As the House and the Senate hammer out their respective budgets and set spending levels for next two years, the editorial board at the Greenville Daily Reflector sharply criticizes recent efforts to divert money away from public education.

Here’s an excerpt from Thursday’s paper:

‘Money alone will not solve the ills of public education in North Carolina, but it does provide the resources needed for schools to succeed. It helps local districts attract and keep quality teachers and lower class sizes. It ensures at-risk children can enroll in early-education programs. And it allows technology purchases vital in the modern workplace.

Shamefully, Raleigh stands poised to divert funding desperately needed for public education. The Senate budget uses lottery revenue promised to schools to help offset tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest residents. GOP leaders want to greatly expand the number of charter schools, going so far as to propose those institutions not be governed by the state Board of Education. And a bill to create tuition vouchers for qualifying children would see taxpayers help fund private schools. Read More…