Agenda Item 3a - CHCCS and OCS Joint Legislative Strategy

Browse Search

Fiscal Accountability: NCSBA supports local legislation when a local board of education desires to transfer fiscal accountability to school boards—including the ability to raise revenue - so that they can be held accountable for all aspects of public education in that service area. This would allow NC school boards to operate similarly to over 90% of the school boards in the country. Virtual Charter Schools: The State Board of Education should be granted the authority to close a school participating in the virtual charter school pilot program for academic reasons. Opportunity Scholarships &Education Savings Accounts: Measures should be in place that allow parents to compare private schools receiving public taxpayer dollars with public schools. Among the options, require a nationally normed test approved by the State Board of Education for all eligible students in grades 3 and higher whose tuition and fees are paid in whole or in part with a scholarship grant. Guiding Principles During each legislative session there are always unanticipated bills introduced that affect public schools. The following are guiding principles NCSBA will use to evaluate legislation that is introduced during the legislative session. • NCSBA opposes any legislation that would violate federal laws or the state constitution. • NCSBA opposes any legislation that would require school systems to expend additional financial resources without the State providing those necessary resources. NCSBA also will continue to advocate for funding for currently existing mandates. • NCSBA opposes any legislation that attempts to diminish or take away local control and supports legislation that provides additional local control and decision making. • NCSBA supports legislation that creates safe environments for students and staff as long as it is consistent with the aforementioned principles. • NCSBA supports providing school districts with funds sufficient to guarantee full funding of all funding formulas. • NCSBA supports an efficient hiring system for employees that will provide a competitive salary and benefits package for all school employees. • NCSBA supports legislation, policies and initiatives that better prepare young children for success in the K-12 education system and in life.