More light on Perdue's education positions (2)

As I wrote before, there's plenty more "light" to let into the ads questioning Bev Perdue's positions on education. In the first part, I highlighted three years' worth of coverage in the press that would suggest to the average citizen that Perdue supports education, contrary to what was suggested in the television ad that has been running.

Picking up at the beginning of 2003, the Greenville Daily Reflector covered Perdue's speech at a conference on February 11, in which she again tied North Carolina's economic development with its education systems. The paper wrote,

Education is the best shot eastern North Carolina has to fix a growing list of economic and cultural ills, Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue said Monday. Speaking in Greenville at the Winter Conference of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Perdue said maintaining a sharp emphasis on schooling through the economic downturn will lead the region out of poverty and poor prospects. "What a challenge you all have as educators. You have an interest in the climate and economy of the region, because many of you are from here, and you're the ones who can make a difference," she said.

"I believe with all my heart what we can do as a state is focus, like a laser, all our resources on education . That's where our priorities should be."
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The children in today's schools are the products of these social and economic problems, and Perdue believes this is where teachers can step in and stop the downward trend. "The kids you teach come from those homes," she said. "They're not just poor; they're sick, too. They're really and truly not well. Maybe that's why their homework doesn't get done. It's no excuse, but maybe that's why."

Educators can play a critical role in solving these problems, she said. "The challenge for you and me is to figure out how to create a new economy. We've got to create a new picture of economic development that encourages every teacher, principal, superintendent to talk about real educational issues," Perdue said.

The efforts educators can make, she said, often are ones that can have lasting effects on the region's long-term economic and cultural health. "Know in this country, in this state, every single child born deserves a chance to be somebody," she said. "They may not live near where the country clubs are, they may not have all the money, but parents should know their child has a teacher who believes in them. Whether the child is black, white, rich, poor, that child has an opportunity to be somebody. It's a mission from God, and it's your mission."

With the budget season afoot, Perdue cautioned the educators that now is not the time to be quiet. It is time, she said, to picket county commissioners to make sure no cuts are made. "I've heard some say the best bet is not to make any noise this year and hope they'll leave you alone," she said.

"In education , we can't do that. Because you grow the work force. Your jobs are more than teaching students; it's working with parents and working with all these shifts. So it's more than just education . We have to work on building a North Carolina that works for all 100 counties, especially eastern North Carolina," she said.

A month later, the Greensboro News & Record reported that Perdue was working with "several legislators, including Sen. Kay Hagan, D-Guilford, on a bill designed to help schools recruit and keep quality teachers. The bill, which lawmakers hope to introduce later this month, would forgive college loans for teachers who commit to work four years, pay graduate school tuition for teachers in hard-to-staff schools and give tax credits to teachers with at least six years of experience."

"The bill would also create a new position in schools called the 'quality teacher leader - sort of a middle step between teaching and administration," the News & Record said. "Quality teacher leaders would be veteran teachers who work full time mentoring young teachers. Perdue said this would help young teachers improve and also keep quality veterans in the profession."

The Asheville Citizen-Times picked up on that work in its April 17, 2003 edition, writing that Haywood County schools were having difficulty filling their teaching positions because of new "No Child Left Behind" requirements:

Haywood County offers new teachers an incentive package that includes rent reductions and coupons. Now the county -- and many others -- might have to consider costlier perks. A sweeping federal education -reform package is expected to make it even tougher for North Carolina to deal with a teacher shortage. The No Child Left Behind requires that teachers be "highly qualified," meaning they must be licensed in the area they teach.

Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue is working with legislators on a bill that would forgive college loans for teachers who commit to work four years, pay graduate school tuition for teachers in hard-to-staff schools and give tax credits to teachers with at least six years of experience.

In its May 2, 2003 edition, the Rocky Mount Telegram covered Perdue's speech to a convention of federal retirees. And what was her topic? Education.

Eastern North Carolina is the poorest region in the United States Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue said Thursday. After addressing the 47th annual state convention of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees at the Holiday Inn at Gateway Centre on Winstead Avenue, Perdue said that if counties east of Interstate 95 were another state, it would rank 51st in wealth. To eliminate some of the hopelessness she said the region feels, Perdue said she wants to reimpliment teaching trade jobs in the high schools.

"Many kids get into trouble because they don't have any hope," she said. "Many of them don't want to go to college, so we need to return trade training to the high schools."
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As a member of the State Board of Education , Perdue said there is a critical need to design a program to retain teachers in North Carolina. "There will be 80,000 new teachers needed this decade," she said, "because a lot of teachers quit within their first five years."

Establishing a mentor program for new teachers is one part of a bill being pushed by Perdue to help increase teacher retention. One aspect of the bill would let new teachers continue receiving help from former instructors. "Teachers could get advice from their universities for up to one year after graduation," she said. "If you are going to give them up to five years of your money, they should be able to help you for one year."

Is it possible that someone saying these things would be accused in television ads of not supporting education?

A full year later, Perdue spoke to the graduates of Brunswick Community College. The Wilmington Star-News said in its May 12, 2004 edition that "school administrators were extremely excited to have Ms. Perdue there."

"It's our 25th anniversary, and we wanted someone really special (to give the commencement address)," said Matlynn Yeoman, vice president for student development.

Peggy Grich, BCC's public information officer, wanted someone to give the commencement speech who would inspire the graduates. The school had tried previously to get on Ms. Perdue 's schedule because of her key role within the community college system. In addition to serving as lieutenant governor, she sits on the State Board of Community Colleges, the N.C. State Development Board and the State Board of Education. "She's a successful woman not only in politics but in business," Ms. Grich said. "She's a good role model for our students."

Before Ms. Perdue took to the podium, BCC president Michael Reeves spoke of many of Perdue 's accomplishments in the State House of Representatives, noting that she has been ranked as one of the most effective members of the General Assembly. Ms. Perdue then talked about how the world is a rapidly changing place, especially in technology and in the job market.

"In America in 2004, the economy is no longer driven by muscles or brawn, but by brain power," she said, stressing the importance of understanding global economics and the connection between local and global businesses and that what happens in another part of the world affects people here.
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Ms. Perdue finished her speech by encouraging the graduates to be optimistic and to try to make a positive difference in others' lives through public service. "I challenge you to find time in your busy lives to give back to your communities," she said. "At the end of the day as you think back on your life and what truly matters to you as a person, it's not going to be the degrees or the money you've made. ... You're going to look back at what you did to make life better."

During the summer and fall of 2004, another election year, several newspapers reviewed Perdue's service as lieutenant governor and again couldn't avoid mentioning her support for education in their recommendations of her.

The Charlotte Observer wrote on July 5,

Lt. Gov. Perdue has compiled an admirable record in Raleigh. A former member of the state House and Senate, she won her current post in 2000 and has focused on education, health and wellness and boosting Eastern North Carolina's major military installations in hopes of avoiding a negative impact from the next round of military base closings. Her extensive legislative experience and her good record presiding over the state Senate and promoting the best interests of her constituents make Beverly Perdue the clear choice.

The Greenville Daily Reflector followed on July 9:

Perdue became the first woman to hold the post when elected in 2000. Since then, Perdue has used her positions profile and political savvy to push for issues of importance to the state, especially for public education. Hers is a solid record of moderate leadership.

Two months later, the News & Observer published a longer report on October 19, called "Perdue's good work":

From her hometown of New Bern, Perdue , 57, has worked her way up through the state leadership structure. Following two terms in the state House, the former public school teacher served five terms in the Senate, where she became thoroughly versed in budget complexities. Her legislative service gives her an advantage in carrying out her duties as the Senate's presiding officer.
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Drawing upon a deep understanding of what the [seven NC military] bases need, Perdue was a strong voice this year for three bills that put North Carolina in a good position to maintain or even add military employment. For one example, higher education tuition assistance is now available to military families stationed here. Perdue can remind the Pentagon brass of that when the culling of bases is done next spring.
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For someone with the right skills, experience, outlook and contacts, it is indeed a job with leverage to help the state move ahead. Beverly Perdue has shown herself to be a good fit.

And on October 21, the Winston-Salem Journal drew an old negotiating partner of Perdue's out of retirement to comment on her work:

During her last three terms in the N.C. Senate, Beverly Perdue was consistently ranked as one of the six most effective state senators. As a co-chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she was at the center of negotiations on spending billions in taxpayer money. Now, as lieutenant governor, she gavels Senate debate to order, calls on members to speak and, when she's not in the Senate, serves on various state boards, including the State Board of Education.
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Former state Sen. Aaron Plyler, a Democrat from Union County, was a co-chairman with Perdue on the Senate Appropriations Committee. He said that she was never afraid to drive a hard bargain. "If she believes in something, and it is what's best for North Carolina and the citizens of North Carolina, she'll stick with it until you can convince her otherwise," Plyler said.

The News & Observer continued its coverage with two more commentaries on Perdue, the first on October 21:

Perdue said she wants to continue her emphasis on improving school technology, fighting tobacco and heading up an initiative to keep military bases in the state from shutting down. "I've become kind of the troubleshooter for initiatives that can have long-term impact on the state," Perdue said.
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She also is working with the state education board to develop recommendations for what the state can do to boost students' knowledge of technology.
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Top priority if elected: "I'll fight for more jobs and work to stop migration of jobs to other countries; will work to expand quality education in public schools, keep quality teachers, grow biotech and assist small businesses with affordable health insurance; will work to prevent teen smoking and provide more medical support for seniors."

And the second on October 30:

The lieutenant governor sits on the State Board of Education . As a member, which policy would you seek to advance and why?

Perdue: "I have fought for better schools, quality teacher retention and access to state-of-the-art technology in our schools. I played a lead role in getting initiatives passed for quality education , including Smart Start. Quality education , teacher retention, smaller classroom size will continue to be key issues."
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How do you see the role of lieutenant governor, and how would you put your personal stamp on the job while in office?

Perdue: "I've been a trouble-shooter for key issues: defending our military bases, health and wellness, strengthening education , and economic development. I am coordinating the state's strategy to protect military bases. I worked for a prescription drug plan that has been called a model for the nation."

I notice that in almost every response to a reporter's question, Perdue manages to work in some promotion of education, whether for its own sake or as it's tied to North Carolina's economic development.

That apparently didn't change one bit as she began her second term as lieutenant governor. The Elizabeth City Daily Advance covered her speech to the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce on January 28, 2005.

She told a crowd numbering about 260 that the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce, and Chambers of Commerce across the country, are on the front lines of economic development. Perdue also spoke about the importance of nurturing small businesses and of using education to become more competitive in a global economy.

"In order to stay competitive, the General Assembly must invest in lifetime learning," Perdue said, "in the training and retraining of our workforce and continuous education for our teachers."

Back in the Triangle in April, Perdue said she received her first invitation to a Catholic school, and the Durham Herald-Sun covered that visit on April 20:

Immaculata Catholic School students became North Carolina's newest -- and youngest -- lawmakers Tuesday morning when Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue transformed the school's sanctuary into a miniature General Assembly. Perdue led Immaculata's 400 pre-kindergarten to eighth-grade students through the law-making process, mediating their debate and vote on a seat belt law being discussed in the Legislature.

The lieutenant governor, elected in 2000, told the students that coming to school and studying was their job. "You have to study hard because you're competing with kids around the world," Perdue said.

And she knows the importance of an education . Neither of Perdue 's parents finished high school. "They made me realize really quickly that the only way I could ever be anybody is to get an education," Perdue said.

Perdue earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Kentucky and her master's and Ph.D. at the University of Florida. Asked why she wanted to be lieutenant governor, Perdue said she wanted time to work on the things she thinks will build a better state, like education, health care and jobs.
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Sarah Sporn, a fifth-grader, agreed it was nice to hear what state officials think about education. "Even though we're a small school, they still care about us," Sporn said.

On August 3, the Charlotte Observer wrote about Perdue's support for "virtual education," where students can learn from home over the internet.

It wrote,

The State Board of Education wants to launch a virtual high school in 2006 that would offer Web-based classes and other electronic courses to all N.C. public school students. Courses would be aimed at a range of kids, from honors students seeking a challenge to those who are sick or pregnant and need flexible schedules. The board is expected to approve plans Thursday to study issues, such as how to combine existing classes, create standards, train teachers and find money.

In time, officials hope the school will expand to serve students from college all the way down to today's increasingly tech savvy preschoolers. Students would get degrees from their local districts, not the virtual school. "It's way past the time when we thought the only way a kid in this state could learn is to catch a school bus and sit in a building," said Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue , who chairs North Carolina's Business Education Technology Alliance.

Three weeks later, the Greensboro News & Record reported on August 24 that Perdue was back in the Triad, promoting good teachers.

Barbara T. Swank of Guilford County Schools, resident of Whitsett and a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) at Bessemer Elementary School, joined with 500 colleagues at a policy summit on high-needs schools meeting in Greensboro. The Summit, sponsored by a coalition of education groups, generated ideas, suggestions and recommendations that were shared with state and local policymakers in a bold effort to address this critical issue.
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"Accomplished teachers are at the forefront of education reform efforts accross the state," said North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Beverly Perdue . "By coming together at this summit, these outstanding educators and our critical partners are creating new opportunities for learning and success among North Carolina's students and teachers."

And when a report was issued in 2006 calling for more funding for education, the Durham Herald-Sun called on Perdue on February 1 to comment:

Smaller classes, better pay and bonuses are needed to recruit the best teachers to North Carolina's neediest schools, a report delivered Tuesday to Gov. Mike Easley concluded, but it is uncertain whether there is money to pay for the initiatives.
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The report followed August's North Carolina Policy Summit on Supporting and Staffing High-Needs Schools, at which more than 550 board-certified teachers, administrators and policy-makers brainstormed ideas that helped in the preparation of the policy paper.

Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue , who attended that Greensboro summit, termed the report "not exactly rocket science -- it says give teachers the time to teach, give them the proper tools to teach and pay them what they deserve."

That's three more years (2003, 2004 and 2005, plus a little bit) of coverage that would seem to tell the average citizen that Bev Perdue supports education, almost from the cradle to the grave, and supports making it easier for North Carolinians to get better and faster access to good education.

It would suggest to me that not all negative ads on television tell the full story.

I intended to break my long list into two parts, but -- like I said, it got good to me -- I'm going to split this one again and post a third part. Either it's more light to drive off the darkness, or it's more pine straw floating down the mill stream. Either way, it satisfies my hope to get clear, positive facts about a public official's positions on the record.