Governor Stein proclaimed February 23-27, 2026, as “Public Schools Week,” coinciding with the Department of Public Instruction’s highlight of school supports–such as counseling, nutrition, transportation, and athletics–as part of the six-week Find Your Fit campaign. As we look ahead to the state’s primary elections, the Forum encourages voters to support candidates who are committed to strengthening and investing in public education.
Public Schools Week
Governor Stein celebrated Public Schools Week by touring schools and advocating for the North Carolina General Assembly to pass a comprehensive state budget that more adequately invests in public schools. Stein’s proposed budget would raise beginner teacher salaries to the highest in the southeast, raise average teacher pay, reinstate master’s degree pay, and expand funding for student support staff. The General Assembly has yet to finalize a state budget, placing North Carolina in the unusual position of being the only state without an enacted budget this fiscal year. Teacher salaries are a key point of disagreement between the House and Senate. The House proposal would raise teacher salaries by an average of 8.7%, bringing it closer to the Governor’s recommendation, and would also reinstate master’s pay. In contrast, the Senate’s proposal includes a much smaller average increase of 2.3% and does not reinstate master’s pay.
Primary Elections
Primary Election Day is March 3rd and right around the corner. Primary elections determine the candidates for the November general election, and help parties choose the candidate they will sponsor. In North Carolina, voters may vote only in their affiliated party’s primary, unless they are registered as unaffiliated. Unaffiliated voters may choose one party’s primary in which to participate.
Here are some key resources to help inform and support the voting process:
- Voter Dates and Deadlines
- Voter Registration – Voters can register, check on registration, or update registration.
- Election Day Polling Place – Early voting locations may differ from primary polling locations.
- Sample Ballot – This tool allows voters to preview their ballot.
- Candidate Profiles – Voters can learn more about candidates on their ballot.
- Key races to watch – WUNC, The Carolina Journal, NCNewsline
Public Education on the Ballot
One of the most effective ways to celebrate Public Schools Week is through voting. All 120 N.C. House and 50 N.C. Senate seats are up for election this year, making this a pivotal moment for public education policy in North Carolina. Legislative decisions directly shape school funding levels, educator compensation, accountability systems, and support services for students. As voters evaluate candidates, it is important to consider where they stand on sustained investment in public schools and policies that strengthen student outcomes. Page 2 of this resource outlines key things to look for to help identify candidates who demonstrate a commitment to public education.
Beyond the General Assembly, local races also carry significant implications for school funding and governance. County Commissioners, for example, hold local taxing authority and determine whether to approve school board requests that require new funding. For a deeper understanding of how local education finance varies across North Carolina, explore the Forum’s Local Finance Study and accompanying county profiles.
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