Governor Pat McCrory will join students, parents, teachers and community leaders at a National School Choice Week whistle-stop rally in Charlotte on Thursday, January 23, organizers announced today.

"We are committed to improving the quality of education and expanding access to highly effective schools," said Governor McCrory. "Today we recognize educational choice for families across North Carolina. Whether it be magnet, charter, home or non-public schools and the dedicated teachers, multiple school options will help students improve academic performance."

Governor McCrory will deliver remarks at the event, which is one of 14 stops along the National School Choice Week whistle-stop train and motor coach tour. The rally, which is planned by National School Choice Week in partnership with Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Carolinas Aviation Museum, and is free to attend. (RSVP at www.schoolchoicetrain.com)

Additional speakers include North Carolina Representative Robert Bryan; Darrell Allison, the president of Parents For Educational Freedom In North Carolina; Jennifer Mahan from the North Carolina Autism Society; Linda Nelson of North Carolina Association of Independent Schools; Kevin McClain from North Carolinians For Home Education; Cheryl Turner from Sugar Creek Charter School; Joe Maimone from Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy; Joanna Lange from Greatschools.org, as well as students and parents.

The event is hosted by National School Choice Week in partnership with Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina. Additional event supporters include the Autism Society of North Carolina, Children's Scholarship Fund-Charlotte, GreatSchools.org, Students for Education Reform - UNC Chapter, North Carolinians for Home Education, the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools and the North Carolina Public Charter School Association.

The goal of the event is to demonstrate support for school choice and educational opportunity in North Carolina and across the country. National School Choice Week -- which will feature more than 5,500 independently-planned events across the country -- will be the nation's largest-ever celebration of educational opportunity. The Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for children, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, online learning and homeschooling.

"There is nothing more personal to a family than choosing how best to educate their children," said Darrell Allison. "Parents in North Carolina have more educational opportunities than ever before, and this event will celebrate the options available to Tar Heel state residents, while sending a message that the demand for educational opportunity has never been greater."

National School Choice Week
Allison Schneider, 800-640-2671 ext. 104
allison@schoolchoiceweek.com