Teachers seeking change, taking a stand

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County teachers say, they’re taking a stand for public education.

Teachers dressed in red for the New Hanover County School Board meeting Saturday, February 15th.

They say they’re continuing in their fight for public education. Jenny Leeds spoke at the meeting, representing Ogden Elementary.

“We will not be bystanders.” Leeds said, “We are actively seeking change.”

The red-clad teachers are supporting the fight against a state law requiring districts give multi-year contracts and raises to 25% of teachers who must give up tenure.

“We believe that the bill is divisive and pits teachers against teachers.”

They’re opposing this mandate (senate bill 361) based on, what they say, are three flawed assumptions.

“One is that competition is key to improving schools, the second is that teachers can be motivated by cash incentives and the third, standardized test scores provide a reliable evidence of accomplished teaching.”

Leeds presented a petition signed by more than 98% of the school’s faculty and staff.

The school board is standing strong in support of the teachers. In December, they passed a resolution against the mandate, asking for a different plan.

They will continue supporting teachers with a meeting in Greensboro next Thursday.

School board chair, Don Hayes said,
“The larger school systems in the state are getting together … to express our concerns to the legislature.”