Superintendents debate education

Submitted by ryanteaguebeckwith on October 21, 2008 - 8:20am.
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The candidates for state school superintendent debated Monday.

Republican Richard Morgan, a former state House member, said that he would be more engaged with lawmakers, calling incumbent Democrat June Atkinson "a professional bureaucrat."

Atkinson emphasized her background as a teacher, arguing that she knows more about what it takes for students and schools to be successful. She argued Morgan did little as a legislator on the issue.

"It takes more than someone who has just worked in the General Assembly," she said.

The state superintendent has no policymaking or administrative duties. The job is mainly a soapbox for the officeholder to bring attention to education issues.

Morgan argued that legislators should adopt a rule that would prohibit cutting the percentage of the budget that is spent on education. Atkinson said the key is paying teachers well, providing mentors and creating a professional development structure. (N&O)

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Re: Superintendents debate education

Submitted by jonoflocke on October 21, 2008 - 11:52am.

It would have been nice if they discussed ways to make parents happier with how the school systems operate.

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Re: Superintendents debate education

Submitted by domewatcher on October 21, 2008 - 8:43am.

You have got to love North Carolina politics!

Co-speaker Black is in prison and co-speaker Morgan is vying to become the next Superintendent of Public Instruction.

This reminds me of when the preacher says, “As far as the east is from the west.” I wish we could keep these elections going year round. We just need to add in a hairdresser, a few $60.00 cheeseburgers and a big bearded Palin supporter and we would have a sitcom.

I’m all for shaking up the education system..... but Morgan?……..for superintendent of all of NC’s schools?

Further proof that we really need to get NC's mental health situation under control......

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