Topic: Should NC break up large school districts?
The General Assembly is exploring breaking up the state’s largest school districts. At the same time, a bill introduced last year would allow two communities outside Charlotte to create a system of separate public charter schools for their residents. This week we explore what’s next and the possible impact on school districts, students and the state.
Guests:
Monika Johnson-Hostler, Chair, Wake County Board of Education
Rep. Chaz Beasley (D-Mecklenburg)
Mark Dorosin, Co-Director, Julius L. Chambers Center for Civil Rights
RESOURCES
EdLines
Rural school districts adding armed volunteers
https://wunc.org/post/some-nc-schools-want-more-officers-patrol-hallways-not-everyone-thinks-it-s-good-idea#stream/0
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article205996944.html
https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2018/03/30/henderson-county-aims-first-north-carolina-have-armed-forces-schools/433524002/
Teacher recruitment a challenge in Eastern NC
https://publicradioeast.org/post/teacher-vacancies-hard-fill-enc
Teacher walk-outs spread
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/it-just-hurts-my-heart-low-pay-big-classes-are-the-plight-of-oklahoma-teachers/2018/03/30/e5e10eb8-2c88-11e8-b0b0-f706877db618_story.html?utm_term=.12a10b13735c
https://www.salon.com/2018/03/30/red-state-teachers-strike-back-after-west-virginia-educators-speak-out-in-kentucky-oklahoma/
Interview Segments
News coverage on school district break-up efforts
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article207154739.html
https://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2018/03/29/charlotte-meck-split-school-district-secession-idea-draws-heavy-criticism-from-integration-proponents/
https://www.wral.com/editorial-legislature-s-policies-are-making-our-public-schools-more-segregated/17452953/
https://www.ednc.org/2018/03/29/research-on-optimal-school-district-size-provides-few-answers-for-district-division-committee/
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/education/article206218814.html
I’ve been working as a sub/part time teacher in Wake County for years. The original plan to break up Wake County Schools came from an out of state guy voted onto the school board from Apex. He grew up with ISD’s and thought that would be good for his area, since the local tax money would stay in Apex, instead of being distributed all over Wake County. He was voted out of office. My son and family live in Texas where they have ISD’s. Most are segregated, and not doing well. Rich folks send their kids to private schools.