Senate Bill 260 - “The Journey”

From changes in administration to the implementation of new curriculum; along with the addition of new schools and the expansion of existing facilities, Pitt County has witnessed so much over the past 25 years in regards to education.  As Pitt County continues to strive for excellence in education, the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce also continues its advocacy for shaping Pitt County into the most advanced school system in North Carolina.  The Chamber believes that education is extremely important because our community’s future workforce is in the classroom today.

Over the past 25 years, an outpouring of support from a multitude of local citizens including, business leaders, parents, and Board of Education members, has been proclaimed in regards to the restructuring of the governing body of our local school system.  This ongoing support led to the implementation and ultimately, the ratification, of Senate Bill 260 (SB 260) on June 18, 2011.  This piece of legislation, designed to produce a more effective and efficient Board of Education, was filed by Senator Louis Pate on March 8, 2011.  It has been well-documented that the Chamber’s position on this bill is not personal or agenda-driven.  From start to finish, proponents of Senate Bill 260 have had one goal in mind, to create better opportunity for consensus building for the good of the Pitt County School system.

Legislative journeys are never meant to be easy.  Throughout its process (March 8 – June 18, 2011) of House and Senate committee meetings and chamber (House and Senate) floor hearings, SB 260 had its share of setbacks and political opposition; however, through strong leadership and dedication, it was met with approval.   The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce has not nor will it ever gloat at the confirmation of this legislation.  The beneficiaries of SB 260 are our future workforce – our children – the students of Pitt County.

Submitted on June 28, 2011 | Trent McGee