RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolina Republicans have offered wide-ranging legislation that fixes anticipated class-size challenges in the public schools next fall, but it’s loaded with other provisions that give Democrats heartburn.
A bill negotiated by House and Senate GOP leaders unveiled Thursday would require classes in kindergarten through third grade to meet lower averages by the 2021-22 school year. The legislature also located $61 million to help districts pay for music, art and physical education teachers.
CMS issued the following statement following the announcement of the proposed legislation:
“Today’s announced actions on K-3 class size, support of art, music, physical education, world languages, and support of pre-K programs from the North Carolina General Assembly is a positive step forward for children and students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and across our state.
The voices of concerned parents, educators and elected leaders have been heard, and the district is appreciative of the work of NCGA leaders to find common ground and a data-driven, phased approach forward.
The district looks forward to continuing to work with parents and legislative leaders on the shared goals of reducing class sizes, closing achievement gaps, and providing the best education possible for all students.”
However, officials say the measure also would divert $57 million to be paid by utility companies wanting to build the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to public schools, instead of using it for environmental and economic projects as Gov. Roy Cooper’s office wanted. It also would rework a combined ethics and elections board that the Supreme Court struck down last month.
