Educators urge board to back 'Kids Over Corporations' and press for higher school funding

Latanya Nixon-Vine, an instructional coach at Farmville Middle School and the Pitt County Association of Educators' school representative, used the public-expression portion of the March 2 board meeting to press elected members to back the 'Kids Over Corporations' campaign and to call for increased legislative action on school funding.

Nixon-Vine told the board that "North Carolina currently ranks last in the nation in public school funding," and described the pressures educators face from rising health-care costs and stagnant pay for veteran teachers who serve as mentors. She urged bold legislative action to strengthen public schools, protect students, and improve educator compensation, saying goodwill alone cannot sustain a system that lacks adequate investment.

Nixon-Vine also thanked district leaders and staff who participated in a February legislative luncheon and encouraged board members and educators to continue elevating school priorities with state lawmakers.

Board members acknowledged the comment period and several members later referenced the public speakers' concerns in closing remarks, emphasizing support for counselors and mental-health resources. There was no motion recorded to adopt a legislative position during this meeting; Nixon-Vine's remarks were presented as an appeal for board support and broader legislative advocacy.