RALEIGH — The North Carolina Association of Educators released the following statement last week in regards to state lawmakers taking action to help educators and schools impacted by Hurricane Helene:

“The General Assembly today took the first step towards helping our mountain region, and its local public schools, recover from Hurricane Helene,” President Tamika Walker Kelly said. “NCAE is glad that lawmakers heard the call for calendar flexibility and protecting school employee pay, which will ease the burden on educators who have had their lives turned upside down.

“From here, western North Carolina students and educators will need our continued support over the coming months. NCAE members will advocate for additional funds to protect school district budgets, provide free school meals, and build safe and sturdy schools across North Carolina. These are far more vital priorities right now, than private school vouchers.”