NC has a teacher crisis. State Board of Ed pay plan doesn’t help.

Teacher pay

Regarding ‘Saying NC is in a ‘crisis,’ leaders defend plan to pay teachers based on performance,” (Aug. 4):

I thought the “crisis” was that teachers are leaving the profession, or the legislature‘s refusal to raise teacher pay as requested by Gov. Cooper years ago.

I thought the “crises” were the demoralizing treatment this profession receives from stingy lawmakers, the money given to charter and “voucher” schools, and teachers spending their own money on their classrooms.

But now I see. The “crisis” is that teachers are receiving small step raises every year to recognize their years of experience.

We shouldn’t be surprised. This is the legislature that has refused for years to obey a court order to fully fund public schools. The real crisis is the make-up of the N.C. General Assembly.

The State Board of Education needs to reevaluate its teacher pay plan. Show us if you really value teachers.

Ellen Canavan, Cary

AR-15s in schools

Regarding “This NC mountain county is stocking its schools with AR-15s to prevent a mass shooting,” (Aug. 6):

As a N.C. teacher I disagree with the Madison County sheriff’s plan to supply schools with AR-15s. Arming schools with the type of weapon used to massacre 19 children and two teachers won’t prevent school shootings like the one in Uvalde.

Teachers know that real change does not involve turning our schools into war zones, but in fighting for laws that prevent children from accessing guns. According to the Secret Service, 76% of school shooters use unsecured firearms taken from their home or a relative’s home.

I started NC Teachers for Safe Firearm Storage to urge Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr to co-sponsor Ethan’s Law, which would require gun owners in homes with children to better secure firearms. Teachers in North Carolina know child access prevention laws will make our schools safer.

Anna Johnson, Apex

Josh Stein ad

Regarding “Criminal investigation into AG Josh Stein’s campaign can go on, federal judge rules,” (Aug. 9):

I cannot understand why Attorney General Stein’s 2020 campaign ad is an issue. Based on all that I’ve read, the ad was true. Why are we re-litigating a campaign ad in an election that has been over and done with for two years? Especially given that the ad was true — and much less questionable than so many other campaign ads? Surely we have better things to do with our time.

Leslie B. Coman, Raleigh

Sen. Thom Tillis

Sen. Thom Tillis’ response to constituents about codifying a federal right to marriage attempts to walk a fine political line. He claims to support federal legislation that protects interracial and same-sex marriage, thus aligning himself with the majority of the population. But he goes on to say that he is working to make sure the federal right to marriage does not “restrict religious freedom,” thus attempting to placate the religious right.

Tillis does not describe how religious freedom would be restricted by the bill. Indeed, nothing in the bill forces religious institutions to perform interracial or same-sex marriages or give up their beliefs that interracial or same-sex marriages are an abomination.

Which is it? Does Tillis believe that interracial and same-sex couples should have a federally-protected right to marry? Or, doesn’t he?

Jennifer Maher, Durham

Senate leadership

In three months, North Carolinians will decide a Senate race that will have consequences beyond our state borders.

The past two weeks clearly show what’s at stake. Democrats have led on issues that matter most — climate solutions, protecting veterans’ health, high drug costs for seniors.

Republicans have offered cynicism rather than solutions, a strategy honed by Sen. Mitch McConnell. Do we want to give control of the Senate back to McConnell? Do we want him to be able to reverse all that was done?

If you want a Senate working for the benefit of many, turn out Nov. 8 to keep Congress in Democratic hands.

Scott Mouw, Raleigh

NC gun permits

Gun violence is soaring. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should be working together to pass legislation that strengthens our gun laws. This isn’t about politics or partisanship. My husband and I are gun owners. We feel strongly that common-sense gun legislation, such as strengthening our concealed carry weapons permitting system, is vital to the safety of all of our citizens. I am so grateful to Gov. Roy Cooper for vetoing House Bill 49 and agreeing that it would chip away at our gun permitting system. I hope our legislators will find a way to enact laws that are dedicated to reducing gun violence.

Georganne Sanders, Raleigh

HOA boards

I am writing in response to “Anxious, angry, ‘always on edge’: Why HOAs’ relations with residents could be getting worse” (Aug. 9). The HOA leaders where I live are caring volunteers who strive for transparency, inclusivity and collaboration. They are even writing a code of ethics for themselves. I can sum up my experience at The Fairweather by a quote one resident had made into neon art for her husband, “I love it here,” HOA and all.

Martha Thorn, Raleigh