[slideshow_deploy id=’129319′]
Session began this last Wednesday, and I was pleased to be joined in Raleigh by a number of educators from the district who felt passionately about their classrooms and students. Sen. Danny Britt and I were both glad to have the chance to speak to them.
Education has been at the center of my mind the last several months. Following news about the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and a discretionary fund that Gov. Cooper established, the legislature quickly moved to make sure those funds were appropriated under our constitutional authority. You may recall that Robeson County was one of the counties that had funds directed to it, and will receive $7.5 million to help alleviate the new, reduced class size ratios.
In April I had the privilege to tour a number of local schools, and I was struck by the professionalism and commitment our educators show each and every day. While some of our facilities are in need of repair the positive attitude our educators and staff take to their jobs was tremendous.
Following the Parkland, FL shooting Speaker Tim Moore convened a select committee on School Safety, and I have been glad to be in the middle of our discussions for tangible steps we can take to improve the safety for our students. These visits were invaluable and have informed my decisions as we make recommendations from our select committee. One of the first pieces of business we took up when reconvening in Raleigh last week for session was to pass House Bill 933, which will make it easier for North Carolina schools to hire school psychologists.
With an increased emphasis on licensing school psychologist and investing in more School Resource Officers I am encouraged by the legislature’s commitment to improving safety in our schools.
There is still work to be done to continue to invest in our schools, and an upcoming raise of 6.2% for our educators this year is a positive step, marking the fifth straight raise for North Carolina teachers.
As short session begins to crank up, don’t hesitate to call or email our office.
About Author
