Governor Cooper Makes Important Announcement About Schools In North Carolina

Governor Roy Cooper recently made an important announcement about the education system in North Carolina...

Photo byNC DOT via Wikimedia Commons

Governor Roy Cooper recently declared a state of emergency in North Carolina over Republican plans to "dismantle public education." He also hosted a roundtable with superintendents, school board members, teachers, business leaders, and local elected officials to discuss the importance of investing in schools.

“It’s critical that people tell their legislators that investments in public schools and teacher pay are more important than billions of dollars for private school vouchers and tax breaks for the wealthy,” said Governor Cooper during an announcement. “As legislators put this budget together, educators, business leaders and school boards are letting them know the importance of strong public schools.”

"The benefits of a quality education are both personal and public for the citizens of Alexander County. Education contributes to economic productivity, strengthens our democracy and enhances the quality of life for individuals and all members of each of our communities,” said Dr. Jennifer Hefner, Superintendent of Alexander County Schools. “While unprecedented amounts of money are spent on public education in North Carolina, if you look at our system of financing public education, you’ll find it inequitable, ineffective and incoherent and I think our students/families deserve better.”

"The students in our public schools represent the future of our state, our local communities, and our economy. Our public schools exist to ensure that each and every child in our state is welcomed into a safe, positive learning environment where they can meet their full potential,” said Rob Elliot, member of the Buncombe County Schools Board of Education. “Our students and public school communities deserve our investment and our best efforts. Legislation that erodes this investment, such as the private school voucher bill, only serves to erode the success of our communities and our state as a whole. I encourage our elected officials in Raleigh to focus on the true needs of our students, teachers, and communities, and invest in the future of North Carolina by investing in our traditional public schools.”

According to a press release by the Governor's office, expanding school voucher eligibility to any K-12 student will force public schools, especially those in rural counties, to make funding cuts. But what do you think? Leave a comment with your thoughts. And if you think more people should read this article, share it on social media.