Education leaders from across the political spectrum put aside their differences to come together today to announce a new recovery effort to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. Republican State Superintendent Mark Johnson, former Democratic State Superintendent June Atkinson, and others announced FAST NC at the education building in Raleigh.
It stands for Florence Aid to Students and Teachers of North Carolina and will take donations through the NC Education Fund and redirect them to districts in need.
State leaders spoke directly to the students of North Carolina.
To our students, from Eric Davis, chair of NC State Board of Ed, offering “help to put your life back together, help to put your family back together, your homes, and particularly your schools…. We care about you. We love you.” pic.twitter.com/YGBGX60fpT
— Mebane Rash (@Mebane_Rash) September 25, 2018
To our students, from @MarkRJohnsonNC. “There are people that you don’t even know who care very much about you…. There is a bright future ahead.” pic.twitter.com/JGVekMsuDv
— Mebane Rash (@Mebane_Rash) September 25, 2018
To our students, from @DrJuneAtkinson who remembers a hurricane when she was in the first grade. “I know what it’s like to be scared…. I encourage you to keep hope…. The adults in North Carolina will be there to help you recover.” pic.twitter.com/NTCj2gVMfo
— Mebane Rash (@Mebane_Rash) September 25, 2018
Jack Hoke, the executive director of the North Carolina School Superintendents Association, was in attendance at the press conference. His group is helping to coordinate information on district needs with FAST NC. He also gave an updated list of the districts he has heard from who remain out of school.
- Columbus County, Lenoir County, and Whiteville City will be closed September 24-25 and will reassess after
- Bladen County and Wayne County will be closed September 24-26 and will reassess after
- Brunswick County, Carteret County, Craven County, Duplin County, New Hanover County, Onslow County, Pender County, and Scotland County are closed this week
- Jones County, Robeson County, and Sampson County are closed until further notice
Here is the full steering committee for FAST NC:
- Former State Superintendent June Atkinson
- State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis
- Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education and former Mississippi State Superintendent Henry Johnson
- State Superintendent Mark Johnson
- Former State Board of Education Chair Phil Kirk
- Former State Superintendent Mike Ward
To donate by check, complete this form and send a check payable to NC Education Fund to:
NC Education Fund
State Board of Education
6336 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Credit cards will be accepted soon on the FAST NC website.
See the full press conference below:
