The 2006 short session of the General Assembly that began May 9th will probably end this week. The following quick overview illustrates the extent to which the status quo mentality towards education issues prevails in North Carolina politics.

• The state budget itself simply gave more money, lots of money, to K-12 education. The education establishment received a 9.6 percent increase over last year’s budget. Needless to say, the GOMs (Gatekeepers of Mediocrity) are satisfied until 2007 budget planning begins.

• HB 2699
Remember the “Black Eye Exam Scam,” requiring kindergarten students to receive a comprehensive eye examination from an optometrist or ophthalmologist before entering school? The law was not repealed but merely “adjusted” to spare the Speaker humiliation. The new law specifically states that NO child will be excluded from attending school for lack of an examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and basically returns the eye screening to the way it was before Speaker Black’s involvement.

• SB 700
The race to appear more patriotic to voters had both Democrats and Republicans gushing over language in and sponsorship of the Pledge of Allegiance bill. The tumultuous journey of this issue is too long for the play-by-play. But in the end, patriotism won out, and classrooms will daily acknowledge our flag.

• HB1151
A new law will mandate planning time and daily duty-free lunch periods for teachers. But is this really necessary? A smart principal or superintendent will find ways to provide these important breaks without a mandate from Raleigh. What happened to local control?

The Legislature’s ability to control the progress of education in our state isn’t limited to the bills it passes. It’s also important to take note of the bills asphyxiated in committee, never making it to the floor for debate and discussion.

• HB 2730.
Remember the possibility of giving tax credits to families with special-needs children who would like to attend a school other than the one assigned by the government?
LANGUISHING IN COMMITTEE

• SB 1795 – HB 2385 , or HB 1830
Remember charter schools asking for lottery proceeds?
LANGUISHING IN COMMITTEE

• HB 931
Remember the tax fairness bill to financially assist families choosing other options than government schools?
LANGUISHING IN COMMITTEE

• SB 213 – HB1368
Remember trying to remove the cap of only 100 charter schools for the state?
LANGUISHING IN COMMITTEE

See any pattern? For educational reform to happen in North Carolina, MAJOR changes must take place in the General Assembly’s leadership. Good bills simply get assigned to committees to die without discussion.

Now is the time for the public to hold their representative in Raleigh accountable. Look up voting records, and know the bills your representative supports. Remember an election is coming up in November. The time for action is now! Get involved, and stay involved with those who represent YOU! Government schools will never change unless the GOMs in the General Assembly change!