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On WFAE’s Charlotte Talks, reporter Liz Bell discusses back-to-school issues

Photo Credit: Liz Bell/EducationNC

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EducationNC reporter Liz Bell joined Charlotte Observer reporter Ann Doss Helms on WFAE’s Charlotte Talks on Wednesday. Host Mike Collins talked with Bell and Helms about teacher pay, charter schools, and the lawsuit between Superintendent Mark Johnson and the State Board. Listen to the full hour here. 

In the discussion of the lawsuit, Bell noted the importance of answering the question of “Who is in charge?” She reminded listeners that the case is not the first time a superintendent and the board have disagreed.

“In 2009, June Atkinson had some of the same concerns Johnson has now,” she said. “It’s important for the people of North Carolina to have a clear answer as to who they can turn to and who they can hold accountable for what’s coming out of Raleigh.”

Bell and Doss also discussed the voucher program expansion by the General Assembly. A recent study from N.C. State explores the challenges facing families who use the $4,200 scholarships to attend private schools. Bell and Doss said transportation and other costs may not be fully met by the voucher funding. 

The panel also discussed charter schools and the way the Charter School Advisory Board evaluates school applications. “There are some exceptional charter schools. There are some charter schools that are struggling. It is really a question of accountability,” Bell said.