NC gubernatorial candidates clash over whether schools need more money

Republican nominee and current Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Democratic nominee and current Attorney General Josh Stein addressed the Public School Forum of North Carolina’s annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast. The annual forum is attended by hundreds of educators and community leaders from across North Carolina.

The event, intended to be a candidate forum, featured both candidates being asked the same questions; Robinson appeared in person, and Stein conducted a pre-recorded video interview. Stein’s office was holding their annual Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony on Tuesday morning.

Both candidates agreed on the importance of public education and the need to provide higher pay for teachers. But they differed on whether increased funding for schools was necessary.

Robinson wants to cut funding from schools and move it to teacher pay, though he didn’t specify Tuesday what he would cut. Recently, he’s suggested schools have too many administrators — something that’s become a talking point among conservatives who say administrators make too much money but contested by Democrats who say the state has cut both state and local school administration by hundreds of people since 2010.

“We should honestly look at our budget, and whatever we can cut we should cut it and not move it to anywhere else but move it to teacher pay," Robinson said.

Stein argued that schools need more money to pay teachers and help children and that the state can afford it.

“We are 49th in the country in what we invest in K-12 as a share of our state’s economy. Forty-nine,” he said. The state is doing worse than many of its neighbors in teacher pay, as well, he said. “Those statistics are a disgrace.”

Stein opposes the expansion of school vouchers over expanding public school services and restated his opposition Tuesday. Robinson didn't address vouchers Tuesday.