KENANSVILLE, N.C. – The sluggish economy took a big hit on education here in the east. Hundreds of Duplin County teachers lost their jobs there over the summer due to budget cuts. But that’s not slowing anyone down.
There were smiles across the auditorium during the convocation ceremony. It was a rare site considering earlier this year Duplin County eliminated 210 teaching jobs due to budget cuts.
School officials say the main focus now is moving forward.
“We're going to have to do more with less and there will have to be shared sacrifice...I think with good leadership we can accomplish that and I think NC can continue to move forward,” said Lt. Governor, Walter Dalton.
“We're not looking at barriers. This is Duplin County. We are doing things. We don't count barriers what we count are blessings,” said Duplin County School Superintendent, Austin Obasahan.
And it’s not just faculty that has a positive attitude. Oshe Pittman will be a junior this year. He spoke with confidence about the power of believing in each other.
“Students, we go off of how our teachers react towards us, and if we feel that they believe that we can do it, no matter what we go through, what they go through, what happens, as long as they believe in us we will succeed and we will go forward in our life,” said Pittman.
Educators promise they will make sure that happens.
"We are going to give every child the best opportunity they can have, the best quality education. There are outstanding people working for our children and they're all going to realize their dreams regardless of the barriers," said Obasahan.
The Lt. Governor says with less faculty the schools will be using technology now more than ever. Students will report to school August 25th.
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KENANSVILLE, N.C. – Teachers are back in Duplin County. But despite a rough economic year, staff and students are staying optimistic.
Earlier this year Duplin county eliminated 210 jobs due to budget cuts. The decision amounted to a 16 percent reduction of the total workforce in Duplin County schools.
But today's convocation ceremony took a much lighter tone. Administrators say they will continue to stay positive despite the cuts. They say their main focus is making sure the education of students will not suffer.
Nine On Your Side's Kristen Hunter will have the full story tonight at 6.
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