North Carolina legislators returned to Raleigh this week, and Governor Stein released his latest budget proposal. Typically in the second year of the legislative biennium, a new state budget would already be in place, with the short session focused on technical adjustments. However, without an enacted budget, this year’s short session is expected to take […]
April 17 Policy Updates
This week, the House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform concluded its work, advancing two proposals for consideration by the full House. If enacted, these measures could significantly shift the balance between state and local authority and create new pressures for local governments responsible for funding essential public services, including public education. House […]
Donor Spotlight: Dr. Alisa McLean on Investing in the Home That Shaped You
The Public School Forum of North Carolina is honored to feature Dr. Alisa McLean in our Donor Spotlight series—an educator, leader, and unwavering advocate for public education across our state. With a career spanning classrooms, school leadership, district transformation, and state-level work, Dr. McLean has dedicated her life to ensuring that every child in North […]
April 10 Policy Updates
This week, the Public School Forum convened over 400 educators, community members, education leaders, and policymakers at the annual Eggs & Issues breakfast. Leading up to the short session, this event highlighted the state’s progress on the Forum’s 2025-26 Top Education Issues. Overall, North Carolina made very little progress, underscoring the urgency of legislative action […]
Student Voice Isn’t a Slogan—It’s a Commitment
There’s a phrase we hear often in education: student voice matters. It shows up in mission statements, strategic plans and conference panels. But too often, it stays an idea we agree with, rather than a practice we commit to. Fortunately, students are challenging that. Amplifying student voices isn’t just about students being heard. It’s about […]
April 3 Policy Updates
Yesterday, the North Carolina Supreme Court issued its fifth ruling in the decades-long Leandro lawsuit. Among other considerable impacts, this opinion vacates the 2022 ruling ordering the transfer of $1.75 billion to our public schools. While significant, the Leandro V ruling does not change our constitutional obligation to fully fund our public schools. What’s in […]
Public School Forum Statement on April 2026 Leandro Ruling
Today the North Carolina Supreme Court issued its fifth ruling in the decades-long Leandro lawsuit. Among other considerable impacts, this opinion vacates the 2022 ruling ordering the transfer of $1.75 billion to our public schools to implement the evidence-based Comprehensive Remedial Plan. While significant and harmful, the Leandro V ruling does not change our state’s […]
March 27 Policy Updates
North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger has conceded his primary race, ending his 15-year tenure as caucus leader. Berger’s departure signals a significant moment of transition for the North Carolina General Assembly. Since 2011, legislative priorities under his leadership have helped define the state’s approach to school funding, choice, and educator pay. The […]
Public School Forum Names Dr. Anthony Jackson as New CEO
RALEIGH, NC (March 24, 2026) –The Public School Forum of North Carolina is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anthony D. Jackson as its next president and chief executive officer following a national search. Dr. Jackson will assume his role on July 1, succeeding interim executive directors Ann McColl and Dr. Lauren Fox. This […]
March 20 Policy Updates
The longstanding precedent guaranteeing access to public education for all children is facing renewed scrutiny. This week, the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government held a hearing examining the Plyler v. Doe (1982) decision, as several states advance policies aimed at restricting school enrollment for undocumented students. Public Education for All […]
NC Legislators in Schools Week 2026 to be Held Week of April 13
RALEIGH, NC (March 17, 2026)- This year’s annual NC Legislators in Schools Week will be held the week of April 13-17. During the week, members of the North Carolina General Assembly will visit local public schools in the communities which they represent and engage in conversations with superintendents, educators and students. “Legislators in Schools Week […]
March 13 Policy Updates
This week, Governor Stein released the first of several budget proposals ahead of the General Assembly’s short session. The $1.4 billion “Critical Needs” stopgap plan for FY 2025 includes retroactive educator pay raises. However, with no budget votes taken since October and concerns raised by leadership in both chambers, lawmakers are unlikely to take up […]
A Collective Way Forward: Taking Action for Afterschool in Western NC
“It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” – Irish proverb I see nods of understanding as I read this proverb at the kickoff of the most recent WNC After 3PM Collaborative gathering in Brevard, NC. Remembering that we serve as shelter for one another is central to why we gather […]
March 6 Policy Updates
This week’s primary election largely highlighted just how consequential each vote can be and reflected a public demanding change. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) presented its State of the Teaching Profession and School Administration Report at this week’s State Board of Education meeting, showing relatively steady teacher attrition rates. North Carolina’s Primary Election […]
Creating and Nurturing Safe Spaces in our Schools
The NC Center for Resilience & Learning was founded on a simple but urgent truth: children cannot learn effectively when they do not feel safe, whether that be physically, emotionally or psychologically. Rooted in decades of neuroscience and educational research, the Center works alongside schools to implement trauma-informed practices that support both students and the […]
February 27 Policy Updates
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 […]
Public School Forum Releases 2026 Local School Finance Study
RALEIGH, NC (February 27, 2026) – The Public School Forum of North Carolina’s 2026 Local School Finance Study is now available. Through this study, The Forum has highlighted variations and trends in local spending for public education across our state’s 100 counties for over 30 years. The purpose of this annual study is to isolate […]
Honoring the Legacy of Jo Ann Norris
The Public School Forum of North Carolina mourns the passing of Jo Ann Norris, a founding member of the Forum’s leadership team, serving as associate executive director from from 1986 until 2011 and then assuming the role of executive director from 2011 until 2014. Her leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to public education strengthened the […]
Hope on the Hill: What 80 North Carolina Educators Discovered in D.C.
As my colleague and I made our way north on I-95 to Washington, D.C. a couple of weeks ago, we attempted to outline our participant messaging and goals for the retreat we were leading: an annual trip for our NC Education Policy Fellows focused on federal policy and advocacy. We aimed to deepen policy knowledge, […]
Public School Forum Convenes North Carolina Business Community
RALEIGH, NC (February 24, 2026) – This week The Public School Forum of North Carolina held two regional convenings with the goal of galvanizing education advocates within the business community. Over 125 participants gathered in Blowing Rock and Greenville for Education is Everyone’s Business, the Forum’s latest initiative. For four decades, the Forum has brought […]
February 20 Policy Updates
This week, the North Carolina Department of Instruction (DPI) celebrates global learning as part of its Find Your Fit campaign, highlighting the many pathways available within North Carolina’s public schools. Global learning is reflected in DPI’s Key Elements of a Global Classroom, embedded in curriculum resources, and often most visible in magnet schools focused on […]
February 13 Policy Updates
More students than ever are earning industry credentials and connecting to career pathways, contributing to North Carolina’s top workforce development ranking. This progress reflects meaningful achievement while also highlighting the policy work still required to sustain and expand opportunity for all students. CTE Students Earn Record-Breaking Industry Credentials Career and Technical Education (CTE) students earned […]
February 6 Policy Updates
This week, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) presented an annual report showing strong levels of safety in schools, and steady improvements in disciplinary outcomes and graduation rates across the state. DPI’s Annual Report on Discipline, Alternative Learning, and Dropout The State Board of Education reviewed DPI’s annual report at Wednesday’s meeting and […]
January 30 Policy Updates
Congress is again on the brink of a partial government shutdown, driven by disagreements over policy reforms for the Department of Homeland Security’s ICE operations. While education funding is not the source of the conflict, the consequences could still ripple across the U.S. Department of Education at a moment when federal and state voucher policies […]