Education

McCrory in a state of denial

kbolton — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:04:46 -0600

Last Wednesday, during a media availability following a speech to educators in Asheville, Pat McCrory denied his numerous prior statements in support of private school vouchers, including one he made just 11 days earlier. McCrory also removed references to vouchers from his website immediately following the primary. During the course of his gubernatorial campaign, McCrory has repeatedly disregarded his previous campaign statements on vouchers and other issues.

“On private school vouchers, the lottery, and so many other issues, Pat McCrory thinks he can get away with saying one thing to one group and something else to another, but as a candidate for Governor he should be accountable for what he says and does,” said Bev Perdue spokesman David Kochman.

Gov. Easley To Receive National Education Association Award

admin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:51:15 -0600

Gov. Mike Easley will receive the “America’s Greatest Education Governor’s Award” sponsored by the National Education Association TODAY (Thursday), July 3 at 3:30 p.m. in Halls D and E at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001. To request media credentials, please call (202) 822-7823.

Perdue challenges McCrory plans that could create $1.2 billion hole in education budget

kbolton — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:11:36 -0600

In major speech, Perdue challenges McCrory support for vouchers, repeal of lottery

ASHEVILLE -- In a speech to the NC Association of School Administrators and Western Region Education Service Alliance's Summer Leadership Conference, Bev Perdue today challenged Pat McCrory's education positions that could create a $1.2 billion hole annually in North Carolina's education budget.

Citing McCrory's support for private school vouchers and repeal of the Education Lottery, Perdue said, "There are real differences between my opponent and myself on how to build a world class education system here in North Carolina... the combination of vouchers and the elimination of the lottery could blow a yearly billion dollar hole in the education budget. We can't afford that."

NCDP Statement Regarding 50th Anniversary of Integrating Public Schools

kbolton — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:37:58 -0600

Statement from NCDP Chairman Jerry Meek on the 50th Anniversary of public school integration in North Carolina:

“On behalf of the North Carolina Democratic Party, I would like to thank the trailblazers of public school integration.

It took courage for these students and superintendents to face each school day not knowing what kind of violence or humiliation might come their way. They stood firm in their conviction and because of them we now live in a state where children of all races can share the joy of learning and discovery together.

Difference on Vouchers

admin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:37:56 -0600

In case you missed it, Bev Perdue and Pat McCrory met for the first general election debate on Saturday, and viewers were able to see clear differences when it comes to our kids’ education.

The headline from the Charlotte Observer said it all: "McCrory and Perdue differ on vouchers," as Bev strongly declared her opposition to private school vouchers, which would take millions of dollars out of our public schools.

This was just the first of five scheduled debates, more than in any modern gubernatorial election in North Carolina, and we’re sure to see more sharp distinctions between the candidates each time.

Click here to watch the full debate.

Wednesday In Raleigh: Hagan Welcomes Teach For America Eastern NC Corps Teachers To The State

admin — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:45:58 -0600

State Senator and U.S. Senate Candidate Kay Hagan (D-Guilford) will welcome the 2008 Teach for America- Eastern North Carolina Corps teachers to North Carolina and talk with them about their commitment to education. Approximately 100 new teachers will begin serving this fall in the Durham, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Northampton, Vance, and Warren County schools, as well as the Weldon City schools.

WEDNESDAY
WHO: State Senator and U.S. Senate Candidate Kay Hagan
WHAT: Kay will welcome 2008 Teach for America- Eastern North Carolina Corps teachers to the state
WHERE: Peace College Kenan Auditorium; 15 East Peace Street, Raleigh
WHEN: 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Contact: Colleen Flanagan
Colleen@kayhagan.com
336-686-7053

Hayes: You need me more than I need you.

admin — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:59:31 -0600

That's what Robin Hayes said. Doesn't it make you see red? He told the Montgomery County Superintendent of Schools"You need me more than I need you."

Really, it is documented in two Montgomery Herald articles.

Hayes challenging " You need me more than I need you!" to a Montgomery County Superintendent , was a Robin Hayes most of us had never seen. It exposed him as the politician, much like when he switched his vote, not once but twice to help President Bush pass a bill that hurt workers in the 8th district by just one vote. This was the Robin Hayes who inspired high school teacher Larry Kissell to run for Congress in the first place.

Why bring this up? Yesterday Hayes visited Montgomery County to discuss education (before heading to a country club to raise money for his campaign) . Apparently, he found out that maybe he does need the people of Montgomery County now that he is down in the polls. For too long he has played politics rather than help prevent the problems the community faces.

Remember, it goes far beyond his hypocrisy on education issues. Only two other Members out of the entire House and Senate have more stock in companies making money off the war in Iraq than Robin Hayes. We all know he is consistently listed as one of the wealthiest Members of either the House or Senate, but his investment in the war is really shocking.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES LEARN AND EARN NAMED AMONG HARVARD’S TOP 50 INNOVATIONS IN GOVERNMENT

kbolton — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:28:03 -0600

RALEIGH – Governor Mike Easley today announced that North Carolina’s Learn and Earn Initiative has been named among the top 50 programs in the 2008 Innovations in American Government Awards competition sponsored by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School. The program was selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants to represent the best in government innovation from local, county, city, tribal, state and federal levels. The top finalists will be announced in June and will compete for a $100,000 award.

McHenry Says No to Making College More Affordable

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:16:33 -0700

McHenry Votes Against Tuition Relief for Over 160,000 North Carolina Students

Daniel Johnson, a Congressional Candidate in North Carolina’s 10th District, criticized Rep. Patrick McHenry for voting against the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. McHenry was one of only 58 House members to vote against the bi-partisan bill that makes college more affordable for middle class and low-income families. The bill received the support of both Democrats and Republicans from North Carolina.

“This was a great opportunity to rise above partisan bickering and provide much-needed tuition relief for thousands of North Carolina families,” said Johnson. “But once again, the current representative chose party politics above the needs of his constituents.”

The bill would increase loans and Pell grants to North Carolina students and families by $351 million over five years. Over 160,000 North Carolina students would benefit from the bill’s $500 increase in each Pell grant.

Gov. Easley Proclaims January As Mentoring Month

admin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:18:07 -0700

Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed January as Mentoring Month to encourage North Carolinians to become mentors and to recognize those already involved in mentoring. The effort is part of National Mentoring Month. The theme for this year’s national observance is “Share What You Know. Mentor a Child.”

“Research demonstrates that young people who are mentored are more likely to succeed in school and are less likely to engage in violent behavior and drug use,” said Easley. “I encourage North Carolinians to volunteer their time to help build a stronger future for the more than 500,000 children in our state who need an adult mentor.”

The annual “Thank Your Mentor Day” will be held on Jan. 24, when citizens are urged to thank and honor their role models. Participants may also post a tribute to their mentors and learn more about becoming a mentor on the campaign website, http://www.whomentoredyou.org.