CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As state lawmakers in Raleigh looked to expand Opportunity Scholarships this week, the two people running to lead the state's Department of Public Instruction disagree on the vouchers for private and charter schools.
Democrat Mo Green argues public schools need the investment instead.
"Public schools would do better if the resources were provided to public schools. We find ourselves in North Carolina in 48th position compared to the rest of the nation with regards to funding," Green said on WCNC'S Flashpoint.
Green is a former CMS administrator and Superintendent for Guilford County Schools.
State lawmakers are looking to infuse the program with nearly half of $1 billion to eliminate a wait list of 50 thousand students. The backlog was created once lawmakers lifted income eligibility, allowing wealthy families to apply for the vouchers.
Republicans, like candidate Michele Morrow, support the plan.
"I absolutely support having options for families," she said.
Morrow said she's running to make public schools better so families wouldn't feel the need to switch to private schools.
"There's a reason why we are losing teachers and we're losing students at an alarming rate," she said.
You can see Morrow's and Green's interviews on Flashpoint and watch the full, unedited interviews here for Green and Morrow.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and how it impacts everyone with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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