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Members of the NC Senate failed on Monday night to override the Governor’s veto of a bill that would have required school districts to offer some type of in-person learning for students. Senate Bill 37 (S37), however, was revived through a parliamentary procedure and vote by the Senate Wednesday afternoon and then was re-referred to the Senate Rules Committee, where it remains viable.
State lawmakers this week approved a $1.7 billion package to spend federal COVID-19 money and make other pandemic-related policy changes. House Bill 196, which was introduced Monday, quickly moved through several House committees Tuesday afternoon ahead of gaining unanimous approval on the House floor Wednesday. The Senate Appropriations Committee took the bill up this morning, and then that chamber gave final approval to the package this afternoon.
The state is well-positioned for a school capital bond, according to a presentation shared by legislative staff with the House Capital Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. Speakers from the Fiscal Research Division and the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) noted the 2021 Debt Affordability Study states $3.22 billion in General Fund debt could be issued next fiscal year.
State Superintendent Catherine Truitt on Wednesday outlined for the Senate Education/Higher Education Committee her top priorities and goals for reforming and improving North Carolina’s K-12 schools. The presentation was her first official address to a legislative committee since taking office in January.
NCASA recently approved legislative and education policy priorities to support the organization's 7,000 members on the attached initiatives critical for the success of our school leaders and the 1.4 million students you serve. NCASA will continue to work with our state General Assembly, Governor, State Board of Education, and other policymakers to make these initiatives a reality for educators and school leaders across the state. We need your help in sharing these same goals and objectives with your local House and Senate delegation and seek their support in moving them forward in the legislative session that begins Jan. 13.
