Few choices for NC parents

North Carolina parents have limited choices in their child’s education. More than 15,000 families in our state are on waiting lists for public charter schools. Children are bused across school districts, usually without regard for their preferred school assignments.  Opportunity scholarships, special needs scholarships, and educational tax credits do not exist in North Carolina. 

However, two choices--although very limited--do exist: public charter schools and public magnet schools.  As we have reported previously, charter schools are already under attack.  Now it seems that some magnet schools are about to get the axe as well.

North Carolina’s two largest schools systems, Wake County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg, are on the precipice of making serious cuts to their respective magnet school programs. Broughton High School in Raleigh, for example, has a respected International Baccalaureate (IB) magnet program that is on the verge of being removed. Parents in Raleigh are hoping that a newly elected Wake County School Board will reverse a previous decision and keep this program.  In Charlotte, the IB Program at Myer’s Park High School already has been removed.  More than 300 students have been sent reassignment letters; despite protests from parents and students, the decision is final.

Although the two districts are miles apart, they have one thing in common: parents want a say in how and where their children are educated.  Families in North Carolina have a right to choice in their children’s education, but that right is often under attack.

When will North Carolina’s leaders listen?  One thing is for sure--parents aren't going anywhere.