PROBLEM:

In 2009, approximately 63 percent of state budget dollars were spent on public education. Taxpayers provided $12 billion to fund schools, community colleges and the UNC college system. Despite years of ever-increasing budgets, most North Carolinians are less than thrilled with educational results. Standardized test scores remain at unsatisfactory levels. Low morale, broken pay raise promises, and an outdated pay system contribute toward high teacher turnover. Almost 30 percent of high school students fail to graduate after four years, and only 55 percent of UNC college students graduate in six years (John W. Pope Civitas Institute).

An increase in charter school, private school and homeschooling enrollments suggest parents want better educational opportunities for their children.  Still, many students lack access to quality public education.  What can be done?

SOLUTIONS:

• Allow more educational choices for students, and remove the cap on the number of charter schools allowed.
• Grant principals the power to reward teachers based on performance and results rather than merely time served.
• Focus dropout prevention programs to areas of highest need and create partnerships with local businesses
• On the college level, pass legislation to connect receipt of state aid to meeting graduation goals