Issue Position: Support a Strong Public Education for Every Child In North Carolina

Issue Position

Schools. While our schools look different in our 100 NC counties, we need to ensure that every child is able to learn and achieve her highest potential in an environment that has all of the basic resources students, teachers and administrators need. Enrichment classes, such as art, physical education, and music should not be eliminated from the curriculum. Our children have a constitutional right to a free, public education. I greatly benefited from my NC public school education from elementary school through my two graduate degrees. I now have a child enrolled in public schools. I see the struggle for resources today that were not there in years past. From the state level, we must collaborate and strategize with counties to strengthen every school system in our state.

Students. Education is the great equalizer. Our tradition and reputation for providing the highest quality education has been slipping in recent years as a direct result of lawmaker's policy and funding decisions. North Carolina ranks 44th in the country in per pupil funding. ALL of our children need to be on the top of our priority list because they are our future workers, parents, and community leaders. Having a robust educational foundation supports current and future jobs and careers North Carolina needs.

Teachers. We must support and incentivize our teachers to do what they do best--educate our children. Teacher pay needs to be increased to at least the national average. They need flexibility to engage students to learn the critical thinking skills to succeed in our 21st century world. They should not be forced to teach to a test. Too often, teachers are underpaid, over-regulated, and overworked. They need to be paid a fair and competitive salary for their work and dedication to the ever changing educational needs of our children.

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