Raleigh, N.C. – While teachers and many citizens have had to cut back in a struggling economy, a new Civitas Institute analysis reveals overall salary and compensation for top North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) executives increased during the recession.
An analysis of tax returns from 2006 through 2009 reveals NCAE revenue increased from $10.1 million in 2006 to $11 million in 2009. In addition, since 2006 the number of NCAE employees has increased by 56 percent from 86 to 135. In 2009, NCAE spent $7.9 million on salaries, other compensation and employee benefits. Average NCAE salary and benefits equal $58,719.
For the years 2006-2009, total compensation for the top four NCAE executives increased by an average 24 percent.
“The trend lines certainly indicate considerable growth in compensation benefits for NCAE executives, and I wonder if NCAE members are comfortable with those trends,” said Civitas Institute policy analyst Bob Luebke.
As is the case with unions, teachers do not have much say over who they help in political campaigns as a result of their yearly dues. Records show that in 2010, NCAE contributed $172,950 to candidates. Contributions to Democrats totaled $170,650 while Republicans received $2,300. In addition, NCAE and the National Education Association (NEA) gave $1.8 million to North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue’s 2008 campaign. In order to be an NCAE member employees are also required to join and pay dues to the NEA.
“NCAE is fond of saying how their membership spans the political spectrum. If that’s the case you have to ask why such a high percentage of their contributions are focused on one party,” added Luebke.
To read the full article and see compensation comparison, click here. To schedule an interview, email Katie Trout or call (919) 834-2099.
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