NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN February
2018
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 48, No. 6
“Stop the Class Size Chaos!”
“We Want It Fixed!” was the rallying cry of NCAE members, parents, and public education supporters to the class size fiasco during a recent rally on the Halifax Mall in Raleigh. They braved bitter cold temperatures to let the General Assembly know they have dragged their feet long enough! Without additional funding for classroom space, many schools will be forced to place K-3 classes in alternative spaces like trailers and cafeterias. Also, class size may have to be increased in grades 4 and above. “We need to reinvest in public education in North Carolina – return us back to that leader in the Southeast, where everyone moved to from around the country because they wanted to put their children in North Carolina public schools,” said President Mark Jewell during a press conference at the General Assembly to address class size. “We can get there, but we need to have the politicians in there who support our children and public education!” If the state is going to get serious about reducing class size, a strategic plan needs to be implemented and resources provided. Here are some facts NCAE hopes the Legislature will consider during the Short Session: • Educators and administrators need to be involved in the planning; it can’t be done haphazardly. • Most 4th and 5th grade teachers report having a class size of 30 to 40 students in middle and high school. This is having a negative impact in higher grades. Specials teachers are providing lessons from carts instead of classrooms. This is not the best way to support student learning. • There is a $300 million shortfall for funding teachers’ needs as it relates to class size requirements. • Some school districts are taking action as early as March to handle their
budget hits; we can’t wait until May to fix this issue. • Passage of a $1.9 billion school construction bond is important. It’s been more than 20 years since the state made this kind of investment. It will not completely solve the space needs with the class size requirement but it’s a start. • There needs to be a longer-term fix to the funding of specials teachers. Because of the class size chaos, every year thousands of these teachers are in fear of losing their jobs. • A strategic, multi-year plan to increase per-pupil spending to the national
average needs to be created. North Carolina is an unacceptable 43rd in the nation in per-pupil spending, more than $3,000 per student behind the national average. “Our students deserve better, and so do you as educators,” Jewell added. “Class size affects all levels of the public education spectrum. During this legislative session, we must be vocal and steadfast in our actions to let lawmakers know we have not forgotten a resolution is needed. We must continue to advocate for what is right to ensure our students receive the education they deserve.”
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4 1) John DeVille was one of several rally speakers; 2) NCAE and Public Schools First NC with parents and public school advocates get ready to meet with lawmakers; 3) Durham member Michelle Burton. 4) President Jewell and Vice President Moore attend a press conference on class size hosted by Senators Chaudhuri and Waddell; 5) Braving the cold to show support for fixing the class size issue were members Kristin Beller, Ronda Mays, and LeAnna Delph.