The bill allowing North Carolina county governments to take ownership of schools away from school systems was introduced this morning in the state Senate.
The bill, S236, would allow county commissioners to pass a resolution "to assume responsibility for some or all of owning, siting, acquiring, constructing, equipping, expanding, improving, repairing, and renovating property" for schools.
"If such election is made, that school administrative unit shall no longer exercise such power for any construction, improvement, ownership, or acquisition of any property for which the county has made that election; the election may, however, leave the school administrative unit with responsibility for equipment and for maintenance and repairs in categories or amounts named in the resolution," according to the bill.
There's some political muscle behind the bill. One of the primary sponsors is Sen. Tom Apodaca, a Henderson County Republican and one of the top figures in the Senate. Another primary sponsor is Sen. Neal Hunt, a Raleigh Republican.
While initially proposed by the Wake County Board of Commissioners, this would affect all 100 counties. No action yet on the rest of the county's legislative agenda for schools, including creating at-large Wake County school board seats and allowing county funding for charter school construction.
Comments
One step closer to done
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 15:41 — FSandYOUThere's "some" political muscle behind the bill? There's a lot more than "some". Some rhymes with done and it all but is.
Get "some" comment from the overpaid lobbyist for the school board. Ask her why she isn't accomplishing their mission. Are they not paying her enough?
The at-large seats are next!