North Carolina Unveils Ambitious $4 Billion School Modernization Proposal
In an effort to revamp public education facilities, Governor Josh Stein and Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green took a tour of Hillcrest Elementary School in Burlington. Their visit highlighted the proposed $4 billion school bond aimed at overhauling aging infrastructure across North Carolina’s educational landscape.
Governor Stein emphasized the pressing need for modern facilities, stating, “Too many schools across our state are overcrowded or need repairs, which often hinders students’ ability to learn and thrive.” He stressed the importance of proper infrastructure and competitive teacher salaries to ensure a high-quality educational experience for students.
North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green echoed Stein’s sentiments, asserting that the school bond is a crucial investment in public education. “Our state is growing, and our public schools need the facilities and resources to be able to meet that demand and to successfully prepare each student for their next phase in life,” Green stated.
The proposed budget for 2025-2027 not only includes the $4 billion for modernizing school buildings but also initiatives to improve teacher retention and student welfare. The Office of State Budget & Management estimates a total of $13 billion is required to address all school facility needs statewide, reflecting the needs of an ever-growing population.
Beyond infrastructure, the budget seeks to make North Carolina competitive in teacher recruitment by proposing the highest starting teacher pay in the Southeast. It also aims to elevate veteran teacher salaries, enhance career pathways, and provide professional development opportunities.
To bolster student safety and well-being, the budget allocates resources for hiring additional school nurses and social workers, offering free breakfast programs, enhancing school security measures, and minimizing classroom distractions by limiting cell phone use.
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