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Education Action Team

The Education Action Team focuses on the belief that high-quality public education available for all children is necessary to sustain our democratic way of life and the economic health of our state and its citizens. Equitable academic opportunities are critical for success. We believe that adequate funding is essential to provide and sustain such an education.

To accomplish this, the Education Team:
  • Supports public pre-K education programs as essential to successful education outcomes and the programs should be fully funded;
  • Supports highly qualified teachers as a necessary part of quality education;
  • Supports effective training, teacher support, professional development, and competitive salaries; and
  • Believes charter schools and private schools using Opportunity Scholarships and vouchers must be held to the same educational, accountability and transparency standards as traditional public schools since they receive public dollars.
Join the Education Action Team and Collaborate with others to support public education.

For more information contact the Education Team Co-chairs at education@goleaguego.org 

Education Advocacy

The LWVNC Education Team advocates to ensure every child in North Carolina is given the education they are constitutionally owed. We look forward to joining you in that effort.

  • Stay Informed!
  • Share Your Perspective!
  • Engage with Your Legislators!
  • Collaborate with Others on Advocacy Efforts!
  • Vote! Vote! Vote! 
Laura Cooper, co-chair of the LWVCM Education team, spoke at a recent public hearing on the budget. Here is a condensed version of her remarks:

"The LWV Education team closely monitors the progress of the schools. Teacher vacancies are down, and test scores show considerable improvement. This happened, in part, because county funds bolstered the school system's critical need to recruit and, probably even more important, retain experienced teachers. In recent years the General Assembly has consistently failed to meet its constitutional duty to fully fund our public schools. In 2011 North Carolina was ranked 27th in funding public schools. Today North Carolina ranks 48th, and, if you compare states in terms of their wealth (GDP), North Carolina is 49th.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has been choosing to use a significant amount of our tax dollars to fund what we all value in this county: education. And we--along with students, parents, and employers who are looking for an educated workforce—applaud the board for it. We know that our community’s economic future depends upon making sure that students are educated for jobs that pay a living wage.

CMS has made progress in improving student outcomes and is beginning to close achievement gaps. Based on end of year NC test results for 2023-24, there is good news:

· 146 (83%) of the schools met or exceeded growth; this is the highest number in CMS history.

· 108 schools earned a school grade of A, B, or C.

· The ­­graduation rate increased to (84%), with significant increases for Hispanic and Multilingual learners.

· More students were at or above proficiency in K-2 literacy, and, most significantly, there was a decrease in achievement gaps between white and Black and Hispanic student groups.

Our schools have strong leadership, viable strategies, and a district-wide focus on improving student outcomes.

As you consider the 2025-26 budget, keep in mind the significant impact county tax dollars has in attracting and retaining teachers and staff. The most important ingredient in student learning is having a qualified teacher in every classroom. Working together the county and school board can ensure that we keep the momentum going.”
Susan Harden, LWVCM Treasurer and former County Commissioner, also made an impassioned plea at the meeting.

TK

Education Action Research Reports

Executive Summary - NC Opportunity Scholarship Program

The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program raises concerns about accountability and transparency.   As the culmination of a 2-year study, the Education Action Team developed recommendations which, if implemented, will provide (1) assurance to the taxpayers that their money is being spent wisely and (2) appropriate school data for parents to make informed decisions about their children׳s education. The Team is proceeding with advocacy to implement these recommendations. Click below to read our recommendations or download the PowerPoint presentation.

Opportunity Scholarships: What Should Parents and Taxpayers Know? (NC Opportunity Scholarships Powerpoint.pptx)

Executive Summary - School Finance in North Carolina

 North Carolina is ignoring a constitutional mandate to provide an education system that meets the educational needs of all the students. Our concern is that by underfunding education today, the state is eroding the future intellectual capital necessary for a vibrant economy. Click below to review our School Finance in North Carolina PowerPoint and Report.

School Finance in North Carolina PowerPoint

School Finance in North Carolina Report
 

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