Our top priority in North Carolina public schools is our students. Our educators know that the most important place they can be on any school day is with the students who depend on them. Those educators also deserve to be paid appropriately for their incredible work that is leading to historic academic achievements for our state. When they are not receiving adequate compensation, it is important that their voices be heard.
The concerns being raised by educators are concerns I share: low pay, inadequate funding, the need for more support staff and resources. The Education Law Center's most recent Making the Grade report ranks North Carolina 50th on key measures of school funding, behind our neighbors and behind the national average. That ranking is consistent with a growing body of evidence from independent researchers and education organizations across the country. That ranking is not where North Carolina should be, given our economic strength, our talent and our potential.
I am hopeful that there is a path forward. Governor Stein's budget proposal, the State Board of Education’s and my legislative request, and the early signals from the North Carolina House budget leaders all point toward substantial investment in teacher pay and public education. I believe that the educators marching on May 1, as well as the educators in schools that day, are part of why those proposals are gaining momentum. I am grateful to all of them.