Local educators urge board to back petition for increased state school funding

Public comments at the Edgecomb County Board of Education’s April 13 meeting centered on funding and community engagement.

Marcia Moy Williams, president of the Edgecomb County Association of Educators, told the board the state has "diverted over $18 billion into corporate tax breaks and private school vouchers," leaving public schools underfunded. "We want to set a goal of at least $20,000 per student by 2030," she said, and asked local leaders to pass a resolution supporting a petition to the North Carolina General Assembly demanding increased investment in schools and protections for school employees.

Angela Bryant, representing Edgecomb United, asked Superintendent Dr. Bryant for a community update on the North Edgecomb campus and urged the district to explain what is known and what remains in flux so neighbors can participate. She also flagged growing charter enrollment and its budgetary implications for the district.

Troy Cold, an educator, asked simply for "a seat at the table" so local teachers have a voice in decisions affecting students and schools.

Board members did not take immediate action on the petition during the public‑comment period. The comments were entered into the record and petition organizers said they would present a draft resolution for the board’s consideration at a future meeting.

Why it matters: Petitioners are seeking both a visible local endorsement from the board and a broader state policy change that they say could materially affect classrooms, staffing and facilities funding across the county.