FRANKLIN COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
101 WEST NASH STREET
P.O. BOX 909
LOUISBURG, NORTH CAROLINA 27549
(919) 496-1469
www.FranklinNCGOP.com

August 10, 2006
 

Superintendent Speaks at GOP Meeting

L'Homme: 95% Passed Reading in Ninth Grade
Stires on Berger: 'We Don't Have a Voice in This Area'
'There's no more dangerous person in the General Assembly than Doug Berger'


Dr. Bert L'Homme Speaking at Aug. 10 Franklin GOP Meeting

Just two-and-a-half years ago Franklin County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bert L'Homme asked himself: what would I want in Franklin County? Answer: Students should not settle for anything and should pursue their dreams to go to college, run the family business or join the armed forces.

Since L'Homme has been superintendent he says there is good news: E.O.G. (end of grade) tests for third through eighth grades has risen to 94 percent passing reading, and 95 percent passed in ninth grade. Years ago reading scores were in the sixty-percent range.

L'Homme told Franklin County Republicans at their August 10 meeting that every time a child drop outs of school it costs taxpayers, therefore he tries to minimize dropouts and suspensions. However, Franklin County loses about 4-1/2 percent of its students between eleventh and twelfth grade he said.

Children today are learning more at a younger age including reading, writing and math in elementary school. L'Homme said it's important for children to learn more due to the growing global economy.

And contrary to what some think, L'Homme supports charter schools. Precinct Chairman Jack Mizzelle agreed and told L'Homme that he supports charter schools and school choice. But Bunn town council member Linda Pippin said that money should not be taken from public schools to fund charter schools.

Board of Elections member Astor Bowden asked L'Homme what was the purpose of rushing the $45-million school bond which failed in May. L'Homme said that a new high school was needed.

Regarding teachers, L'Homme said they are just as important as being a brain surgeon and praised teachers for helping students improve on their test scores.

'There's no more dangerous person in the General Assembly than Doug Berger'

Also during the meeting Republican candidate for state Senate District 7 Chuck Stires said that two percent has been cut for schools since Democratic Sen. Doug Berger has been in office.

"We don't have a voice in this area," said Stires.

"There's no more dangerous person in the General Assembly than Doug Berger," added former GOP Chairman Larry Norman.

"I could use your support," said Bob Winters, candidate for commissioner. Winters is campaigning as a no-nonsense conservative who will make the taxpayers his top priority.

North Carolina and New York style hot dogs along with scrumptious brownies were provided by Treasurer Ken Gregorius at the Aug. 10 meeting. If you have never had a New York hot dog you have to try them as they are very, very good.