RALEIGH – It’s a good thing state legislators might get a second chance to craft a budget for public education in North Carolina over the next two years. Because the $24 billion budget they put together for 2019-21 – and that Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed Friday – falls far short of what’s needed to retain… READ MORE
An underwhelming Senate budget
RALEIGH – At a time when demands for an educated workforce are only growing, the proposed 2019-21 budget the state Senate adopted last week reaffirms the Senate’s tendency to under invest in higher education. Senate leaders made great fanfare out of giving state employees a 5% raise over two years – yet inexplicably, they left out… READ MORE
The stakes are too high
By Emma Singletary BattlePresident/CEO, Higher Ed Works In a recent column titled “North Carolina ranks high in college funding,” John Hood reminds us that the N.C. Constitution requires that the benefits of our public colleges and universities “as far as practicable, be extended to the people of the state free of expense.” Hood acknowledges that between 2008 and 2018,… READ MORE
Reward all our teachers
RALEIGH (May 2, 2019) – The 2019-21 state budget the N.C. House is moving to approve this week continues to award healthy raises to K-12 teachers and makes some strategic investments in higher education, especially in the area of capital. But it doesn’t do nearly enough for our public colleges’ and universities’ human capital. House… READ MORE
Basnight’s vision
MANTEO – The dedication recently of the new Marc Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet1 brings to mind the visionary former state Senate leader’s passion not just for the Outer Banks, but for higher education. Partly because he didn’t go to college himself and considered it a shortcoming, Basnight became an ardent supporter of the University… READ MORE
Bonds the best way to address school construction
RALEIGH – Given population growth, demand for better-educated workers and a mounting maintenance backlog, construction needs for education in North Carolina are enormous. And bonds are the most reliable way to start addressing those needs. So far this year, state leaders have made three competing proposals to build education capacity: The state House approved a… READ MORE
John McMillan – Prince of a man
By David Rice Executive Director RALEIGH (Feb. 8, 2019) – We lost a prince Wednesday night. When you work with someone for seven years, you tend to learn their flaws, their foibles, their failings. Yet I simply can’t think of anything negative to say about John McMillan. John’s achievements were manifold: He served as counsel… READ MORE
2019 General Assembly: Step up education investments
RALEIGH – For the past two weeks, we’ve shared data that show how North Carolina is underinvesting in education.1 So as the 2019 NC General Assembly convenes today, there’s quite a bit state legislators could do for education in our state, from pre-kindergarten through the university. House Speaker Tim Moore has already proposed a $1.9… READ MORE
BOG buys time for a Silent Sam solution
CHAPEL HILL – Given the many factors involved – safety, cost, emotions and the law – the UNC Board of Governors made a reasonable call last week to put off a decision about the Silent Sam Confederate monument at UNC Chapel Hill and work toward the right solution.1 “The goal here is nothing less than… READ MORE
A university with its hands tied
CHAPEL HILL – Hardly anyone seems satisfied with a plan UNC-Chapel Hill officials unveiled Monday to move the Silent Sam Confederate memorial to a new history center the University has contemplated since 2015.1 But Chancellor Carol Folt and the University’s Board of Trustees have largely had their hands tied by a state law that places… READ MORE