Gov. Perdue warns of “generational damage” to education

Aug 1, 2011

The state of North Carolina is facing a $2.5 billion deficit and the state’s new Republican legislature, which has committed to reducing spending, is looking to make cuts.

Knowing that over half of the state’s budget is allocated towards education, there is no doubt that some of the strongest cuts will come from this sector and many are worried that it could be to the detriment of the state’s entire educational system.

According to Governor Beverly Perdue, the state is now ranked 49th in terms of how it funds public education under the new budget cuts and many school officials are claiming that there will be numerous shutdowns of early-childhood education programs and teacher layoffs.

With such massive cuts looming, the Center for a Better South questions whether or not the most appropriate budget cuts are being made in a state once celebrated for its commitment to educational reforms that have yielded higher test scores, higher graduation rates and first-class teacher training programs — all things encouraged in our Agenda for a Better South.

Education Cuts Squeeze North Carolina Teachers – (NPR)