Today I signed my first piece of legislation -- a bill that lays the foundation for a major restructuring of our state education leadership. Senate Bill 198 paves the way for Dr. Bill Harrison to serve as both CEO of our state’s public schools and Chair of the State Board.
This new leadership structure will bring a clear line of accountability and efficiency for moving North Carolina’s public schools forward. Our schools can be the best in the nation and I believe these changes will lead to students who become an innovative, well-educated, well-trained workforce of tomorrow.
I signed the bill during a ceremony in the Old State House Chamber here in the Capitol Building. I was surrounded by the education leaders from both houses of the General Assembly, including the bill’s House and Senate sponsors.
Joining us at the ceremony were dozens of North Carolina schoolchildren, who were here touring the State Capitol. There presence was a wonderful opportunity for me to remind everyone why this bill was so important, and it was a great opportunity for those kids to see history in action.
