RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina General Assembly has officially adjourned until its budget-adjusting session next month, but not before a leading Senate Democrat criticized education reform legislation introduced by Republicans.

The House and Senate held perfunctory floor sessions Wednesday that ended in minutes and wrapped up a three-day mini-work session in which no recorded votes were taken. This week's meetings were set aside in case redistricting changes were needed.

Democratic Sen. Martin Nesbitt of Asheville spoke on the Senate floor before the gavel fell in the chamber. He argued the bill introduced Monday by Senate leader Phil Berger would take another step toward dismantling the state's public schools. The bill would end employment tenure for teachers and halt social promotion of third graders.

The North Carolina Chamber endorsed Berger's bill later Wednesday.