Supporting learners of all abilities, educators, and support staff. Promoting strong public schools.
Supporting learners of all abilities, educators, and support staff. Promoting strong public schools.
My mother was a public school teacher for decades and I myself attended public schools growing up. I graduated high school in the largest school district in Arizona and now my son attends public school here in Chatham County. Public schools are the backbone of our community. They are place of exploration and growth for all students. They should be allowed to flourish, not be smothered.
It is important to remember that the State Legislature in NC has an obligation under the Leandro decision to adequately fund all of NC's public schools. Our legislature has abdicated that responsibility. I will work with the Board of Education members, our County Commissioners, and state groups to ensure our schools in Chatham County are funded the way they should be.
Chatham County has the best, and most passionate educators and support staff anywhere in North Carolina. And they deserve to be fairly compensated for their invaluable contributions. I will continue the work of the Board to retain our teachers and staff for the benefit of all of our learners.
We are so fortunate that Chatham County is offering free breakfast and lunch to all students this year. No child should be hungry at school. Students who are fed perform better. I will work to promote continuing this effort.
Through various initiatives in the County, we are promoting more STEAM learning opportunities which makes Chatham County students more well-rounded and ready to be a part of their larger communities as they leave school. STEAM is a wonderful investment in our learners and their futures and I will continue to promote these efforts.
Vouchers hurt our public schools. According to Public Schools First NC, voucher money spent in the 2024 voucher expansion could have instead been used to provide a 2.6% pay raise for teachers, hire 2100 school counselors, nurses, and social workers, provide 1 nurse per school, and add 27,000 pre-k spaces.