NC school leaders set the right funding agenda

The state’s finances are certainly strong enough to warrant what school superintendents have requested from lawmakers: a restoration of funding for public schools to pre-recession levels.

The superintendents know it’s an uphill fight. Republicans who control the General Assembly have treated public education shabbily, from shortchanging funds for programs to continuing to pay teachers at a level that puts them 42nd in the nation. Yes, there have been raises, but they have been inadequate.

Darrin Hartness, Davie County superintendent, said that schools are getting less overall for teacher assistants, textbooks and supplies and that counselors, nurses and social workers are being reduced in number.

Meanwhile, the superintendents say, tax dollars spent on private school vouchers and expansion of charter schools are draining funds from conventional schools. GOP lawmakers aren’t interested in hearing that, preferring to play to their conservative base, one that wants to blur the lines, for example, between church-affiliated schools and public schools.

The recession is behind us, though many North Carolina families are struggling. But why must lawmakers continue to act as if the public schools are some kind of annoying line item on the state budget? The schools have helped North Carolina to grow and prosper – in fact, they may be the single most significant factor in the state’s prosperity. They deserve respect and full support.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 7:11 PM with the headline "NC school leaders set the right funding agenda."