Gov. Roy Cooper signs revised HB13

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY/AP) — Late this afternoon, Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB13 in order to keep educators in classrooms and prevent a budget crisis in schools across the state.

Earlier today, the General Assembly gave final approval to ease class-size mandates in early grades next fall after North Carolina school districts said meeting even lower maximums would mean layoffs and crowded classes in other grades.

The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday for the compromise announced this week by Senate Republicans and a key school administrator’s group.

The proposal phases in previously approved average class-size numbers over two years. District leaders also will have to provide information about how money received for classes in kindergarten through third grade is used.

Districts spend some K-3 teacher funding for art, music and foreign language classes and said those instructors might be eliminated without a fix. GOP lawmakers say they’re committed to funding these “supplemental” programs in the future.