MONROE, N.C. -- Tuesday, the Union County School Board accepted the recently approved county budget, paving the way to rehire nearly all or all of 350 teacher assistants next month.

Last week, Union County commissioners approved a budget that included $1.65 million in additional funding for teacher assistants.

Combine that with $4 million in expected additional funding for the district from the state, and the entire group of K-2 teacher assistants can be rehired.

Incoming superintendent Dr. Mary Ellis said elementary school principals will receive letters this week to ask TAs whether they are planning to return.

"They are the backbone of our system, along with our teachers, and I hate that it's been that state of flux for them, but the main thing is the children, so I thank the county commissioners and the state and our board,” Dr. Ellis said.

The local and state budget also means that none of the Union County's 2,600 teachers will have to be laid off.