DPI struggles with teacher licensure system amid widespread software issues

Union County Public Schools is grappling with significant challenges related to the modernization of the licensure system, which is impacting teacher pay and administrative processes. During the Finance Committee Meeting held on February 25, 2025, officials expressed concerns that the issues are not isolated to their district but are a statewide problem affecting many local education agencies (LEAs) across North Carolina.

The modernization efforts have led to communication breakdowns between the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and software vendors, leaving finance officers struggling to ensure that teachers are compensated accurately based on their licensure status. The complexities of tracking various qualifications, such as years of experience and advanced degrees, have compounded the difficulties.

Officials highlighted that DPI's response has been to place the onus on individual districts to resolve these issues with their respective software vendors. However, with all districts facing similar challenges, the effectiveness of this approach has come into question. Many processes are currently being handled manually due to a lack of resources at DPI, which has led to delays and potential errors in financial reporting.

As the end of the fiscal year approaches, finance officers are particularly anxious about balancing budgets and ensuring accurate payroll. The meeting underscored the urgency of finding solutions, with representatives noting that they are part of a select group of four districts working closely with DPI and vendors to test potential fixes.

The Finance Committee remains committed to navigating these challenges, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration among finance officers to address the ongoing issues. As they work towards a resolution, the implications for teacher compensation and district budgeting remain a pressing concern for Union County Public Schools and its stakeholders.