Wake County Superintendent Del Burns said in a message today that a teacher hiring freeze had been expanded to include middle and high school teachers and that all vacant teacher assistant positions will remain frozen indefinitely.

In his weekly video journal, Burns warned that without an approved budget from state lawmakers by June 30, school officials must be proactive and hold spending only to essential purchases.

"The final budget may set funding levels at a higher or lower level than the continuing resolution," said Burns. "And while we may have to make further changes after the school year begins, we are taking the steps we
need to be prepared for any result."

Burns added the measures include a continued ban on out-of-state travel.  Click here to hear the entire recorded message.