NC S718

Repeals Section 8.3(c1) of S.L. 2017-57 and revises principal salary calculations to use the 2018-2019 budget year salary schedules starting January 1, 2019, with school growth scores from 2017-2018 becoming effective that date.

Establishes salary floor protections for principals in 2019-2021: principals receive the greater of the new salary schedule amount, their 2016-2017 salary plus applicable longevity, or their 2016-2017 base salary.

Provides salary protections for high-performing principals who move to low-performing schools between July 1 and December 31, 2018, guaranteeing them at minimum the "exceeded growth" column salary for 2019-2021.

Modifies the definition of "demote" in G.S. 115C-325.1(2) to clarify that reductions in principal salary from declining school growth scores or decreased average daily membership do not constitute a demotion.

Establishes a 2018-2019 principal bonus program for principals in top 50% growth schools ranging from $2,000 to $6,000, with bonuses doubled for principals at D or F-rated schools, to be paid by October 31, 2018.