GOP lawmakers to focus on education changes

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Republican legislators said they will concentrate on changing education policies during this year's General Assembly.

Republican lawmakers said Tuesday that despite their minority status, they plan to target three education goals, including how teachers are paid bonuses.

Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger of Rockingham County said bonuses are now paid to even the worst teacher at a well-performing school, while leaving out the best teachers at disappointing schools. Berger said that leads good teachers to avoid the schools that need them most.

House GOP leader Paul Stam of Wake County said the Republican changes would shift spending priorities to not require more spending when the state budget is short of money.

Other priorities include eliminating the statewide cap of 100 charter schools and providing more technical and vocational programs in high schools, they said.