As lawmakers focus on political theater over passing a budget, new reports show North Carolina ranks last in the nation for school funding level and effort. With declining student outcomes […]
What is Your Choice?
Over the past month, North Carolina has been confronted with a wave of immigration enforcement actions that left families frightened, educators overwhelmed, and entire school communities destabilized. The headlines have […]
December 5 Policy Updates
With new tax cuts taking effect in January, North Carolina is poised to become the 17th most regressive tax system in the nation. Budget Gridlock and Tax Cuts for the […]
November 21 Policy Updates
This was a chilling week for North Carolinians. ICE and Border Patrol operations rattled communities, leaving students and families unsure if school would be safe. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration unveiled […]
Public School Forum of North Carolina Statement on ICE and CBP Presence
The arrival of federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Protection (CBP) in North Carolina on Saturday, November 15 has led to fear and chaos throughout […]
Honoring the Legacy of Justice Willis P. Whichard
The Public School Forum of North Carolina deeply mourns the passing of Justice Willis P. “Bill” Whichard, a longtime board member, statesman, and jurist whose service will have a lasting […]
From Celebration to Crisis – The Impacts of Aggressive Immigration Enforcement for Our Children
Stories included were curated from North Carolina Educators. Names have been changed or removed to protect anonymity. In the fall of 2024, Ms. Smith’s North Carolina public school hosted its […]
November 14 Policy Updates
When policy works, the results can be transformative. North Carolina’s success expanding Advanced Placement access and achievement offers a model of effective, well-funded policy. Meanwhile, policy failure can have significant […]
The Cost of Inaction is Students Left in Limbo
On the first episode of Education Matters this school year, we discussed legislative updates from the Summer. One of the biggest concerns then was how funding uncertainty brought on by […]
November 7 Policy Updates
The current federal shutdown has become the longest in U.S. history, critically impacting the nation’s most effective tool for fighting hunger: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While partial benefits […]
What NC Educators Would Like Local Public Schools to Look Like in 40 Years
40 years ago the Public School Forum of North Carolina was founded out of a critical need to bring together educators, community members, business leaders and policymakers to support our […]
Donor Spotlight: Cyndi Soter O’Neil on Supporting Children from the Start
With roots in North Carolina stretching back to early childhood, former teacher and education advocate Cyndi Soter O’Neil has dedicated her career to ensuring children and families have the support […]
Afterschool Is Essential to North Carolina’s Education Goals
In their new strategic plan, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and State Board of Education call for North Carolina public schools to be the best in the nation […]
October 31 Policy Updates
Next week, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to expire for 1.4 million North Carolinians, including more than 480,000 children. Meanwhile, […]
North Carolina’s Local Public Schools Could be the Best in the Nation
Right now, North Carolina ranks 49th in the nation in public education funding efforts. The 30-year Leandro case remains ongoing, despite rulings that we are not meeting our constitutional duty […]
October 24 Policy Updates
Democracy, Representation, and Public Education This week, the NCGA reconvened for its scheduled October session. Instead of finalizing a long-overdue state budget, lawmakers approved a new congressional map for the […]
Participation in NC Afterschool Programs Holds Steady, But 4 in 5 NC Families Who Want Afterschool Still Can’t Access It
2025 America After 3 p.m. Report Shows NC Parents Support Public Funding to Help Meet Demand RALEIGH, NC (October 20, 2025) – Participation in afterschool programs in North Carolina is […]
October 17 Policy Updates
As North Carolina celebrates rising graduation rates, the state is also seeing an alarming increase in dropout rates among students with disabilities, landing a federal “needs assistance” rating for the […]
October 10 Policy Updates
Since the General Assembly overrode the governor’s veto of HB 805 this summer passing it into law, teachers across North Carolina have faced a difficult choice: maintain classroom libraries that […]
What NC Students Would Like Local Public Schools to Look Like in 40 Years
40 years ago the Public School Forum of North Carolina was founded out of a critical need to bring together educators, community members, business leaders and policymakers to support our […]
Donor Spotlight: Tom Williams on Supporting Local Public Schools From the Perspective of a Lifelong Educator
The Public School Forum of North Carolina is honored to feature longtime educator and steadfast advocate Tom Williams in our Donor Spotlight series. From his unexpected move to North Carolina […]
Our Students Deserve Certainty
For many, discussions about federal budgets, legislative sessions, or policy shifts can feel far removed from the day-to-day life of a school. But for those of us who have served […]
October 3 Policy Updates
Budget battles at both the federal and state levels are prolonging uncertainty for North Carolina school districts. The federal shutdown and the lack of a state budget limit districts’ ability […]
September 26 Policy Updates
This week highlighted deep budget uncertainty at both the state and federal levels: the General Assembly approved limited disaster relief for storms Helene and Chantal but failed to advance a […]