The Wake County School Board sent a letter earlier this month to Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens thanking him for devoting fines and forfeitures to the school system (PDF download here).
School board members decided to draft the letter in response to the scuffle over how former Speaker Jim Black settled half of a $1 million criminal corruption fine (Carolina Journal coverage of that here).
Judge Stephens had delivered a tongue-lashing to the school board after one board member, Ron Margiotta, raised questions about why the board was never informed of the deal prior to it going through.
The letter was signed by school board chairman Kevin Hill and dated August 4. The contents, in part:
Wake County Public School System is extremely fortunate to have been the recipients of fines and forfeitures granted through the courts. These resources are extremely valuable in supporting the education of our children.
As a Board, we hope you will continue to support education in this manner. The education of our children is one of the most important responsibilities of a community, and commitment such as yours has a positive impact.
