Former Governor Jim Hunt will speak “In Praise of Public Education” in Raleigh on May 22 from 6-8 pm. His talk is sponsored by PublicSchoolsFirstNC. Tickets are limited so sign up soon!
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/infopublicschoolsfirstnc-6199572339
Governor Hunt was a champion for public schools when he was in office. The Tea Party has done everything possible to destroy his great legacy.
“Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. is widely considered the nation’s education governor. He is the longest-serving governor in the history of North Carolina (1977-1985 and 1993-2001). Among many accomplishments during his 16 years in office, Hunt pioneered the Smart Start early education program, added teacher assistants in grades 1-3, and increased education investments to put North Carolina at the national average in teacher pay.
“Gov. Hunt currently serves as chairman of the Hunt Institute, “a national nonprofit organization that brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.” He also sits on the board of the Institute for Emerging Issues at N.C. State University in Raleigh.
“Governor Hunt’s work has been recognized with numerous national awards.
“His Smart Start program received the prestigious Innovations in American Government Award from the Ford Foundation and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In 1985, he co-chaired the “Committee of 50,” which led to the Carnegie Forum on Education and the Economy and eventually to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He has also provided education leadership as chairman of the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, chaired the National Education Goals Panel, served as board vice chair of Achieve, Inc., and chairman of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.
“Learn more about Gov. Hunt here! Don’t miss his talk at our event on May 22 at 6 pm. Don’t delay – purchase your tickets to hear this amazing education advocate!”
Diane Ravitch's blog 
North Carolina used to be one of the most progressive states in the nation with regard to education–a leader. It now is one of the most backward and benighted, along with Florida and Ohio. A few years of Ed Deform and Repugnican leadership was all it took. This promises to be an interesting talk. He could call it, “A Post-Apocalyptic Look at Education in North Carolina.”
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Bob,
Love your comment. Thanks.
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I taught at an alternative school (private) in NC when Jim Hunt was governor. There were many people, myself among them, who wished he were a bit more assertive for causes we supported. I recall seeing Hunt along with fellow choir member Ed Adams at the dedication of the New River State Park where the New River was officially declared a wild and scenic River after a long fight to prevent a dam from being built.
Back then, I was astounded at the state of NC. Being there made me feel like I was from a third world country educationally. Hunt ran for senator after that being defeated by Jesse Helms, the incumbent, who campaigned with the old method of calling out Hunt for being soft on communism. Helms was elected but died with the Soviet Union. They needed each other.
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lmao. hilarious, Roy
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