South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper visited the Dorothy B. Johnson Pre-K Center as part of “The Year of Public Schools” education tour. The Governor highlighted the importance of public education in strengthening North Carolina’s communities, emphasizing the need for investments in early childhood education and teacher pay.

Governor Cooper stated, “The Dorothy B. Johnson Pre-K Center is creating a strong foundation for children in New Hanover County. We need to make meaningful investments in Pre-K and our public schools so students across North Carolina are given the resources to succeed.”

New Hanover County School Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust echoed the sentiment, saying, “Public schools are the cornerstones of our communities, and we are proud to have Gov. Cooper here to celebrate the dedication of our educators and the success of our students.”

Director of the Dorothy B. Johnson Pre-K Center, Dr. Karen McCarty, expressed gratitude for being part of a public school system that values early education, stating, “Pre-K is the foundation for school success and lifelong learning.”

The Governor's focus on public education comes in response to Republican legislators' policies that expand private school voucher programs at the expense of public schools. The budget enacted last year allocated $250 million to the voucher program, potentially leading to significant funding losses for public schools in New Hanover County.

Despite challenges, North Carolina's public schools have shown success, with high graduation rates and a significant number of students earning workforce credentials and college credits while in high school. The state also boasts the highest number of National Board-certified teachers in the country.

Governor Cooper's commitment to prioritizing public schools in his final year aims to ensure strong communities across North Carolina.