Eric Reece
A friend of a friend contacted me about a nonpartisan group called Pastors for North Carolina Children.
After learning about their mission, I connected and have supported them. Pastors for North Carolina Children’s mission is to encourage churches across North Carolina to support their local public schools.
For a number of years, I volunteered in local schools as a tutor. Every time, they would pair me with someone who needed help with algebra.
After tutoring seventh grade algebra for five years, I almost understood it.
I believe supporting our public schools is one of the most important things we could do. They are the anchor institutions in our communities and a source of pride. They care, support and teach our children. They deserve our prayers and support.
Founded by the Rev. Suzanne Miller – who volunteers and serves on the PTA board of her children’s school – Pastors for North Carolina Children advocates for public schools. They believe public schools are not failing; but instead are underfunded, under-appreciated and undervalued, as a result of a push to privatize education in North Carolina. They call churches to support their public school neighbors.
I spoke with Rev. Miller and understood how state funding hasn’t kept pace with student needs, forcing our schools to go without services, supplies, technology, and facilities. This is especially true in the rural areas of our state, where districts struggle with having the resources to serve all the students’ educational needs.
Much of this is covered in the lawsuit Leandro v. North Carolina. In 1994, four low-wealth school districts in rural counties – along with parents and students – filed a lawsuit which contended that students were not being offered the sound, basic education required under the constitution of North Carolina.
The state appealed to the N.C. Supreme Court and in 1997, it was allowed to go to trial. In 2002, the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of Leandro. Later, they ruled the state must fund years two and three of the plan.
While the state has the money, much of the funding is still tied up in the assembly. It’s been three decades since Leandro was filed and our schools are still waiting for much needed funding.
Why do I believe this is very important? Under the Leandro plan, Graham County Schools would get an estimated 24 percent increase in state funding. This would provide salaries for more teacher assistants, counselors and support staff; plus much-needed supplies, textbooks and support for teachers would be funded.
I am excited to share that Robbinsville United Methodist Church is hosting “Building Bridges: Our Community Commitment to Transforming Public Education” at noon Monday, in the Graham County Schools Administration Building. We will be welcoming Rev. Miller to lead this conversation for Graham County.
Building Bridges aims to explore the current challenges and future opportunities for our public school system. Join us for this presentation and community conversation about how we can advocate for strong Graham County Schools that serve all children.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.