When Dr. Mary Ann Wolf stepped into the role of Executive Director at the Public School Forum of NC on March 20, 2020, schools across the state were already in an unprecedented state of temporary closure. Over her five-year tenure, Wolf undeniably left an indelible mark on the organization, transforming it significantly.
A Period of Remarkable Growth and Impact
Under Wolf’s leadership, the Forum experienced a period of remarkable growth and expanded impact:
- Organizational Expansion: During Mary Ann’s tenure the Forum, which had a staff of 12 people who could fit around a small conference table (though they wouldn’t meet in person for over a year), grew to an organization boasting over 30 team members.
- Financial Fortification: What was once a small fund balance transformed into a robust financial position. The Forum has over $5 million in revenue for the current year, coupled with an unrestricted fund balance exceeding $1.5 million.
- Enhanced Employee Benefits and Support: Recognizing the importance of a well-supported team, Wolf spearheaded initiatives to offer comprehensive benefits. The Forum, which initially lacked health insurance and other crucial benefits, now provides parental leave, Summer Fridays, and a more sophisticated online payroll and benefits platform, alongside onsite IT support. This commitment to being a family-friendly workplace has contributed to minimal staff turnover.
- Strengthened Partnerships and Networks: The Forum’s collaborative reach expanded significantly under Wolf’s leadership. Mary Ann established the Forum’s Educator Policy Network with 20 statewide nonprofits actively participating. The Education Partners program, working with local education foundations, was re-energized, leading to greater collaboration among nonprofit leaders across the state and with the legislature.
- Increased Program Reach and Impact: The Forum’s programs saw substantial growth. They now work daily in schools and districts across North Carolina and have seen the largest cohorts in the long history of their Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP), with over 60 graduates annually in the last three years of Wolf’s tenure. The Regional Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year networks have also seen sustained participation.
- Deepening Resilience and Learning Initiatives: The Forum’s work in resilience and learning expanded, with plans to be in over 60 schools in SY2025-26. They also began working with students with learning differences and studying the impact of trauma-informed practices.
- Launch and Expansion of Key Centers: Wolf oversaw the launch of the Flood Center, significantly expanding its reach through initiatives like Mapping the Movement, Jeanes Fellows, and other networks throughout North Carolina.
- Focus on Teacher Pipeline: Extensive work was undertaken on teacher recruitment, retention, and diversity through programs like DRIVE, the Educator Pipeline Collaborative, and now in collaboration with the new Teaching Fellows program.
- Advocacy for Equitable School Funding: The Forum took on the critical issue of school funding, working with a bipartisan group of high-level professionals, national partners like Bellwether and Ed Trust TN, and key stakeholders including the state superintendent, Governor’s office representatives, state legislators, over 15 superintendents, and members of their Education Policy Network.
- Embedding Community-Focused Initiatives: The Forum actively worked to integrate its efforts with after-school programs and trauma-informed practices, leveraging their policy expertise through Community Schools initiatives, which directly embody their mission.
- Elevated Statewide and National Presence: Under Wolf’s leadership, team members presented at numerous high-profile events, including the Rural Center Summit, NCASA, NCSBA, Leadership Triangle, the national CASEL conference, and NC Chamber meetings. The Forum also continued to produce its long-running “Ed Matters” show and host successful convenings like Eggs & Issues, Synergy, and Color of Education.
- Strategic Communications and Public Engagement: The Forum secured funding for statewide polling and message development on public school perceptions, engaging 140 people in training and working with cohorts to spread their message. They are now regularly presenting at Rotary Clubs and local Chambers of Commerce and are planning efforts to develop ambassadors and business leader influencers, aligning messaging with DPI and other key organizations.
- Rapid Response to Community Needs: When Hurricane Helene struck Western NC, the Forum demonstrated its commitment by quickly deploying team members to provide on-the-ground support in schools, later expanding this work with additional funding.
- National Collaboration: The Forum joined the national Resource Equity Funders Collaborative, gaining access to experts in equity and funding, and bringing that expertise back to North Carolina.
- Diversified Funding Streams: While continuing to receive support from long-standing foundation partners, the Forum significantly expanded its funder partnerships, notably including national foundations.
Positioning the Forum for its next chapter
Despite these significant transformations and growth, one core principle remained steadfast: the Forum’s unwavering commitment to its mission of ensuring every child in North Carolina has access to a high-quality and equitable education. Dr. Mary Ann Wolf consistently worked toward this vision and mission.
Mary Ann’s leadership positioned the Forum to have. Her ability to bring people together, champion meaningful initiatives, and inspire a collective pursuit of excellence has left a lasting mark on the Forum and the broader education landscape.
Wolf’s transition from leading the Forum coincided with the organization’s 40th anniversary. As the Forum entered its next chapter, Mary Ann’s leadership positioned the organization to have even broader and deeper reach and increased capacity to advocate for children, educators, and families across North Carolina for years to come.