NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN April
2015
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 45, No. 8
House Bill 738 Gives LEAs Flexibility in Use
NCAE-Backed Legislation Would Boost Textbook Fund for Students State lawmakers have filed legislation in the N.C. General Assembly that would infuse the state’s textbook fund with $76 million, a level last reached in 2008. House Bill 738 would give local school administrative units flexibility to use the funds for textbooks, other instructional resources or supplies, and equipment in the best ways to help students. The proposed legislation has bipartisan support with Rep. Craig Horn, Rep. Rick Glazier, Rep. Bryan Holloway and Rep. Marvin Lucas as primary sponsors. “Providing additional resources and giving local school districts the flexibility to use them in the best way to ensure our students are successful is critically important,” said Rep. Horn. “We must continue to find opportunities to get modern textbooks and technology in the hands of our children.” “One of the critical needs for school systems, parents and students across the state is a return of basic resources for textbooks, classroom supplies and digital materials, without which we hamstring teachers, hurt schools' capacity to educate, and seriously harm student educational opportunities,” said Rep. Glazier. “This bill is a major bipartisan CLICK TO SIGN TEXTBOOK PETITION
NC Textbook Funding: 2008-09 to 2014-15 Millions 125
100
75
50
25
0 2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Source: NC State Department of Public Instruction
effort, with NCAE assistance and leadership, to attack this resource deficit and substantially enhance student opportunity and achievement." In 2008, North Carolina’s textbook fund was $100.7 million and since that time has been cut more than 75 percent. “In addition to being an educator, I’m the parent of a sixth grader who has not brought a textbook home in years. I
2013
2014
Year
Compiled by: NCAE/GR, April 2015
know firsthand the challenges our classrooms and students are facing,” said NCAE President Rodney Ellis. “While we continue to transition to more digital resources, we cannot lose an entire generation of students by not providing them textbooks and other resources. This legislation will make a significant difference for students.”
Concerned About Education Issues? Make Your Voice Heard on April 28 at NCAE Lobby Day WHERE: North Carolina General Assembly, Raleigh DETAILS: Plan to arrive at the NCAE Center by 9:30 a.m. A briefing will be held prior to visiting the General Assembly. Professional dress is encouraged along with wearing NCAE buttons. SIGN-UP: Visit http://www.ncae.org/lobby-days/