CHARLOTTE (February 5, 2026) – ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas doesn’t hesitate to share opinions. And he has thoughts about how North Carolina treats its public school teachers.

In the accompanying video, Bilas recounts how he and his wife raised their children here and sent them to North Carolina schools, living in Charlotte for the past 33 years.

“I’ve always believed that teachers are the number-one factor in determining any student’s success. And they deserve better pay here in the state of North Carolina,” he says.

“And I think right now, frankly, our state is dropping the ball with regard to teacher pay.”

“We’re just 43rd in the nation in teacher pay, and North Carolina, frankly, can do better,” Bilas says.

“Strong schools build strong communities, and fair pay for our teachers is a game-winner,” he says.

“We need to fund our schools. We need to pay our teachers what they deserve. That’s how North Carolina students win, and that’s how North Carolina wins.”

Why can’t North Carolina legislators – who haven’t yet mustered the votes to pass a state budget for 2025-26 – understand that? In particular, what’s the problem with the state Senate – is it a problem of leadership?

If it is, do something about it.