CBC editorial: Thursday, February 22, 2024. #8910
The following is the opinion of Capitol Broadcasting Company.
“Be careful. When they say it's not about the money, it's about the money.” It's an expression often used in political and government circles.
The truth is, in this case, it's not about the money. But it's about what specifically needs to be done, which is to ensure that all children have access to an education, no matter who their parents are, no matter what school district they live in or where they live in North Carolina. What kind of programs, personnel, and materials are needed to make this happen? Quality education in public schools.
There is no question that North Carolina is failing in its constitutional obligation to ensure that our children have access to a quality education. The agreement between the plaintiffs and the defendants was reached after more than a quarter of a century of extensive investigation and review overseen by law enforcement authorities, stemming from a lawsuit filed 30 years ago.
The plaintiffs were parents, students, economically disadvantaged small rural school districts, and wealthier urban districts dealing with the burden of the special needs of poor and minority students.
The defendants were the State of North Carolina and the State Board of Education.
In 2017, the state and the plaintiffs, under the direction of the court, agreed to have an independent consultant examine the state of public education in the state and develop recommendations to ensure that all children receive a quality education. West Ed collaborated with North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation and other education experts to develop “Sound Basic Education for All: An Action Plan for North Carolina.” Key elements include: Attracting, preparing, supporting, and retaining educational leaders. Recruit and retain well-prepared teachers in every classroom. Teacher development and support. Ensure all children have access to well-prepared educators. Promote teacher retention and provide a teaching and learning environment that supports student health and well-being. Provides an effective measure to evaluate student performance with respect to accountability and compliance with federal law.
The conclusion also provided an estimate of the costs of implementing a comprehensive relief program.
But that was then. Just weeks after new justices joined the court, including his son, the state's most powerful Republican, legislative leaders filed a motion to block implementation of the plan.
Today, the state Supreme Court will hear arguments from lawmakers who say the issue is not about quality education, but whether the court can order the Legislature to spend $700 million in a certain way. It is.
The point of action is not about money — Congress has money. Legislative leaders directed that nearly the same amount of unaccountable taxpayer funds be spent to support private schools in the form of vouchers.
It's about supporting our public schools and fulfilling our promise to North Carolina's children, as required by our state constitution.
It's not about party or family loyalties.
The Supreme Court must defend the future of our state and quality education in every classroom and school.