Public and Early Childhood Education

Public education is central to the success of this state and this community. Our current Republican supermajority is taking your hard-earned tax dollars out of our local schools to give to wealthy families in Raleigh and Charlotte so they can pay for private schools that their kids already attend. Wilson County's public schools are projected to lose $2.5 million because of Republican voucher schemes. Right now there are no guardrails against misuse of this money. In office, I co-sponsored legislation that would make voucher spending transparent because the families of North Carolina deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent.
 

Meanwhile, our teachers are being forgotten, we have shortages in school support staff and our children are paying the price. We know what our community schools can do when given a fair shot. I know because I am a product of Wilson County Schools. Our community needs strong public schools that value their teachers, encourage collaboration with parents and give our children the tools they need to succeed. 

However, that work begins long before a child enters Kindergarten. Early childhood education is an integral step to ensure our students are able to succeed throughout their educational career. As well as providing a base for learning, early childhood education is one of the leading anti-poverty efforts that we have. That is why I have sponsored legislation that would ensure early childhood education reaches every child across our state.

Through proper funding for public education, from early childhood to high school, we are making an investment in our future. While in office, I have been a tireless advocate for better funding for our public schools, including increased teacher pay, more school counselors and support staff, and expanded Pre-K programs. I will continue to fight for public education because public education is for all children.