North Carolina’s public schools are on the front lines of disaster recovery
By Kimberly Jones
The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. As we witness the aftermath, one thing is clear: the path to recovery will require time, commitment, and considerable resources.
And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools. Schools have not just been places of learning but have become community lifelines, offering everything from emergency shelters to emotional support for students and families.
In Waynesville, Heather Smith, our 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, is a testament to this resilience. Despite facing unprecedented challenges, she and her community have shown unwavering dedication to their students. The Watauga High School community have been sharing stories about how staff and teachers worked tirelessly to account for all 1,647 of their students — even as many of them struggled without basic utilities themselves.
This story of commitment is a powerful reminder of what our schools and educators do, day in and day out, to support their communities.
North Carolina’s public schools have always been more than just places of education; they are dynamic centers of dedication and community spirit, fostering a sense of culture, pride, and unity. Our schools unite students, families, and community members from all walks of life, all in the shared mission of providing one of society’s most essential resources — education.
Open to all, without tuition or discrimination, our public schools welcome every young person. They offer an environment where students are not only taught but uplifted and inspired to explore their potential and grow both academically and personally. In times of need, whether it be emotional, social, or academic, our public schools serve as beacons of hope, offering shelter and guidance through life’s challenges.
But dedication alone will not rebuild our schools. The Department of Public Instruction has requested legislative action to cut through red tape and deliver critical resources to affected areas. This effort, however, is only the beginning. Our students will return with immense social and emotional needs, compounded by the trauma of displacement and loss.
Addressing these needs requires investment in mental health support and educational resources, from tutors to counselors.
Our state’s teachers are already organizing to support their peers in the West, drawing on experiences from past challenges like Hurricane Florence and the disruptions of COVID-19. By partnering teachers in the West with those in the East who have faced similar challenges, we aim to create a support network that will help communities rebuild and students thrive. Yet, this will only succeed if the state steps up with the necessary financial backing.
This moment calls for a reevaluation of priorities. With the devastation in western North Carolina, now is not the time to divert public funds to private school vouchers. The shift of $463 million of public tax dollars to pay for so-called “vouchers” for private schools undermines the recovery efforts that our communities so desperately need. It’s crucial that state leaders ensure these funds remain in public education, where they can directly benefit the students who have already faced so much disruption.
Our General Assembly must not only express their support through words but also through tangible financial commitments to Western North Carolina public schools. Investments such as addressing school infrastructure and technology needs, expanding mental health services, increasing support for low-income and at-risk students, and retaining and recruiting high-quality educators via increased pay and benefits will all help students regain a sense of normalcy and rebuild their academic standing. This is a long-term effort that goes beyond rebuilding classrooms; it’s about restoring hope and stability to our communities.
As we move forward, lawmakers and education leaders alike will have the opportunity to shape the future of education in our state. Regardless of political affiliation, we need leaders who recognize the value of public education and who will prioritize our schools and teachers over divisive rhetoric. Now is the time for leaders who understand the realities of the classroom and who are committed to building a future where every student, especially those in crisis, has the opportunity to succeed.
The resilience of our schools and educators is unwavering. But to truly rebuild and recover, North Carolina must commit to investing in the resources that our students and teachers need. It’s not just about restoring buildings — it’s about nurturing the potential of every child and ensuring that, even in the face of disaster, they have a path to a brighter future.
