Teachers talk priorities during luncheon

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Principals, teachers, and state legislators break bread while tackling the big issues in the classroom across New Hanover County.

The 6th annual legislative luncheon gave state lawmakers and educators the chance to talk about priorities for the new year Wednesday afternoon.

“You know, everyone in that education community whether they are a teacher. A principal. An administrator or whatever has something that’s near and dear to their heart. And it’s their opportunity to grab one of us. Or to grab someone like Michael Lee. And to say I’d like to talk to you about my program. Or my issue that I think is very important,” New Hanover County Commissioner, Patricia Kusek said.

Superintendent Tim Markley discussed key issues like increasing teacher pay, funding for pre-K, and calendar flexibility.

“We want them to obviously know what our priorities are which we’ll outline. We also want them to have conversations with some of the folks in the field. So there’s a principal and a teacher at each of the tables with those elected officials who can talk about the impact of the decisions that happen both here in the county and in Raleigh,” Markley said.

All of which are issues Senator Michael Lee plans to work on.

“Some of the things that we’re really looking toward from a priorities perspective is raising teacher pay. We’re also looking at the allotment formula. How we fund education in North Carolina. And make sure that it’s fair and adequate across our state. And in particular for New Hanover County,” Lee said.

Building relationships, communication, and a better educational system, that’s what educators and lawmakers hope to do each year.

Aside from discussing priorities, school leaders also thanked legislators for a $1 million grant they secured to help open a career-technical education high school this fall.