Several things make this situation exceptionally problematic for Sydney Batch as the NC Senate Minority leader:
- It's not just one random word or sentence in response to a frustrating situation, it's scripted video where she intentionally uses the most foul language she can to refer to Republicans.
- Budget discussions are ongoing. She took time to trash the very people she should be working with and providing input to. This highlights how utterly ineffective she is as a leader.
- This video is purely performative and scripted. It was planned, rehearsed, and recorded intentionally and released to social media expressly as a political tool.
- Intentionally releasing this highlights her extremely poor judgement. This wasn't "heat of the moment" frustration, it was intentional.
- Use of profanity like this by any leader sets a very poor example for youth.
- She doesn't even pull it off well, it's embarrassing to watch and highlights how out of touch she is with the citizens of NC and her district.
@newsobserver The low ranking does not reflect the recently approved raises, which will provide an average 8% teacher pay raise and boosts for early-career teachers. We can still do better, but the ranking is outdated news.
Classic "gotcha" journalism. If he had posted a real picture of players, some reporter would have gone to the player and gotten them to say something bad about him. They the N&O would have run with that story. I really don't care if he knows any players, I do care that he isn't a wannabe tyrant like Cooper.
@WileyNickel@carolineyaffatv@WRAL@NCCapitol One reason people don't trust red flag laws is that every time the government takes more power, that power is abused. It's not courage that is lacking, it's trust and faith in the self restraint of politicians.
The Opportunity Scholarships give every child the chance to go to the school that's the best fit. Public schools also are selective about their programs: Magnet programs, gifted tracks, honors/AP courses, discipline policies that push out disruptive students, and parental choice via moving to better school districts all concentrate more motivated students. No child should be forced to try to learn in an environment with students who are disruptive. Fewer children in a classroom should make dealing with discipline problems easier, another benefit for the program.
NC private schools in the opportunity program provide a quality education with lower overhead and regulation. I think that's a benefit. Our tax dollars are being used to fund the education of NC Students and make sure that every student has the opportunity to attend the school that best fits their needs.
Private schools with Opportunity students must administer state-approved assessments and report results to the state. They must submit financial audits, enrollment data, and safety compliance. If there are problems with academics, finances, or operations they can be removed from the program. The requirements are spelled out in NC General Statute § 115C-562.5 https://t.co/ljWKADqTAM
They do not "just claim they're better" without proof. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports that private school students consistently outperform public school students nationally. 2024 data shows that 8th grade reading scores for private vs public are about 20 points higher, 4th grade reading about 16 points higher for private vs. public. Similar findings in math.
@KPASKSWHY The $500 million figure represents the total cost of the entire Opportunity Scholarship program for the year, not just the cost for newly enrolled students.
@RoyCooperNC You didn't care about loved ones dying alone, nor about businesses lost during COVID. You didn't care about the victims of criminals you let out, and you don't care about regular people now. Your words don't match your actions and history.