The GOP Takeover isn't Complete...Yet

by Tom Campbell

The new reality has North Carolina Republicans in control of all three branches of state government: the Governor’s mansion, legislature and with a majority on our Supreme Court. But the change doesn’t end there.

The next takeover target will be education. Governor Pat McCrory will soon name six new members to the State Board of Education, giving him and Republicans control over the policies of k-12 public education in our state. Look for big changes in accountability, teacher compensation, school choice and an increased emphasis on vocational education.

Of lesser importance, but still noteworthy, will be changes in the State Board of Community Colleges. By design, this board is the weakest of the three governing boards of our educational systems, since each of the 58 colleges has their own board with broad controls over their schools.

The biggest changes will occur when the legislature names new members to the UNC Board of Governors, an equal number from each house. In years past, when Democrats controlled the legislature, a least two came from the minority party in each house. That didn’t happen when Republicans gained control of the legislature and there are no signs of change now. More to the point, with this class the Republicans will be solidly in control of the BOG and you can expect some big changes.

Expect strong messages of fiscal accountability to the 16 campus system, which accounts for some 2.5 billion dollars (about 13 percent of our General Fund expenditures). They will be charged to reduce administrative costs at campuses, better use classrooms and facilities, eliminate classes, programs and even curriculums with small attendance and there will be a move to revert all overhead receipts from research grants to the state. There will be a renewed call to remember the core mission of the university with emphasis on the core curriculum and goals to improve graduation rates, increase the numbers of teachers we train and don’t be surprised to see calls for more accountability from historically black universities, the School of the Arts and UNC Television. Gone are the longtime legislative champions that included Senators Marc Basnight, Tony Rand and Richard Stevens. UNC President Tom Ross will be under the microscope.

At 56 percent, education is the largest single expenditure category in the state General Fund budget so it always occupies a lot of airtime. With Republicans solidly in control you can look for new initiatives.