Board member reads resolution urging restored funding for public schools; board will review at a future date

Summary

Board member Reverend Jamal Kirkpatrick read a resolution calling on state legislators to restore funding to public schools, decrying diversion of funds to private and charter schools and urging better pay for educators; the resolution was presented as his personal statement and will be considered later.

Reverend Jamal Kirkpatrick, a member of the Union County Board of Education, read a resolution expressing strong support for public education and calling on state legislators, community leaders and citizens to prioritize funding for public schools.

The resolution, which Kirkpatrick said represented his views alone, asserted that recent budget decisions have reduced funding for public schools, harming teachers, classroom resources and student services. It urged that public funds not be diverted to private and charter institutions in ways that reduce support for public schools, and it called for fair compensation and increased resources for educators.

Kirkpatrick concluded by asking state lawmakers and local leaders to "prioritize investment in public schools, restore funding to appropriate levels, and protect the future of public education." Board leadership said the resolution would be reviewed at a future time and that Kirkpatrick’s reading represented his personal statement.

No vote or formal adoption occurred during the meeting; the chair noted the resolution would be looked at later.