Governor McCrory Convenes Education Cabinet to Discuss Education and Workforce Goals | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory convened the Education Cabinet today to discuss North Carolina's accomplishments and goals in education and workforce development.

    "Nearly four years ago I entered office promising to break down the silos in education so that we could help students reach their full potential, increase efficiencies and build the 21st century workforce that North Carolina needs to compete in a global economy," Governor McCrory said. "I am proud of the work that this group has done to make that vision a reality. Together, we have helped increase teacher pay, made college more affordable, connected students with apprenticeships and jobs and passed the Connect NC bond to invest in our universities and community colleges."

    At the meeting, Governor McCrory praised North Carolina's record-setting high school graduation rate and recent announcements that test scores are improving in the state and several universities have been recognized for their affordability. To build on these accomplishments, the governor highlighted efforts to connect classrooms to Wi-Fi and investments in teacher pay and technology. The governor also invited State Budget Director Andrew Heath to provide an update on the Connect NC bond which invests $1.3 billion in universities and community colleges.

    In 2013, Governor McCrory reconvened the Education Cabinet after the group had not met for more than three years. The Education Cabinet brings leaders together from public and private universities, community colleges, K-12 and pre-K to ensure cooperation among all entities of the state's education system. Additionally, State Budget Director Andrew Heath, Secretary of Commerce John Skvarla III and Health and Human Services Secretary Rick Brajer are members, given their agencies' various roles in education.

    Last year, in an effort to narrow the skills gap, Governor McCrory charged the group to work toward a goal for North Carolina to have 67 percent of working adults with education and training beyond high school by 2025. Today, the group discussed metrics to ensure we are making progress toward the goal.

    Governor McCrory applauded the group saying our state has already made significant progress toward the workforce goal through the creation of NCWorks, efforts to place NCWorks Career Coaches from community colleges in high schools and through the Connect NC bond investments.

    Additionally, the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement between the Community Colleges and the UNC system now makes it easier for students to transfer from two-year to four-year institutions and veterans now receive in-state tuition. The number of new registered apprentices has doubled, and year-round job training has been instituted by funding summer enrollment for community colleges.

• Contact: McCrory Communications
•     govpress@nc.gov