, immigrant and first-generation student populations.
Mobilize our families, youth and partners — Host a town‐hall, school-circle or community meeting to review the budget implications, invite parents, students and teachers, and craft a shared action plan for monitoring and advocacy.
Elevate student voice — Our youth must be part of the conversation. Create platforms where students in our communities express how school funding, staffing, and environment affect their experience. Roots of Wisdom Scholars can help host or facilitate.
In closing
Education is a communal promise. It’s not just about classrooms, worksheets or test scores—it’s about purpose, dignity and the trajectory of our next generation. As a community rooted in resilience, heritage and liberation, we must insist that our schools reflect our highest values: respect, investment, care and excellence.
At Roots of Wisdom Scholars, we rise when our village rises. We will partner, organize, advocate and act so that every child, every educator, and every school in our circle has the resources, respect and space they deserve.
Stand with us. Engage with us. Let’s demand that our schools reflect the bold, beautiful future we know is possible.
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