I would like to think that the proposed reduction in funds for dropout prevention grants – from $6.7 million in the Governor’s budget to $1 million in the Senate budget – had something to do with my latest evaluation of the grants. We’re going in the right direction, legislators.
On the other hand, I am very concerned about the possible transfer of $125 million of Corporate Income Tax funds (for school renovation and construction) to the State Public School Fund (for public school operating expenses).
In other news, Bill Harrison, State Board of Education Chairman and CEO [of something or other], isn’t happy about the Senate budget. In a press release, Harrison says,
I have major concerns that the Senate?s budget would invest $300 million less than the Governor?s K-12 public schools budget. Eliminating 6,200 teachers, forcing children into larger classes, and limiting the ability of public schools to provide needed services is the wrong direction for North Carolina.
