Giving more control over K-12 schools and state education policy to the superintendent has been one of the more controversial topics discussed by the committee created by House Speaker Tim Moore, (R-Cleveland), and led by Rep. John Torbett, a Republi
Greg Childress
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NC Supreme Court Issues Much Anticipated Rulings on Education Funding, Environmental Protection
After nearly three decades of litigation, Leandro case finally comes to a head as justices order lawmakers to fund a court-approved education improvement plan.
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NC Supreme Court Asked to Direct Lawmakers to Fully Fund Leandro Education Plan
At the conclusion of Wednesday’s oral argument, advocates supporting the plaintiff school districts called on the justices to order the disbursement of the necessary funds.
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NC Charter School Cited for Failure to Serve Students With Disabilities
Cardinal Charter Academy in Cary is managed by the national for-profit firm Charter Schools USA.
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State Education Leaders Advance Controversial New Teacher Compensation Proposal
State superintendent Catherine Truitt denies the plan she and other state education leaders support would introduce “merit pay,” but critics strongly disagree.
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Proposal Would Dramatically Overhaul How North Carolina Governs Its Public Schools
GOP sponsors push for an elected state school board, but Democrats warn against further politicizing public education.
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Budget Bill Puts NC’s Controversial School Voucher Program on Path to Dramatic Expansion
A big hike would come as traditional public schools are grappling with funding challenges and staffing shortfalls.
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Audits Show Lucrative Family Venture at Soon-to-Be Shuttered Charter School
Don and Cynthia McQueen were the two highest-paid staffers at Torchlight Academy, with salaries of $160,000 each in the 2020-21 school year. The McQueens’ daughter Shawntrice Andrews, was the fourth-highest paid with an annual salary of $65,000.
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State Senate Attempt to Override ‘Free the Smiles Act’ Veto Fails
Every Senate Democrat voted against the veto override, including two who had supported the bill that won bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Sen. Ben Clark, (D-Cumberland) and Sen. Kirk deViere (D-Cumberland), previously voted in favor.
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State Board of Education Agrees to Terminate Torchlight Academy’s Charter
The decision could leave the parents and guardians of 600 students in grades K-8 scrambling to find new schools in the fall. Many of Torchlight’s students live in Wake and surrounding counties.