During his visit to Ferguson-Easley Elementary School today, Gov. Josh Stein emphasized the importance of investing in public education to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
The North Carolina governor toured several second-grade classrooms throughout the building and then addressed a room full of educators, local- and state-elected officials and the media.
In alignment with his 2025-2027 budget proposal, Gov. Stein highlighted the need to support educators through higher salaries, provide free breakfast for all students and expand access to student support services to help young people thrive in the classroom.
Gov. Stein also underscored the need for long-term investments in school infrastructure, highlighting a proposed $4 billion bond to modernize outdated buildings, upgrade security measures and ensure students and educators have access to safe, well-equipped learning environments that meet the demands of 21st-century education.
“We need safety upgrades like cameras, fences around playgrounds, exterior locks, fewer access points to secure our buildings from people who mean harm," said Gov. Stein. "With these upgrades, it will give students and teachers much more peace of mind."
Before presenting a special Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Challenge Coin to the Governor, CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., expressed his gratitude for the visit and acknowledged the Governor's commitment to investing in public education not just in Cumberland County, but across the state.
“Public education is the foundation of our communities,” said Dr. Connelly. "We must invest in our educators, modernize our facilities and ensure students have the resources needed to succeed.”
PHOTOS: Gov. Stein's Visit to Cumberland County Schools
