School leaders react to state budget

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — School leaders spoke out about the planned state budget. Tuesday the New Hanover County School Board got an update on the budget. Superintendent Tim Markley shared his thoughts.

He said they anticipated many aspects of the budget. This includes schools across the state seeing raises for beginning teachers and driver’s education courses being funded for two years. ‘

While Markley said these are good parts of the budget, he has some concerns. He said he would rather all teachers get a raise instead of just a bonus.

He also voiced his concerns about the increase in funding for private school scholarships or vouchers. The planned budget provides $6.8 million in year one and $14 million in year two for school vouchers. Lawmakers increased funding for these opportunity scholarships by 129% over two years.

“Public schools receive state money and we are held accountable for those funds. There are performance measures that we meet, those grades are public but we are going to turn around and give that money to private schools who don’t have to meet those standards, so that’s my biggest concerns with vouchers,” said Markley.