Superintendent, parents discuss challenges facing local schools

WILMINGTON, NC. (WWAY) — The school year is just a few weeks old and New Hanover County parents are already sending the superintendent’s office their report card for the 2013 school year.

“Teaching isn’t like it was 40 years ago where you sat in a row it’s a multi-dimensional kind of approach,” said Superintendent Tim Markley. “You’ve got a lot of technology and we have a lot of competitors out there. If we’re not doing our job there are charter schools and private schools that give parents options so we want to make sure that public school is still the best option for students.”

The library at Ashley High School was transformed into large parent teacher conference but this time it was the school system eager to find out if they were making the grade.

“He listened to questions about communication throughout our school system to our volunteers being in our school system to having that connect because we are all here to educate our children,” said Teresa Sherrill.

Sherrill has had four children go through the New Hanover County school system and she says there is ultimately one reason her kids stay in public school.

“The teachers,” said Sherrill. “I think the teachers and the education that they’re receiving, from teachers that are going back to get their masters to the teachers that are just coming in and being integrated into our school system and I see their eagerness.”

Teachers that Superintendent Markley admits are becoming more difficult to retain in the ever changing world of education.

“We’re a growing system we’re one of the largest systems in the state,” said Markley. “We’re dealing with budget issues in terms of teacher pay. All and all I’m very pleased with the start of the school year.”

Dr. Markley will hold two more question and answer sessions with parents with one being at Gregory Elementary on Wednesday, and the last being at Laney High School on Thursday.