The state legislature may be out of session until September, but that hasn’t stopped Governor Bev Perdue from firing the latest shot in the fight over pre-k programs.
On Wednesday, Perdue issued an executive order that directs the Department of Health and Human Services to offer pre-K education to all eligible 4-year olds in the state.
She says that will put North Carolina in compliance with a ruling last month by superior court judge Howard Manning. Last year, about 32,000 4-year olds were enrolled in More At Four. About double that many qualified.
The Republican-led state legislature cut 20% from the pre-K budget and added a parent co-payment.
In a statement, Perdue called on the legislature to fully fund all 4-year olds who qualify for pre-K without cutting other education programs.