Wake County Public Schools discusses impact of House Bill 10 on the district

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County Public School leaders are urging North Carolina lawmakers to reach across party lines and support Governor Cooper's veto of House Bill 10. The largest school district in the state called it a "bad policy" and a "raw deal for families."

"It has potentially disastrous impacts for Wake County," said Wake County School Board Chair Chris Heagarty. "We strongly believe that public funds should first be used to support public education. House Bill 10 doesn't do that."

In a major move under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, the school district held an urgent meeting because they believed HB 10 would redirect about $36 million away from Wake County Public Schools. The impact could potentially be felt through student enrollment and the ability to staff positions.

"Anyone who knows me knows I'm from Mississippi. Their average salary is higher than North Carolina. How can that be," questioned Dr. Taylor. "This local community has taken up the mantle where the state has dropped it when it comes to public education."

The school district said it's not in opposition of private schools. They believe those schools play an important role in our community, but they said it shouldn't come at the expense of public schools.

For school board Vice Chair Monika Johnson-Hostler, this measure is personal. She was raised in rural North Carolina.

"We know that nearly a fifth of the voucher money will go to private schools in two counties: Wake and Mecklenburg. So in counties like Davidson where I was raised, there aren't private school options, but those students will have vouchers to go where?" she said.

Mike Long with Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina is an advocate of HB 10. He told Eyewitness News it is designed to invest in students more than systems.

"Parents know what's best for their child and there they can best be educated. All we are saying is their tax dollars need to follow their child so they can give them the best education they see fit," said Long. "Providing funds for those stuck in a particular zip code assigned school not working for their child to be able to have the economic ability to go to a school to meet the educational needs of their child."