RALEIGH - The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) issued the following statement today as state lawmakers reconvene in Raleigh take address additional aid for communities affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
“As lawmakers return to Raleigh today to consider more hurricane relief legislation, we strongly urge them to consider the centrality of public schools to the health and well-being of the people of Western NC. Since the rains ended, local public schools have continued to show their enormous value to the community. Lawmakers can support students and staff who have had their lives turned upside down and focus school recovery efforts in a way that uplifts Western North Carolina communities in need.
Gov. Cooper’s funding proposal makes great strides toward strengthening and rebuilding our local schools. NCAE has made specific recommendations around funding, school meals, and infrastructure. Working together we can recover stronger than ever."
- Tamika Walker Kelly, NCAE President
