As the new school year kicks off, Governor Roy Cooper is continuing his initiative titled "The Year of Public Schools," emphasizing the importance of North Carolina’s public education system. The Governor is calling on the state legislature to prioritize substantial funding for public schools and to increase teacher salaries.
Governor Cooper's push comes as state lawmakers consider an additional $460 million in funding for private school vouchers, a move he criticizes. He argues that these funds should instead be directed towards public schools, where the majority of North Carolina's students are educated. Cooper's recommended budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year proposes over $1 billion in investments for public education, including an 8.5% raise in teacher pay and a $1,500 retention bonus for educators.
“Our public schools are home to hardworking teachers and students who deserve to be supported,” Cooper said, highlighting the achievements within the state’s public schools, such as North Carolina leading the nation in the number of National Board-certified teachers and achieving an 87% graduation rate in 2023.
The debate over funding reflects a broader discussion on the direction of education in North Carolina. While Republican legislators advocate for expanding private school vouchers, Governor Cooper and his supporters argue that strengthening public schools should be the state’s primary focus. The final decision on the state budget and education funding remains pending as legislative negotiations continue.
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