As the final work begins on the state budget, some education bills have been incorporated into broader bills, including but not limited to the Senate Budget bill. For example, HB 944 (the voucher bill) has been incorporated into SB 402, the Senate's big budget bill. Legislation that would give bonuses to AP and IB teachers has also been rolled into SB 402. As of now, the Senate still plans to eliminate 4,500 teacher assistants, while the House cut to TAs is significantly less dramatic.
If you want to make your voice heard, now is the time to contact your representatives in Raleigh. There are still many budget details that need to be worked out. This year, we have effectively worked with legislators to stop bills that would have eliminated school boards’ authority to dispute county funding and redirected other legislation that would have resulted in a county commission takeover of school property. Our voices have been heard on these issues.
CMS and its governing Board of Education have listened to its students, employees and community members. We continue to work towards keeping as much funding for teacher assistants as possible in the state budget, strengthening the statewide infrastructure of public schools financially and otherwise, and supporting other pieces of legislation that benefits public school students and employees in tangible ways.
