School Safety

The North Carolina House has recently demonstrated overwhelming support for H.B. 73, H.B. 75, and H.B. 76, which aim to increase school safety and mental health by implementing more education on civic responsibility and a study to recommend a mental health screening process for students in our state. As a mother of three, I personally understand the importance of school safety. I am proud to support these bills to protect our students and increase their mental health.

The state House has given initial approval to the proposed $1.9 billion school construction bond, which would provide $1.5 billion to K-12 school systems, $200 million for the University of North Carolina system, and $200 million for the North Carolina Community College system. This bond will place the greatest emphasis on counties in our state with the greatest needs by distributing funds based on a low-wealth basis and giving each county at least $10 million for construction or repair of educational infrastructure. I am proud to co-sponsor this education bond to invest in education to support students, teachers, and our state’s future.

The North Carolina General Assembly, under Republican leadership, has continued to increase teacher pay in the past five years, including a 9.5% raise in just the last year to move our state up 18 spots in the national teacher pay rankings. We are able to support our teachers through pay raises because of our excellent credit rating and booming economy. I am proud of Republican leadership for spearheading this issue in order to support and keep excellent teachers in our state. I will continue to support the teachers and students in our district to give our students the best opportunities available.