FROM STAFF REPORTS

Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Jeff James on Tuesday publicly criticized N.C. lawmakers for diverting taxpayer money to private schools and for failing to significantly increase teacher pay.

Jeff James

During a Tuesday afternoon meeting with the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, James took issue with the N.C. General Assembly’s decision to spend $500 million to pay for Opportunity Scholarships. Parents who want to send their children to private schools can apply for vouchers ranging from approximately $3,000 to $7,000, based on household income.

“It’s not fair,” the superintendent told the board. “You’re actually supporting people who are more than capable of paying for a private education. It’s a tax break. So let’s be honest with each other. It’s a way to give your constituents money back at the expense of public education.”

Private schools are not subjected to many of the state and federal regulations as public schools. They are not required to provide transportation for students or administer and report standardized test scores. They can also choose which students to accept.

The money that the Republican-controlled legislature has earmarked for private school vouchers — which will increase to $800 million annually by 2031-2032 — could be better spent supporting public schools, James said.

“Our elected officials chose not to fund teaching so with this current budget we will once again be 49th or 50th in the nation when it comes to what we pay our teachers,” he said.

“I truly believe what you put in you get out. I’m pretty sure we don’t want the lowest paid people in society teaching our kids. And that’s pretty much where we’re at in the State of North Carolina. It’s a sad time,” he added.

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