"North Carolina! Come on and raise up"

Raise Up by Petey Pablo

Hey Reader,

A Teacher Strike?

North Carolina educators have had it up to here- and they plan to strike this Friday, May 1.

Even if you don't live in North Carolina, it's important to watch teacher strikes. They tend to inspire educators to follow suit!

Here's what's been going on with education in North Carolina:

• ​NC did not pass a state budget this year to strategically prevent more funding going to public schools. This is a tactic that has been used repeatedly the last 15 years to prevent education funding. It effects more than educators / students; it impacts all North Carolinians. For example, the state Zoo can't open its new exhibit without the budget being passed.
• NC has historically underfunded schools. The Leandro Case which promised billions of dollars in funding to schools was recently overturned. This historical case originated from 1994, and has been in and out of court ever since. It was finally passed in 2022, and overturned a few weeks ago. It's been a 32 year fight with no results.
• NC teacher pay has slipped to one of the worst in the nation (46th), and since they will go another year without a pay raise, continue to earn less with inflation. Salaries are not competitive with any surrounding states. Teachers can easily drive across state borders to earn $10-15k more. Salaries are frozen for all educators from year 15 - 24.

What are they asking for?

Educators have called out from work May 1, so many have called in that at least 12 counties have already closed schools with more expected. Thousands are expected to gather in Raleigh for the Kids Over Corporations Rally. Here's what they are asking for:

Education Investment​
Increase school funding to at least $20,000 per student by 2030 (currently $13,680 which is more than $5k below the national average), improve facilities, provide free meals to students, add more health staff, and raise pay & benefits for school employees (including a 25% salary increase).

Tax Changes​
End corporate tax breaks and use that money for public services, eliminate private school vouchers, and adjust taxes so higher income individuals pay more. This is heavily related to the Leandro Case mentioned above.

Government & Rights​
Promote fair voting maps and protect voting rights, restore government checks and balances, allow collective bargaining for public school workers, and emphasize protecting constitutional rights while rejecting division and intimidation.

Natalie's Thoughts

You'll have to forgive me if my explanations above felt biased. These talking points are the reason why I quit teaching in North Carolina!

The state has the budget to improve schools tenfold, but does not allocate the money. Counties are pressured to raise extra funds to improve schools. However in a mostly rural state this is a hard ask for many counties. As a result funding and student opportunities for students vary widely in North Carolina.

Teachers in North Carolina are struggling. They work incredibly long days without breaks for low wages.

And if the teachers are struggling- imagine what support staff like teacher assistants, school secretaries, cafeteria staff, and janitorial staff are making. Many many public employees receive government assistance.

What do you think about this? Respond to this email to share your thoughts.

What's New?

🍎 Workshop Dates: Thinking about schools in Charlotte? The next workshop is this Thursday or attend the worksop Monday May 18 (early bird discount: EARLY10).

🚴 Little 500: Last weekend I went to Indiana University to watch the Little 500 Race. This epic 100 mile bike relay race is intense! The men's race ended with a huge and shocking crash (no one was hurt!) that took out the lead racers.

🐰 Pop Up!: I'll be at the Bunny Hive for a special mini workshop next Weds May 6. We will focus on the basics to understand preschool and elementary school options in Charlotte.

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Have a wonderful week!