Joint Legislative Task Force on Education Finance Reform

The Joint Legislative Task Force on Education Finance Reform met on Thursday, March 15 of this week, with the focus on charter school funding. Seven leaders from six charter schools gave their perspectives on existing state financing models and provided recommendations to improve the funding stream. Much attention was given to the need for access to capital funding for facilities and increased flexibility on eligibility for the Charter School Transportation Grant. Several charter school leaders discussed allowing the local county commissioners to provide money for capital expenses. The distribution of supplemental tax revenue that would follow the student was also discussed. All charter school leaders expressed their appreciation to the members of the task force for being given the opportunity to speak to them. Links to the committee presentations can be viewed here.

Birth-3rd Grade Interagency Council

The B-3 Interagency Council had its second meeting March 15 to discuss prioritization of work, committee structure and membership. The Council is a joint council between the Department of Health and Human Services (Co-chair, Deputy Secretary Susan Perry-Manning) and the Department of Public Instruction (Co-chair, Associate Superintendent for Early Education Dr. Pamela Shue) and consists of 12 voting members and four nonvoting advisory members. The Council’s charge is establishing a vision and accountability for a birth-through-grade-three system of early education.

After a discussion of where the council should focus its efforts, first it was determined that the DPI and DHHS co-chairs will return with the following information the council members requested: understanding of the funding and groups who deliver services, what children need to enter fourth grade successfully, update on the pre-k to kindergarten transition system, number of children in the pre-k and kindergarten system.

The next meetings will be scheduled for May and August. A joint website is being developed to provide information about the B-3rd Grade Interagency Council and future meetings dates.

HB 90 Changes to Education and Election Laws is now Session Law 2018-2

HB 90, also known as the “fix” for the “Class Size Requirements” bill, is now law.  This new law provides a transition into class size requirements that were outlined in HB 13 and provides funding for enhancement teachers.  A link to the previous newsletter that provides a more detailed overview can be found here.  

The North Carolina Constitution allows the Governor 30 days after adjournment of the General Assembly to act on a bill by signing it into law, vetoing the bill, or allowing it to become law without his signature.  On March 16, HB 90 became law without the Governor's signature. 

State Board of Education Vice Chair Buddy Collins Resigns

A.L. “Buddy” Collins, vice chair of the State Board of Education, has submitted his resignation from the Board to run for election to the Forsyth Board of County Commissioners. He stated in his resignation letter that he cannot do both at the same time. “Serving the State of North Carolina as a member of the State Board of Education has been an honor and privilege; and I am grateful for the opportunity to help improve education in our state,” Collins wrote. His resignation is effective when the Governor appoints his replacement or April 14 - whichever comes first.  Bill Cobey, Chair of the State Board, said, “It’ll be a big loss to the Board, and a big loss to me personally, because Buddy brought extensive experience in public education to the Board".  This sentiment is being echoed by education stakeholders around the state.  Buddy has been a valuable asset to the State of North Carolina and his talents and contributions will be missed.

See this link for a complete list of bills impacting K-12 education.