The NC Council of Churches has a long history of supporting public education and recently recommitted to both support and advocacy for the state system of public schools. (See statement by clicking here)
This year, we join the North Carolina Association of Educators and other public school advocates in broadly advocating for five things from our elected leaders:
- Significant investment in per-pupil spending (just over $11,000/student) so our students have the resources to be successful.
- A multi-year professional pay plan for educators, education support professionals, administrators and all other school personnel. This plan must include restoration of compensation for advanced degrees and longevity. The plan must also stop the flat-lining of experienced educator’s pay.
- Investment in the health and well-being of our students with an education that focuses on the whole child, making each school a model that promotes resilience and improves the overall health of our communities.
- Passage of a Statewide School Construction Bond to fix our crumbling schools and large class sizes.
- Prioritize public education by aligning our tax code with our economic capacity.
To articulate and achieve these goals, the NC Council of Churches has created Faith Leaders for NC Children. This is a coordinated group of ministers, pastors, rabbis, and other leaders in faith communities who are willing to help educate the broader public about educational issues and to use their leadership positions in communities across our state to advocate for public schools. FLFNCC seeks to build a deep and wide legion of supporters who are willing and able to act when the need arises. Members will commit to contacting elected officials when asked to take a stand on issues related to public education that fit into the scope outlined above.
