Josh Stein Launches “Educators for Stein” 

Today, Attorney General and Democratic nominee for Governor Josh Stein launched “Educators for Stein,” joined by teachers, administrators, and school staff who support his vision for strong public schools in every part of the state. His plan stands in stark contrast to Mark Robinson’s pledge to defund public schools, reject federal funding that would lay off over 13,000 teachers and other school personnel, and eliminate science and social studies from elementary schools.

At the event, North Carolina teachers discussed Stein’s record of advocacy for North Carolina’s schools, including fighting for every student’s right to a sound basic education and calling for meaningful pay raises for teachers. Stein highlighted his “Ready. Set. Save!” plan, which would provide teachers with stipends to buy school supplies, free school meals for students, and an August tax-free weekend to lessen the burden on parents during back-to-school season. 

“North Carolina’s educators are the backbone of our state, and they have one of the most important jobs: preparing our students for success,” said Attorney General and Democratic nominee for Governor Josh Stein. “I’m honored to have the support of so many educators, and I will continue fighting to raise teacher pay and ensure North Carolina’s public schools are opening doors of opportunity for every child.” 

“While his opponent talks about rejecting federal funding for public schools and calls me and my fellow teachers ‘wicked people,’ Attorney General Josh Stein has always fought for us and our students,” said NCAE Vice President Bryan Proffitt. “A vote for Josh Stein for Governor is a vote for every one of my students.” 

Earlier this month, a report from the Justice Center found that Mark Robinson’s plan to reject federal dollars for North Carolina schools would mean “slashing already-underfunded school budgets by approximately 10 percent,” which would translate to firing 7 percent of all classroom teachers (6,436), 21 percent of all teacher assistants (4,659), and 15 percent of all instructional support personnel, including nurses, counselors, and social workers (2,810). Meanwhile, North Carolinians’ taxpayer dollars would be “subsidizing students in other states” at North Carolina students’ expense.