North
Carolina's remarkable improvements in public education would
not have been possible without the strong support of the
business community, Gov. Jim Hunt told the NCCBI Executive
Committee during its quarterly meeting last month. "We
would not be where we are today in education without NCCBI and
the state's business community," Hunt said in remarks at
the Dec. 7 meeting on the campus of UNC Charlotte.
The Executive Committee in September unanimously agreed with a
request by Gov. Hunt for it to serve as an advisory body to
the state Education Cabinet. Hunt spoke at the December
meeting to explain what he expected the Executive Committee to
do in that capacity. The Education Cabinet advises the
governor on education policies. It is composed of the heads of
the five branches of education in the state -- the chairman of
the State Board of Education, the state Superintendent of
Public Instruction, the president of the Community College
System, the president of the UNC System, and the president of
N.C. Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Hunt urged the Executive Committee to continue supporting
improvements in public education after he leaves office.
"We need to have people to stay on top of this,"
Hunt said. "Who's going to keep pushing us? That's where
you come in," he told the group.
Hunt said his successor, Gov. Mike Easley, will work with
NCCBI to continue educational improvements. "He's a
willing learner," Hunt said about Easley, "but
you're going to have to support him and stay behind him.
(Easley) can become a very good education governor if you push
him to be one."
Hunt stressed that, despite the national recognition North
Carolina has received for improving its schools, much remains
to be done and can only be accomplished over time. "I
want you to keep up with this thing. I want your ideas on how
we can do this better. This is a marathon, not a sprint."
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Duke
Power CEO Bill Coley examines a report card on education
progress in the state
NCCBI
Chairman Mac Everett presents a plaque to Gov. Jim Hunt for
his leadership
UNC
Greensboro Chancellor Pat Sullivan presents a citation to Gov.
Hunt |
