State legislators addressed a Lenoir County Schools agenda meeting last week by asking for a specific list of needs related to equalizing public and charter schools’ relief from policy.
Lenoir County charter schools are allowed to diverge from rules and regulations, creating more flexibility for more creative ways to serve those students — such as having uncertified teachers to instruct specialized courses.
LCS wants the same chance.
“Not that I want to replace teachers with people who aren’t qualified, it’s really a lot more than that,” LCS Superintendent Steve Mazingo said at a legislative dinner at the Woodmen Community Center on Thursday. “I’d like to be able to invite a lot of people from the industry in to help us with our kids and … teach special courses. I’d like some flexibility in terms of those types of things.”
At the end of the meeting, N.C. Rep. John Bell, R-Wayne, asked Mazingo to create a list, which Mazingo will do once he meets with a School System Improvement Task Force on Feb. 26.
“They’re wanting the freedom to educate,” Bell said. “Our superintendents in our school systems want the flexibility to be sure kids get that quality education. We as legislators need to know that, we need to know what is needed in our school system.”
The legislators present urged the school board to get them a list because they are seeing proposals come across the table and want to be sure to include Lenoir County needs. One item they discussed as a rising topic in Raleigh was school administrators carrying concealed weapons, which was unanimously rejected by the principals at Thursday’s event.
“Moving forward starts with this dialogue,” N.C. Sen. Don Davis, D–Greene, said. “Whether there’s an exact (next) step or not, it actually helps when you’re going to the interim process. When bills come up, you have a feel for who your residents are.”
Four state legislators and county commissioners listened intently as Mazingo ran through agenda items that most often ended with a plea for funding — from class size requirements to performance based pay for teachers and calendar.
“I think the school calendar is always an issue,” Bell said. “One of the things I’ve heard throughout the four counties is the flexibility in the school system. … I think that’s what every parent wants for their children.”
The presentation was converted into a discussion among school administration and the guests.
“We had an outstanding dialogue centered around our children and how to deliver the best education quality to children in our school system,” Davis said. “It incorpses me as a legislator to know what’s on the minds of those making it happen in our community.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.