Issue Position: Our Education - The Lucas & Parker Education Plan

Issue Position

Public Schools in our district need adequate funding to provide our children with the education and tools they need to compete upon graduation. We must work to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. Let's pay our teachers what they deserve, expand free Pre-K, and fully restore our Teaching Fellows Program.

In Education Week's 2019 Quality Counts report, North Carolina was ranked 37th for K-12 public school quality, receiving a "C-" grade and a score of 72/100. In the three categories of Chance for Success, School Finance, and K-12 Achievement, North Carolina consistently received scores below the national average, including ranking 48th in the nation and receiving an "F" grade for school spending. According to the most recent data, North Carolina spent over $3,000 less per pupil than the national average. North Carolina currently needs an estimated $8 billion to address facility costs for their public schools. Current funding proposals--a statewide $2 billion bond and a Senate-backed $2 billion school construction fund--do not meet this need in full. Counties spend $3 billion on instructional expenses or 24 percent of the total share of federal, state, and local dollars. Further, as of March 2018, North Carolina had 50,742 eligible children on the waitlist for early childhood education and child care assistance vouchers.

Children also face challenges of racial inequity in North Carolina. According to the most recent data, across the state, black students were over four times more likely to be suspended from school than white students. Here in Durham County, black students are almost ten times more likely to be suspended than white students. Studies show that suspension is a key factor in the school to prison pipeline, along with school-based arrests and lack of school funding.

In North Carolina, the state base teaching salary is $35,000--less than the amount needed ($39,600) to afford housing in Durham. Including the local teaching supplement, that amount increases to $39,900--just barely enough to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in Durham. The average base salary for teaching assistants is $23,546, compared to $23,262 for custodians. Further, North Carolina school employees have to work with less staff than the national average. In North Carolina, there is one school nurse for every 750 students, meaning school nurses serve 48% more students than the federal standard. Additionally, there is one school social worker for every 1,427 students, meaning social workers are serving over three times more students than the federal standard. The state also employs one school counselor for every 350 students--100 more students than the nationally recommended 1:250 ratio. In our district, 36% of students in public school meet proficiency standards for their grade level in reading and 35% meet mathematics proficiency standards. Yet, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks among the top five public universities, and North Carolina has been applauded as one of the best states to go to college.

Natalie Murdock is a product of North Carolina public schools--from kindergarten to college. She takes pride in her North Carolina education, and she is committed to ensuring this state provides all children the opportunity to get the best education possible.

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