The N.C. teachers association is hitting Republican Pat McCrory for his support of a charter school company being investigated in Florida for using uncertified teachers and asking school employees to hide the practice.
The company under fire is K12 Inc, a for-profit, publicly traded company. Earlier this year, McCrory singled out a school being proposed by the company during a speech in Asheboro. “I am a firm believer in competition and support charter schools," McCrory said, according to local reports. "I am supporting a virtual charter school in Concord."
K12 Inc. is facing national scrutiny and lawsuits about its educational rigor, the most recent being an inquiry launched earlier this month in Florida after documents showed that company officials asked teachers to take credit for classes and students that they didn't teach.
Given the questions, is McCrory reconsidering his support for the school? A spokesman for the gubernatorial candidate said no.
"Mayor McCrory outlined a clear plan to reform and improve education in North Carolina, and he strongly supports giving parents and students educational choice while expanding virtual education, spokesman Ricky Diaz said.
But Diaz added: "Of course, charter schools and charter school operators must obey the law and adhere to rigorous standards."
Brian Lewis, a spokesman for the N.C. Association of Educators, is sending word about McCrory's support for the K12 school in Concord to members and supporters. The association is backing Democrat Walter Dalton in the race.
