South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper visited Bethel Elementary School in Cabarrus County today as part of the "Year of Public Schools" education tour, delivering supplies collected from the Governor’s School Supply Drive. Accompanied by teachers, students, local and state education leaders, and elected officials, he highlighted the achievements of North Carolina's public schools and expressed concerns over the potential impacts of the Republican voucher scheme on rural communities.

The Governor called for halting state spending on vouchers for private schools until public schools are fully funded. Last week, Republicans in the General Assembly voted to expand the private school voucher program, increasing new funding for this year to $625 million. Governor Cooper also advocated for comprehensive funding for K-12 education, early childhood education, and teacher pay. He criticized Republican legislators for failing to make significant investments in these areas.

“Republican legislators are prioritizing taxpayer dollars to private school vouchers for the wealthiest North Carolinians over better pay for public school teachers," said Governor Cooper. “Schools like Bethel Elementary are providing wonderful opportunities for our students and they deserve substantial investments so they can continue to serve their community.”

Cabarrus County Schools Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki emphasized the role of public schools as community hubs: "Our schools serve as spaces where students can explore new ideas, build relationships, and discover their passions. They are places of inclusion, where diversity is celebrated, and where every child can find their voice."

Bethel Elementary School Principal Julie Barbee shared her personal connection to the school: "Not only am I the proud principal of Bethel, but I am also a proud product of this school and Cabarrus County Schools. Public schools create a level playing field for all members of our community, and they are undeniably successful."

Governor Cooper has declared 2024 "The Year of Public Schools." His FY24-25 budget proposal includes an 8.5% raise in teacher pay and over $1 billion investment in public schools while placing a moratorium on taxpayer-funded private school vouchers.

In Cabarrus County, 86.2% of school-aged children attend public schools. The county's high school graduation rate was 89% in 2023. Statewide, North Carolina has more than 24,000 National Board-certified teachers.

Despite these achievements, Republican legislators have expanded the state’s private school voucher program significantly over recent years. This expansion could result in a loss of over $2.1 million in state education funding for Cabarrus County's public schools in just the first year.

During his final year as Governor, Gov. Cooper remains committed to prioritizing public schools and engaging with communities across the state who believe that strong public schools lead to strong communities.

###