NC local school superintendents seek statewide bond for construction

By EMERY P. DALESIO
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The CEOs of North Carolina’s 115 local school districts are asking lawmakers to let voters decide whether they want to borrow for overdue construction needs that taxpayers must repay.

The North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association on Tuesday unveiled its wish list for the General Assembly, which starts its new two-year session on Wednesday.

The group wants the first statewide bond referendum in nearly 20 years to help growing schools catch up on a building backlog estimated at billions of dollars.

Gov. Pat McCrory supported a statewide bond referendum in 2008 during his unsuccessful campaign for office. His spokesmen did not respond when asked his current position.

The superintendents also want expanded pre-kindergarten programs that prepare 4-year-olds for school work and more money-management flexibility.

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