This week Americans selected the next set of leaders who will make the decisions that shape the coming years for our communities, our state, and our country. Though this may feel like the end of a years-long marathon, now is actually time for the work to begin. The voters have spoken, and now it is up to policymakers and all of us to continue striving to improve our communities for all. Regarding education, the vast majority of decisions will be made by state and local level officials who create and implement policies guiding school curriculum and day-to-day operations.
In North Carolina, January will usher in terms for a new Governor: Josh Stein, Lt. Governor: Rachel Hunt, Attorney General: Jeff Jackson, Treasurer: Brad Briner, and Superintendent of Public Instruction: Mo Green. Several new state senators and representatives will also take office alongside many who will be returning to their positions. There will also be a new host of judges, county commissioners, and local school board members. For a full list of election outcomes visit ncsbe.gov/election-results.
Many of these positions will directly impact local public schools. Here’s how:
Governor
The governor influences education policy in North Carolina through state budget proposals and by supporting or blocking legislation affecting schools. The Governor can also issue executive orders and appoint members to the State Board of Education.
Throughout his campaign, Attorney General Josh Stein expressed strong support for public schools. During a candidate forum at the Public School Forum’s 2024 Eggs & Issues breakfast he shared three priorities for education if elected: adequate funding, recruitment and retention of educators, and safety.
“There is no greater priority for the state of North Carolina than to do an excellent job educating the young people of North Carolina,” said Stein in a pre-recorded interview for the event. “The reason I’m running for governor of North Carolina is because I believe in the promise of North Carolina, which is that if you work hard, where you come from should never limit how far you can go, and that every person should have a fair shot of prosperity… Absolutely none of those elements of North Carolina’s promise are possible if we do not invest in our children. We have to invest in them and their futures.”
North Carolina General Assembly
Per our state constitution, the North Carolina General Assembly is responsible for providing funding for a free and uniform system of public schools, and is responsible for allocating state funding to support instructional expenses for public education, including salaries and benefits, supplies, and transportation. The fact that the NCGA holds the “power of the purse” allows them to exercise significant power in directing state education policy through laws that shape education policy and the state budget. Current issues in education policy that the NCGA is likely to address include:
- School funding
- Teacher salaries
- School vouchers
- Student mental health
- School safety
Senator Phil Berger will remain President Pro Tempore of the Senate, while Representative Destin Hall is expected to assume leadership as House Speaker.
The Republican party has controlled the NCGA since 2010 and has held a veto-proof supermajority since 2023. Republicans maintained a majority in both the NC House and Senate, but the supermajority was broken by one seat in the House. As a result, Republicans will have a more challenging time advancing their priorities without compromising with the Governor’s office.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
In North Carolina, the state superintendent is charged with leading the Department of Public Instruction and serving as the chief administrative officer of the state board of education. The superintendent is responsible for implementing education policies, supporting local school districts, administering billions of dollars in education funding, and advocating for public schools.
Throughout his campaign, Green celebrated public schools and highlighted successes from his time as superintendent of Guilford County Schools. During a candidate forum at Eggs & Issues, he shared that as a leader he likes to “listen, learn and lead” and expressed reverence for public school educators.
“I would list a few things [that led me to run for this office]. I’m deeply concerned about the dismantling of public education… I’m concerned about the belittling of our educators and our teachers, and this goes well beyond the financial compensation that folks receive; I’m talking about the way that they are being talked about and treated,” said Mo Green during the event. “Student achievement, absolutely I believe, needs to be improved, and if equipped with the right resources, I think that can happen.”
Lieutenant Governor
The North Carolina lieutenant governor impacts education through the various responsibilities associated with the role including serving on the board of the North Carolina Community College System, a member of the Council of State, and member of the State Board of Education. Through the seat on the State Board of Education, the lieutenant governor helps shape decisions on education standards, curriculum, and accountability measures.
Throughout her campaign, Senator Rachel Hunt listed prioritizing quality education as one of her key issues.
“Supporting North Carolina’s public schools is a part of my DNA,” reads an excerpt from Hunt’s campaign website. “When Republicans go after public education in this state, especially in our rural communities, I fight back. As a State Senator, I’ve voted against their attempts to bankrupt our public schools and send our taxpayer dollars to unproven and unaccountable private schools. I’ll do the same as Lt. Governor.”
Looking Ahead
We at the Public School Forum, look forward to working with our newly elected officials to advance North Carolina’s public schools which serve over 75 percent of children in our state and their families. Together, we can provide our children with the tools needed for successful lives and thriving communities.
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