The proposed NC Senate budget provides significant cuts to both teacher assistants and North Carolina Pre-K.  The budget cuts 2,400 slots from the North Carolina Pre-K program and cuts an estimated 4,580 teacher assistant positions.  The budget also cuts master’s supplement pay for teachers beginning in 2014-2015.  Pay will not change for teachers who are receiving the supplement prior to 2014-2015.  In addition, the budget repeals the law that provides class size maximums for K-12 classes. The budget includes additional State support for Teach for America and provides merit pay for teachers, which will allow superintendents to provide a $500 annual pay raise