The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) released a statement last week, expressing disappointment over the General Assembly’s decision to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of House Bill 10 and lawmakers continued neglect of public schools.

“Fifteen days ago, the voters of North Carolina had a choice between investing more in our local public schools or supporting candidates who want to send taxpayer dollars to private schools through vouchers,” the release said. “The voters chose public schools. Yet today, the lame-duck State Legislature overturned the will of the people by spending more than $4 billion on private school vouchers.

“Spending billions of taxpayer dollars to fund private school vouchers while public schools remain underfunded, while public school educators are asked to do more with less, and as the western part of our state is still recovering from the devastating impact of Helene is irresponsible. Funding for House Bill 10 should be redirected to where it is most needed — supporting public schools and disaster recovery efforts.”