Education
Commitment to Education:
Under my leadership, we have successfully secured multi-billion dollar increases in education funding, with $17.3 billion allocated for FY 2023-24 — a 6.1% increase, and $17.9 billion for FY 2024-25, marking a 9.5% rise. These investments underscore our dedication to strengthening North Carolina's educational system and supporting our students and teachers. During my time in the NC Senate, we have increased Education funding to New Hanover County by over $46 million.
School Choice and Reinvestment:
I strongly support school choice and led the expansion of the Opportunity Scholarship program to ensure that every family has the freedom to choose a school that best meets their child’s unique educational needs. Additionally, I created the Public School Reinvestment fund that reinvests savings from the Opportunity Scholarship program back into our Public Schools.
Teacher Support and Development:
I have aggressively supported and voted for teacher raises every year I have served in the Senate. In the 2023 budget, we increased starting teacher pay by 11% and raised average teacher pay by 7%. Created a $200 million state supplement allotment for teachers and instructional support personnel across North Carolina including New Hanover County. In addition to the across-the-board raises and state-funded supplement, there is $10.9 million on a recurring basis for salary supplements for teachers serving in advanced roles in districts participating in the Advanced Teaching Roles Program.
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Enhanced Professional Development and Leadership Opportunities:
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The ATR program is instrumental in providing meaningful career pathways for education professionals, allowing for advanced teaching roles that come with higher pay and leadership opportunities. This initiative not only attracts and retains top-tier educators by offering them greater professional fulfillment and financial incentives but also significantly enhances the educational environment. Teachers in these roles are equipped to mentor novices, lead instructional improvements, and drive school-wide advancements, which are crucial for improving student outcomes and overall school performance.
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Innovative Programs and Initiatives:
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Established the SparkNC Pilot for High-Tech Learning Pilot Program: This innovative program, a collaboration between SparkNC and public schools, offers a flexible, competency-based approach to earning STEM elective credits through modular, work-based learning experiences. This approach is modernizing education by focusing on practical skills and real-world applications, enhancing student engagement and equipping them for future high-tech careers.
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Created Career Academies for At-Risk Students: This initiative, a partnership between Cape Fear Community College, New Hanover County Schools, and Pender County Schools, engages underserved seventh to ninth graders in career and technical education on a college campus. It's designed to expose at-risk students to potential careers, supported by mentoring and financial aid, aiming to boost graduation rates and postsecondary success.
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Advocating for IDD Student Success: Led the effort to establish training programs at our community colleges, aimed at improving employment outcomes for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This legislation provides these students with access to micro-credentials and apprenticeships, enhancing their employability skills.
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Championed the creation of the first Renewal School District in the U.S., a pioneering initiative that allows schools the autonomy to innovate by providing them with enhanced funding and the flexibility to tailor curriculum, ensuring it meets the unique needs of every student.
Parental Involvement:
Sponsored and passed the Parents' Bill of Rights, strengthening parental involvement and oversight in their children’s education, health, privacy, and safety by requiring that public school units inform parents about their legal rights, student achievement, and health updates.
Strengthening School Health Resources:
Understanding the urgency of the mental health crisis among our youth, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, we have significantly enhanced the support available in our schools. The former School Psychologist Allotment has been expanded and renamed the School Health Personnel Allotment. This critical initiative not only reallocates 3,241 positions—including school nurses, counselors, and social workers—to better serve our students, but also funds an additional 120 new positions. With a total investment of $601.66 million over the biennium, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to the mental health support they need right at their school.