NCAE SBE REVIEW
Key Items from the December State Board of Education Meeting FAST NC Update:
Recognized the six North Carolina state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science and the two National Presidential Award Winners for Excellence in Math and Science. Recognized the eight 2018 Blue Ribbon Schools: ➢ Clement Elementary in Sampson County, ➢ Eastover-Central Elementary in Cumberland County, ➢ Glenn Marlow Elementary in Henderson County, ➢ Haywood Early College in Haywood County, ➢ Kitty Hawk Elementary in Dare County, ➢ Socrates Academy Charter School, The STEM Early College at NC A & T and, ➢ Gurganus Elementary in Craven County.
SBE Review
$78,000 has been donated to FAST NC by individuals and the NC General Assembly provided $35,000. The funds will provide supplemental aid to districts, students, and teachers that will not be met by other resources. Dr. Henry Johnston and Phil Kirk presented the first round of grants to the following: Duplin County - $14,000 for elementary instructional rugs; Onslow County, White Oak High School science equipment $14,000; and Pender County, $14,000 instructional supplies. There are over 30 partners assisting with raising funds for FAST NC, including groups such as Faith Communities collecting donations, NC Foundation for Public Schools, and Rotary Clubs. The Foundation for Public School Children was able to provide funds and replacement musical instruments lost because of Hurricane Florence to Jones Middle School. The instruments were provided in time for the band to march in the local Christmas parade.
ISD update: After much discussion and debate regarding an unfair time line, equity, legislation, and actions by Wayne County, the SBE approved the newest ISD school for 2019-20.
Here is NCAE’s statement regarding this action: Carver Heights Elementary should not be taken over by a for-profit charter operator, the community and educators don’t want it. We are grateful the State Board of Education recognizes that it should stay in the hands of the local board. The General Assembly put this Board in a terrible position with a flawed timeline. The Board should put as much pressure as possible on the General Assembly to ensure Carver Heights is operated by the local district with legislative fixes to block the Trump-DeVos style charter takeover. Wayne County has put forward a plan to turn this school around, similar to the other five possible schools that were not selected. NCAE calls on our elected leaders to ensure they have the resources to make sure every student has an opportunity to be successful.
NCAE
December 6, 2018