Video of today’s announcement:  http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/video/13679966/

A bill that would change certain provisions of the Read to Achieve law will be heard in the Senate Education Committee today in Room 643 at 9:00 a.m.   To listen live to this committee hearing, you may go to the following audio link and click on Room 643:  http://www.ncleg.net/Audio/Audio.html

The following Washington Post link shows a state-by-state comparison of teacher salaries in the United States: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/12/15/how-much-teachers-get-paid-state-by-state/?tid=sm_fb

NCPTA recently asked members to give feedback on certain issues facing students and families in North Carolina.   Here are the results of our poll. 1.  It is important for teachers in North Carolina to have salaries that are competitive with other states in the southeast:  99% of members who responded agree with this statement. 2.  It is important for North Carolina to have rigorous education standards focused on critical thinking skills:  92% of members who responded agree with this statement. 3.  Universal breakfast should be encouraged in public schools throughout North Carolina:  66% of members who responded agree with

The following memo developed by General Assembly staff outlines types of bills that are eligible for consideration in the 2014 Short Session of the North Carolina General Assembly.  http://www.ncleg.net/documentsites/legislativepublications/Research%20Division/Eligible%20Bills/Bills%20Eligible%20for%20Consideration%20for%202014%20Session.pdf

Toxic Free NC will host a Toxic Free Tea event in Concord on May 29 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Participants will enjoy a cup of tea (or coffee) and a conversation about toxic chemicals, their impact on our families, and what we can do to make sure that products are proven safe before they find their way onto store shelves and into our homes.  The event will take place at the Rocky River Coffee Co, 9900 Poplar Tent Rd in Concord.  Here is the link to Rsvp:  https://toxicfreenc.wufoo.com/forms/your-rsvp-for-a-toxic-free-tea-s1wv9zv31tgunsy/  

The North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 725, the Young Offenders Rehabilitation Act.  This bill would classify 16 and 17-year-olds as juveniles when charged with misdemeanors.  The bill passed with an exception if the crime was related to gang activity.  North Carolina is currently one of two states that prosecute 16 and 17-year-olds as adults when charged with misdemeanors.  The bill will now be considered by the Senate.      

NCPTA leaders will be at the North Carolina General Assembly on June 11 to meet with senate and house leaders.  If you are interested in visiting the General Assembly and joining us on June 11, please contact the NCPTA office by emailing [email protected].

Governor McCrory’s proposed budget can be found via the following link.  The Governor’s proposed budget will now be reviewed by members of the North Carolina General Assembly. http://www.osbm.state.nc.us/thebudget