By Peter Biello
Wilmington, NC – Superintendents from New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties addressed business leaders this morning at the second annual State of the Schools address.
President of the North Carolina Public School Forum and Keynote Speaker John Dornan says even with a dropout rate of more than 30%, North Carolina schools have made significant progress in recent years.
"We're at a place now where we're average or close to it in virtually everything. We've shown dramatic progress, but the road gets harder from here on out and we still have a lot of work to do."
Dornan says in the Cape Fear Region rapid growth will be the dominant challenge for public schools in the coming years.
Superintendent Allison Sholar pointed out Pender County's growing population and emphasized the importance of a sound budget.
"We need more money just like every school system, we need to do future planning, have a viable technology plan, and know why we're spending our money the way we're spending it."
The Foundation says the State of the Schools address aims to build relationships between area schools and businesses.
*****
Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@whqr.org.