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Schools Ordered To Pay Back Millions To State Save Email Print
Posted: 2:15 PM Nov 18, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:24 PM Nov 18, 2008
68 comments
A | A | A

School systems across the state got a budget wake-up call Monday. The State Department of Public Instruction has ordered local school systems to slash budgets by .75% and return that money to the state.

It's all part of statewide budget cuts ordered by the Governor's Office. Public Instructions' portion amounted to $117-million, of which they've found $59-million in state expenses. But DPI spokeswoman Vanessa Jeeter says local school systems will have to come up with the rest.

Here in Eastern Carolina, Onslow County will take the biggest hit, having to return $941,277 to the state. Pitt County is next with $912,035. School systems are now scrambling to come up with where to cut funds and come up with the money in 30 days.

To view the complete list of school system budget cuts, click on the link at the top of this story.
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Posted by: Craven on Nov 27, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Just thought i would throw a thought into the blog. I am a teacher and i have read alot about issues and bad mouthing of teachers and everyone has their opinion. But, i work on average including school days about 50 hours a week and i have no problem with that. Salary isn't great but i knew that before i went to school to be a teacher. The problem i have with those complaining is that with the cut back that means that my spending allowance is about 200 dollars for a year. I am a biology teacher and i can't do anything to help enrich your kids because if i wanted to a disection for them i would have to take money out of my own pocket. So maybe the problem is not compeletly the teachers becasue my kids who don't even have their own books to take home nor the labs that they need to get enhance their learning is being cut back by the state and it makes it harder for me to do my job. Ohh and the recent cut back has also made it impossible for me to even run coppies for my students.
Posted by: Tim Location: Vanceboro on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:48 AM
No thanks super, it appears that, given your name, you are already that shining star. Allow me to clarify my position. I have a child that is about to be a teacher. A profession that I am proud of her for choosing, yet am concerned that she did due to the DIFFICULTY! I was pointing out, and you need to reread your post huckfan, that teachers that are lousy use their tenure to keep their jobs. I have seen it done. Some of the problems with the kids not learning is bad teachers. Now...not all teachers are bad, in fact, most are, as you so affectionately describe your own self; awesome. Huckfan stated if they cant do classwork then maybe they need to be taught heating and ac, plumbing,etc. If they are an idiot in the classroom, I sure as heck don't want them in my heating unit or electrical panel. Those professionals have to be good in the classroom as well in order to be efficient and safe. I would actually rather continue to be a heating and ac guy. More to follow shortly
Posted by: huckfan Location: g ville on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Tim, sorry you misread between the lines. I never said that taking any of those courses meant you are stupid. No, I am no better than any of those professions I spoke of. As a matter of fact, I work for a local manufacturing plant as production worker. I am not college educated. I am smart enough to know that the graduation rate in NC is not 100%. Kids need some form of education or training to give them a chance after school if the classroom enviroment is not what works for them. Better for them to be a Heat and Air guy than a drug dealer hanging around the school your child attends.
Posted by: Super Awesome Man on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Tim, I am a social studies teacher and I took and passed physics, poleconomics, sociology, philosophy, psychology, geology, algebra, 4 spanish classes, english, lots of history, public speaking and etc... So what is your point? Since you think so lowly of teachers, why don't you get in the profession and show us how it is done. Be that shining star! I bet you would be just wonderful. I am not going to knock your profession because I am above that, but don't you think for a second that teaching is an easy job. And maybe you should be a little objective about your kid. That is a huge problem in education is that a person's child can do NO wrong. Your child isn't perfect. So again, I invite you into the world of education. Quit your job and become a teacher. It sounds like you are very well qualified, so send in your resume. I am serious, do it. Make a difference, show us how it is supposed to be done. I am sure I will pick up your book when you have it published. Peace
Posted by: Margaret Location: Warsaw on Nov 20, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Well No wonder our kids can read or do simple math.
Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I heard yesterday that the average price per child/money spent is less than $40 for education. That shows you the Democratic Gov.Easley's commitment to education. His clone Gov. Purdue will follow the same path.
Posted by: Tim Location: Vanceboro on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:48 AM
So us heating and air guys are stupid, is that what you are saying huckfan? That is what I am hearing. It takes classroom to do all of those jobs. I will bet 100 to 1 that you couldn't pass the exam for any of those professions and I will guarantee you consider yourself smarter than all of them. Those professions require,in various depths, geometry, algebra, chemistry, physical science, grammar, public speaking, accounting, economics, just to name a few. Here recently they have even required Law, and guess what, no matter how bad we suck, we don't get tenure. If I am bad at my job, I get fired by my customer. If teachers are bad at their's they fall back on tenure. I know, I have been to the mat with several teachers while my kids were in school, especially middle school. Several of the ones I dealt with (and if you figured out by now who I am; then you know who you are!)qualified ONLY for a job washing cars at best. You need to put you brain in gear before engaging your mouth
Posted by: huckfan Location: g ville on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Big, I agree that teachers are in a hostile enviroment. It can't help but get worse because of consolidation in smaller counties and the lack of schools being built in larger counties to keep up with the growth. The problem is with no child left behind. Not all kids are teachable in the classroom. Some are teachable in areas of plumbing, electricians, heat and air, bricklaying, and others fields that would give a kid a chance to succeed in society and make a positive impact. Of course it would take funding to implement cousres of this nature, but the benefits would be tremendous on kids who are not interested in or have the resources to attend college. It's a shame that the tax payers money is spent to hire people to delegate where our money goes, instead of going straight to where the money is needed most. Alot of kids go through the system and receive a diploma but it seems worthless. Seems like all the time they spent in school was wasted because the only job is MC D's.
Posted by: bigfruitbasket Location: NC on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Teachers deserve combat pay! I say amend our thoughts on education--institute a new rule--if students don't want to be there, QUIT! Stop aggravating those who want to learn and those who want to teach. Then, learn this phrase, "do you want fries with that?" Education is a privilege, not a right. Let the miscreants who don't want to be there or disrupt school LEAVE! That way teaching as a profession would be more enjoyable and more fulfilling! And PAY our teachers more!
Posted by: huckfan Location: g ville on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:34 AM
First of all we are talking about the wrong subject. Taxes and overspending is the reason the state don't pay teachers their value. Please take the time to read the Fair Tax plan proposed by Gov Huckabee. You will soon see that much more taxes would be collected and the average citizen like me would pay no more or even pay less than I'm paying now. Dems and Repubs alike run on the platform of change and taxes. One raises taxes and the other lowers. Hucks plan taxes would remain the same no matter who is in office and April 15 would be just another day. You don't have to file taxes. This plan would allow for more money to be distributed to school systems, healthcare, and other projects that are failing. We need someone to address the root of the problems we face today, not just put a band aide on it and move on to the next problem we all want to give our opinion about. My wife teaches and yes she is under paid. Good teachers do more than teach subjects, they impact kids lives forever.
Posted by: Walter Location: Jacksonville on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:45 AM
Alpha female, still whining I see. Now you want pay as a professional athlete, think highly of yourself. You really should care what I or others like myself think, we pay your salary. It would probably be a little hard, but we could vote your salaries back to the 1960's. Sooner or later the taxpayers are going to have enough when they figure what is going on.
Posted by: Thomas Location: Creswell on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Well it looks like Sleazly's lottery is not living up to his promises. He said the lottery money would take care of the schools. Another lie he told.
Posted by: ~ALPHA female~ Location: O84P on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:37 PM
OK Walter, I was trying to be nice....first.. education isn't the only profession that asks for more money and continuously cries about it...that would be movie stars and professional athletes. Yes, I started teaching...hence I said, "you teach because you love it and to make a difference, not to make a living". With all my billions in bonuses I bought homes in France, yachts, and Jimmy Choo shoes. But do I care what you think? NOOOO I was trying to explain for the other teacher trashing nit wit. But you're boring me, and you're a generic blogger and I've wasted far to much time with you. You have got your 15 minutes with ~ALPHA female~ now begone!
Posted by: Walter Location: Jacksonville on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Alpha female, no you haven't. Education is the only profession that asks for more money and continuously cries about it. "Teaching is a thankless job....and you wonder why there is a shortage?" You new this going in and still complain about it. How much is starting salary for a teacher suppose to be? 50,000/ 100,000/ 150,000. If public education was run like a regular business it would have gone bankrupt along time ago. But as usual government employees believe they are never paid enough. And after everything that you have said, it has been said for the 30 years. Same song. I actually wonder if you realize that there is a lot of people that went into a job thinking they would do good and just can't stand it now. They usually don't complain about the money as much as the working environment. But for teachers, its the money first and will always be that way.
Posted by: ~ALPHA female~ Location: O84P on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Walter...sweetheart..darling....go back and re-read the comments and tell me if its the teachers that are crying. Do you realize why there is a teacher shortage? Because the pay sucks! You teach because you love it, not to make a living. Obviously you want me to give you a budget for the entire school system of NC.....which you know is ridicious. I'm not even sure of the point of your post. The only things that is happening here is...more college students are deterring from the education field. I, like a lot of teachers, thought I could make a difference in a child's life. What I got was...disrespect from students, poor pay, no parent cooperation, and outsiders calling me a crybaby. Teaching is a thankless job....and you wonder why there is a shortage? So I can't tell you when enough is enough, but I can tell you when I've had enough.....and that is in two more years. You are welcome to take my place! I hope I've answered your question.
Posted by: Walter Location: Jacksonville on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Alpha female, I wasn't going to bash teachers but tell me, how much money is needed for all the education. Salaries, buildings, books, etc. Come on give us an answer so we can pay it so we don't have to listen to any more crying from the Teachers. Education is the only government entity that continues to cry for money every year and can't provide results because there is not enough money after they get some. When is enough, enough.
Posted by: mom Location: nc on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:17 PM
We can give tax money to #$!%* bankers but we can't give it to our school children! Our system is terribly broken.
Posted by: Walter Location: Jacksonville on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Why is everyone surprised by the budget shortfall. After every election the state has a deficit. It happened after Easley took over from Hunt and now with Perdue going into the Governors mansion. Nobody seems to remember this stuff because it happen 12 years ago. If you keep putting the same type of people in office you get the same results. Wake up NC!
Posted by: ~ALPHA female~ Location: O84P on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Oh yes...welcome me back! Here's a reality check for ya....my school hasn't benefited one bit from the lottery. And Someone on the blog tell me what school has, and what they received. Second... teachers deserve a raise. We have 30 kids in a class..all with different personalities and different learning styles, and we develop minds. That is our job, and I'm proud of it. So when two guys ride around in a city truck all day and get upset because they don't get the same raise as I do..well to bad so sad! Guess what else geniuses....that payback money isn't coming out of my check...it's coming out of your pockets...so pay away. Stop dogging teachers...if you don't like what we do, if you don't like our raises, here are your choices....quit working so that you don't have to pay taxes, home school your own bad kids or shut up! And before you bumpkins jump on the hate wagon...if you weren't bad mouthing teachers...this message isn't for you!!!
Posted by: McCain Snake Oil Co. on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:25 PM
the lottery needs to stay in place. When we get an effective government it will come in handy. Education is already underfunded. They use the lottery money to build new schools. Two new ones are getting built in Lenoir County. That is where the money is going. Priorities are out of order. The money should be going to increase teacher's salaries and to attract good people to the profession. NC is one of the states hit hardest by the current economic crisis...
Posted by: Steve Location: Kinston on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:23 PM
The solution is so simple. Cut the bureaucracy by 50 per cent and cut all of the social programs being run by the education "club" under the guise of "education". There will be so much money left to TEACH our children that it will boggle the mind. "More At Four" and Head Start are two of the lumbering welfare programs that I can name to start with. I am amazed that "Free At Three" "For You At Two" and "More Fun At One" has not been legislated. Maybe they are saving that for Gov. Bev to institute. I also believe that the famed UNC University system p[ony up some of those billions that they have lying idle and doing nothing but making them money. Pay for their inflated salary increases with it.
Posted by: Reality Location: Belhaven on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:33 PM
1st all state agencies are cutting back to take care of budget shortfalls. 2nd The school system is getting the lottery benefits and still want additional state funding. 3rd Our brilliant former governor Hunt poured tons of tax dollars into the school system, as have other governors since but we are still ranked near the national bottom. 4th tax dollars have gone to teachers ie. raises always more than other state employees and sometimes getting one when the other state employees did not. Throwing money at teachers has not solved the education problem...wake up...yes they should pay their fair share. They should put the schools on a tight budget and put the lottery funds in the general account to be utilized by all state agencies!!! I am tired of hearing teachers cry while getting the lions share of the monies. Look at commentor Buzz. other state agencies paying 5% and education 3\4 of 1%, how fair is that??? Grow up people, Stop the crying and DO YOUR JOB!!!
Posted by: Citizen Location: Kinston on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Send the children of illegals home along with their parents. That should save us a bundle. Then just maybe we can use resources for our own children. People get your heads out of the sand. Don't pretend you didn't see this one coming. It's not just public education that's suffering. It's heath care and other services as well. Let's face it. We can no longer afford to fund illegals and their offspring. It's finally caught us with us. The chickens have come home to roost. It's time we start taking care of our own or they'll be nothing left.
Posted by: Tarheel Taxpayer Location: Greenville on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Mike Easly probably needs more money for his wife to travel. They did not take enough already. What a spinless Governor, a snake oil salesman beyond belief. The only thing on importance he did this year was declare NC had a drought. Duh. Please get him and his croonies out of Raleigh. And keep your eye on Bev as well.
Posted by: here & there Location: washington on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:34 PM
I am a state employee and we have already lost employees and had to cut back employees hours and will probably have to do more. ALL state agencies should have to help with this problems, not just a few.
Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Ed system is broke, you got that right. Wellcome to the Jimmy Carter days of govenrment. Granholm raised taxes so bad that people couldn't get out of Mi fast enough. I just wanted all of you to know that I didn't vote for this guy, some of you did. I didn't vote for none of our democratic candidates this year either, but some of you did. Balls in your court. it will be a sad four years.
Posted by: buzz Erdly Location: Down East on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Unfortunately, there isn't an unlimited amount of money in some pot somewhere. The State is in a mess financialy. I work with another state agency, we were cut by 5%. We'll make it somehow. I understand the lament over public education, but they will have to take some of the hit, and 3/4 of 1 percent isn't terrible. I'm sure theres some fluff there somewhere. By the way I have 2 children in school, so I get to feel the pain also. As for the Lottery most of us knew what that was about when we were screamin' not to vote it in! Buzz
Posted by: Educationa system is broke...no pun intended on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Upset at NC...don't hold your breath with what Obama is going to do. He has already appointed Granholm (Gov of MI) to help him with the finances. The only problem is as the Gov of MI, she lost over a million jobs, raised taxes on gas, cigarettes, and state taxes then turned around and drove major companies that paid big money in taxes out of the state. I for one hope you do not get what you wish for and if so the next four years are going to be tough.
Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Hey, why don't they become part of the bailout? I am sure someone will bail them out since schools shouldn't be allowed to go bankrupt. Well, GM, Ford and Chrysler want us to save their unions salaries, hourly and pensions with taxpayer money. Just because NC did not make the tax revenue from gasoline when we all cut back, they are now looking for the schools for money. I guess when times are good they are generous, other times like now, show me the money. Lottery?, used for school buildings and we supposedly we are on the top 10%, too bad nobodys home.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Here is a couple of email addresses that you can write to about the budget cuts: fbsinfo@dpi.state.nc.us plesieur@dpi.state.nc.us I strongly encourage EVERYONE to contact the State Department of Public Instruction and voice your opinion.
Posted by: Lynne Location: Pitt County on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Wher is out state lottery money going? Was it not started to help out the education??
Posted by: concerned Location: ? on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Has anyone asked the STATE what happened to the lottery funds that was supposedly deposited for the School systems? There is seriously wrong with this story.
Posted by: Belle Location: Winterville on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Here is a link that shows how much money was given to each county in the last fiscal school year: http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/uploads/5846-NCEL%2009%20Bnfcry%20Bro.pdf I don't know if this money was budgeted in to the Pitt County school budget or used as additional funds. It would be interesting to see.
Posted by: SGB Location: Eastern NC on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Another thought---No wonder other countries are kicking our butts with education. They actually INVEST in their childrens' educations!! Children are not like North Carolina roads and highways. We can't just take money from them or put off a project until later. They need funding NOW!!
Posted by: SGB Location: Eastern NC on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Yet another notch in the argument for homeschooling my daughter!! This is nuts! There are so many people buying lottery tickets...where is that money going? What about other funding? The already bare-boned educational system can't take much more stripping away of their funds. Let me illustrate---It's like throwing a scrap of food tied to a string at a starving dog and then yanking it back right before he eats it.
Posted by: Rosebud Location: Lagrange on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:08 AM
I agree with Curt from Snowhill. Does anyone know where we can get the figures on the lottery? It should be public knowledge.
Posted by: taxpayer Location: nc on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:04 AM
I think that if the state isn't smart enough to give the money correctly, then it shouldn't have to be paid back. Let's cut the state governments checks.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:53 AM
We are going to collapse from within. All of this insanity coupled with out any type of accountability, devoid of checks and balances is only fueling the fire for anarchy to eventually take over. Our Federal Government is about to embark on a similar journey. Stand by people, it is only going to get worse.
Posted by: j Location: Bertie on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:19 AM
To Anonymous 11-18-08 @10:24. I am with you. You have a great idea. No, school systems were NOT warned. I can answer that one.
Posted by: Neil Location: Greene County on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:25 AM
This is disgusting. Where is all the lottery money going. I think someone should be accountable for the monies & what it is being used for. Someone is horting away this lottery money. It is not being use for the right reasons. I had to pay five dollars for gas in the activity bus for my son to go on a field trip. This really mad me angry.
Posted by: Upset at NC Location: NC on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:51 PM
This is Shamful and discusting. The school systems need this money. Our Children attend these schools. The lottery is suppose to be supporting the schools, the money needs to be returned to the schools right away!!! The state needs awake up call, and I hope the governer will stop the Instainty!!! Education Lottery indeed! What a big fat Lie!!! I hope the president of the US will see what the NC system is messing up here and fix it by getting people in there who will know what they are doing~~~
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:24 PM
THIS IS UTTERLY SHAMEFUL! DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING ELSE FROM OUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION! Guess I shouldn't work anymore, stay at home to home-school my child, and collect state assistance. I can only hope that the school systems were pre-warned that these cuts were coming, so that they could prepare. This is awful! We should all bombard the NC DPI with letters objecting to this! Anyone want to join me?
Posted by: Against the Lottery on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Robbing our schools and children to Pay Easley. Pretty much sums it up! Would the auditors of the state please wake up and make him accountable or are you all getting your pockets padded too.
Posted by: Sally Location: Garner on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Cut the big parties planned for the new governors inauguration! Do not penalize the students of NC! Some school systems are running on bare necessities as it is and now the state wants money back!!! What a Joke!
Posted by: robert Location: grimesland on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:15 PM
you mean to tell me the "EDUCATION LOTTERY" IS NOT FOR THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.. This whole deal is crazy... so. is the "good Govmnt we have gonna close the schools down now?
Posted by: Hello Location: eastern NC on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Welcome to the real world of the Democrats! This should NOT be a surprise to any of you. People don't matter--only how the situation "looks." Congratulations, on voting in more like Mike Easley.
Posted by: Greg Location: greenville on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:51 PM
I think that ECU should give back all the money for building the new Family Medical and Geriatric center and for the new School of Denistry. There will not be enough money around when the Denistry school opens to hire people to run it, so why build it other than to put the state more in debt. I think UNC and State can give a lot more back too. And as for all of the State vehicles going up and down the road, they should be parked and slash the number of vehicles the state is paying for. As for the lottery, not a lot of people are playing the lottery because of tight budgets so there is not as much money as there was last year for the schools.
Posted by: joe Location: martin county on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:19 PM
I agree with Joe from Morehead. We might as well stop the lottery. We are underpaid, understaffed and now have to return money given to us plus take cuts. Do our superintendents take a bonus, if so they should have to "cut" that too maybe even higher jobs should take a cut. I manage to live off of a minimum salary maybe they should try that !!!.
Posted by: joe Location: morehead city on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I thought the education lottery was going to save us all!!! Ha Ha. Bring back video poker and tax it.
Posted by: Curt Location: Snow Hill on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:08 PM
I guess that lottery is just another way to make certain peoples pockets fat !! I want some type of audit on all money that was made off of the lottery so we can see where in the world it goes ?? Does anyone know ???
Posted by: oh Location: no on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:05 PM
this is disheartening. of all things to cut--school funding!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Hey mike Easley, Why don't you let illegals in community colleges, maybe that will help the Nc budget, they have more money than all of us, since they don't pay taxes and getting all the benefits of us citizens
Posted by: George Location: Kinston on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:38 PM
I really hope everybody remembers Easley next time his name is on a ballot of any kind.
Posted by: mdw Location: rural NC on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:34 PM
The lottery money is for the schools, but just for school construction. The lottery money was earmarked for building new schools or updating old schools. The state gives school districts so much money per student. They are given the money based on projections of enrollment. So they assume there will be "x" number of students in school and give them money for that "x" amount of kids. When the 20th day of school arrives, that enrollment figure is what the state will pay for. If they overestimate, then they will have to give the money back...if they underestimated, then they would get more money. Also, the state will only pay for so many teachers and principals based on student enrollment, if the school is overstaffed by the states rules, then the district will have to pay that money back. This isn't anything new or surprising. My guess is the state wasn't too concerned about any of this before the economy went down the drain. Now, every penny counts so they are looking under every rock.
Posted by: steamed! on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:28 PM
I THOUGHT THAT WAS WHAT THE LOTTERY WAS FOR!?!?!? ARE THEY TELLING ME PEOPLE AREN'T BUYING ENOUGHT LOTTERY TICKETS BECAUSE OF THE RECESSION! Are you kidding me! Rotten politicians! I'LL NEVER VOTE FOR A BOND REF OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE SCHOOLS - B/C OF THIS
Posted by: Alex Location: Vanceboro on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:23 PM
When Mike Easley tried his backdoor shennanigans to ram the lottery through, we were told that Education would be better than ever & our schools would be in the top 10 % nationally. Guess this shows Gov. Easley is nothing more than a professional liar. Impeach him
Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Convenient timing after the election. Gov. Easley and Elect Purdue were all about how they help education. Prove it. Why don't Gov. Easley's wife return some of the money she spent in Europe for the MB taxi and give it to the schools. This makes me sick. Remove a pork barrel project instead.
Posted by: George Location: Kinston on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:01 PM
I would be willing to bet the lottery money is padding somebody's pocket. It never has gone to education, like we were all made to believe. Check Easley's bank accounts and you may find some of it.
Posted by: George Location: Kinston on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:53 PM
People talk about what George Bush has done to this counrty, how about what Mike Easley and his wife have done to NC. Him leaving office is the best thing that could happen to NC. he has been to worst Governor in Nc History.
Posted by: lm Location: nc on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:52 PM
This is terrible. Since the counties have to pay back all of this money, it means that the parents and teachers are going to have to pay more. As someone said earlier, where is the lottery? I thought the profits from it were supposed to go to the schools. It looks as though the lottery money didn't go where it was supposed to....
Posted by: nobody Location: greenville on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:41 PM
the state is operating right now with between a 1.5 and 3 BILLION dollar budget deficit. They are cutting everywhere. Public schools aren't having to give back that much relative to all the other state agencies. ECU already gave back millions, and now they (the state) are asking for more. I think the first cut was 3 or 4%, and they want another 3 or 4. It's not just the public school systems taking the hit, it's everybody. Don't expect the pot holes in your street to be fixed anytime soon either.
Posted by: TW Location: Pitt County on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Mary Easley needs the money to continue her lavish lifestyle. The stste will need the money to pay her big raise.
Posted by: Bill Location: Windsor on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Will someone tell me what happened to the wonderfl "Lottery" educational money?
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Exactly, where is the lottery money?
Posted by: jtyre Location: robersonville on Nov 18, 2008 at 02:47 PM
return educational monies. HA HA where is the money from the lottery? if anything with as much money as the state supposely has transfered to the school system there should be plenty!
Posted by: ?? Location: ?? on Nov 18, 2008 at 02:43 PM
I guess the lottery is not working to help the school systems!
Posted by: WOW Location: Greenville on Nov 18, 2008 at 02:32 PM
And we wonder why our schools aren't meeting goals. There is no funding to help them. Teachers positions have already been cut. Does this mean more? Classrooms are already cold, now they will be even colder.
Posted by: Mom Location: Here on Nov 18, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Well. I guess we will start being charged for the kids to use the text books.. How are they going to come up with those sums of money?... and why is our Governor doing budget cuts... Teachers have it hard enough without more being taken away from them. Granted, .75% doesn't look like a lot but when you look at what they have to pay back it is a whole different story!
Posted by: What? Location: NC on Nov 18, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Two of the schools on that list owe back over 5 Million... Hope they arent expected to pay that back in a months time...
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