Hundreds of teachers, students and parents gathered inside of the Mount Tabor High School auditorium Monday night for the third stop on State Superintendent Mo Green’s listening tour, called “Mo Wants to Know.”
The audience was asked to share what they believe North Carolina’s public schools are doing well, what challenges they face and what solutions might improve the education system.
“I would like to celebrate all of the teachers who work daily to support students and help us academically and even emotionally sometimes," said Lindy Southern, a student at Mount Tabor.
She also highlighted the importance of connecting special education students with services, and not letting them fall through the cracks.
R.J. Reynolds High School Teacher Josh Campbell said he spoke with his class before the event about the challenges side.
“My students were really concerned with resources that schools can offer around mental health," Campbell said. "And we have a school nurse one day a week, and they rotate. And, you know, kids were kind of really hung up on that.”
Many speakers cited lack of funding for public schools as another challenge. Forsyth County Association of Educators President Jenny Easter said part of the solution is fighting the expansion of state-funded private school vouchers.
“We need to stick together to fight and advocate to the state to make changes in our laws," Easter said.
Another funding idea, proposed by Main Street Academy teacher Jeff Saunders, was a little more unique.
“I say we should just go ahead and legalize marijuana or hemp products, and just tax it," Saunders said. "Take the sales tax, because we're being taxed to death regardless.”
Green said he would be taking in this feedback and working with the North Carolina Board of Education to develop a strategic plan in the coming months.
“We can turn our vision of having the very best public education system in the entire country into reality, if we're willing to do it together," Green said.
The next stop on his tour is in Cabarrus County.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.