Bev Perdue on Education North Carolina Governor-Elect

$400M federal funds for Ready Set Go! Initiative

Because we are not afraid to think differently and to demand more from our students and educators, we were recognized nationally as one of only 12 states leading the way in education reform. Career and College Ready Set Go! won us $400 million in federal Race to the Top funds and a spot on the lists of states to watch. So we are resetting state government, and resetting education. And we are also resetting the way we go after businesses--and the jobs they bring.

Raise teacher salaries; increase technology in schools

Bev is on the forefront of education reform in North Carolina, including:
• Raising teacher salaries and passing legislation to make North Carolina first in the nation in the number of nationally certified teachers
• Increasing technology in our schools through school connectivity and long-distance and on-line learning programs
• Sponsoring and co-sponsoring initiatives such as Smart Start, the Safe Schools Act, and the ABCs accountability program.

Supports character education & teacher-led voluntary prayer

Perdue indicates support of the following principles concerning education:
• Endorse teacher-led voluntary school prayer in public schools.
• Support sex education programs which stress abstinence.
• Increase state funds for school security (e.g. metal detectors, truancy officers).
• Perdue adds, “Focus on basic skills and character education.”

Supports charter schools & public school choice

Perdue indicates support of the following principles concerning education:
• Increase state funds for salaries of public school faculty.
• Implement charter schools where teachers and other professionals receive state authorization and funding to establish new schools.
• Emphasize local control of education as long as the school district meets state health & safety standards.
• Support a school choice program which allows parents to choose which public school their child(ren) should attend.