The Public School Forum of North Carolina is seeking talented high school student artists to create original artwork celebrating our 40th anniversary. This is a paid opportunity for creative students to contribute their voices to materials that will be shared with our audiences across the state both digitally and in print throughout 2025 and 2026. […]
2025-27 Governor’s Budget Proposal Analysis
The North Carolina budgeting process for the 2025-27 biennium officially kicked off this week with the release of Governor Josh Stein’s proposed budget, which outlines his priorities for education policy and funding. The Governor’s budget addresses many of the evidence-based action items called for in the Public School Forum’s 2025-27 Top Education Issues. Under this […]
Celebrating the 50 Year Legacy of IDEA
Fifty years ago, the first iteration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was signed into law, transforming the American education system by guaranteeing that students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education. Before IDEA, millions of children were denied schooling or placed in inadequate programs that failed to meet […]
SB 227 Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education
It’s been a busy week at the NC General Assembly, with lots of legislation introduced that could have significant impacts on our students, schools, and educators. One bill that’s getting a lot of attention is SB 227: Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education. The bill is co-sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R, Rockingham, […]
NC Bring Your Legislator to School Day is now NC Legislators in Schools Week
RALEIGH, NC (March 7, 2025)- After two successful years of strengthening connections between North Carolina’s local public schools and lawmakers, Bring Your Legislator to School Day is expanding to become North Carolina Legislators in Schools Week. During the week of April 7 members of the North Carolina General Assembly will visit schools in their communities […]
Potential Executive Order to Dismantle the Department of Education
According to various reports, President Trump will likely soon issue an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. This is a threat to the future of public education nationwide and therefore a threat to the future of our children nationwide. While the full legal and practical implications of such an action remain unclear, the […]
Exploring Weighted Student Funding in North Carolina
In 2023, Senators Lee, Galey, and Barnes sponsored a bill that would convert North Carolina’s funding formula to a weighted student funding (WSF) model. Nationally, 41 states use student-based funding in their formula. Weighted, student-based funding formulas include a base funding amount plus funding for students with additional needs, including economically disadvantaged students, English language […]
Public School Forum of North Carolina to Honor Mebane Rash and Tom Oxholm at the 2025 Jay Robinson Education Leadership Gala
RALEIGH, NC (February 7, 2025)- The Public School Forum of North Carolina will honor Mebane Rash and Tom Oxholm at the 2025 Jay Robinson Education Leadership Award Gala on Thursday, May 1 at the Angus Barn Pavilion in Raleigh. This year’s gala marks the beginning of the Public School Forum’s 40th Anniversary Year with this […]
The 2025 Long Session Presents Exciting Opportunity
January marked the beginning of the 2025 long session for the North Carolina General Assembly. As this session begins, we are at a critical point for public education in our state. The newly elected and returning officials have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our schools, students and educators. This session is a […]
Public School Forum of North Carolina Statement on Federal Policy Changes Impacting Education
As a nonpartisan organization, the Public School Forum of North Carolina has maintained only one bias since our founding nearly 40 years ago: we believe in the value of public education for every child, regardless of their identity, background, or any other factor. We understand that education is a powerful tool that is vital to […]
Public School Forum of North Carolina Shares 2025-26 Top Education Issues at Eggs & Issues Breakfast
RALEIGH, NC (January 28, 2025) – The Public School Forum of North Carolina shared the 2025-26 Top Education Issues today during the tenth Eggs & Issues breakfast event. The Top Education Issues brief outlines the Forum’s priorities for what should be at the forefront of education policy decision-making in the coming legislative biennium to ensure […]
Bright Ideas and the Potential for Bright Futures
Last month over 100 educators were celebrated at the annual Bright Ideas luncheon. The Bright Ideas program was started by the North Carolina Electric Cooperatives 30 years ago with each of the state’s 26 local electric cooperatives selecting winners from across our 100 counties each year. Since the program’s inception, $16 million in Bright Ideas […]
The Cold Truth About Schools Without Heat
Across Wake County this week, parents (myself included) scrambled to find transportation and care for children who were sent home from at least eight schools over two days that let out early for a lack of heat. No heat…for our KIDS??? Understandably exasperated, parents and community members pointed fingers in many directions: the school board, […]
Beyond the 2024 Election
Earlier this month 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. 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 […]
Private School Vouchers are Unpopular, Failed Policy
On November 5th, voters in three states rejected private school voucher measures on their ballots. A majority (58 percent) of voters in Nebraska chose to repeal a recently passed voucher law. In Colorado, 55 percent voted against a proposed constitutional amendment to “establish a right to school choice.” And in Kentucky, Amendment 2, which would […]
Recovering from Helene in Western NC Schools
A little over a month after Tropical Storm Helene devastated much of Western North Carolina, the region’s resilient communities have begun to rebuild, but there’s still a long road ahead. In the days and weeks immediately following the storm local public schools, teachers and staff worked tirelessly to support children and families. Watauga High School, […]
2024 General Election Results
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 […]
Local Public Schools Are on the Ballot in Nearly Every Race
Regardless of the election results, North Carolina will have a new Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction in January. And, every single state senator and representative is up for re-election this year. This is among the many other very important races, including judgeships, county commissioners, and local school board […]
North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs Honors 2024 Afterschool Champions During 25th Annual Lights On Afterschool Celebration
RALEIGH, NC (October 27, 2023)– The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs hosted a Lights On Afterschool reception on October 25 at the North Carolina Executive Mansion as part of the 25th annual national Lights On Afterschool campaign. The annual nationwide campaign celebrates afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families […]
2024 Impact Report
Our 2024 Impact Report demonstrates how The Forum continued our key role of informing education stakeholders throughout 2024 via presentations, trainings, the Education Policy Fellowship Program, e-newsletters, Education Matters, and publications.
Local Public Schools are Vital to Community Resilience
Local public schools are more than a collection of classrooms and hallways lined with lockers. Our public schools provide a space for connection, bringing people together through sports, arts, and activities to build relationships across generations. In times of need, our public schools are a place of resources and support for all students and families […]
North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidates Participate in Final Debate Hosted by Public School Forum
RALEIGH, NC (October 15, 2024) – The Public School Forum of North Carolina held the final debate between North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction candidates, Michele Morrow and Mo Green on October 14, in Southern Pines, NC. The debate was moderated by North Carolina Leadership Forum co-chairs, John Hood and Sen. Leslie Winner. This year’s […]
We Have the Opportunity to Prioritize Our Local Public Schools
Election season offers us a great opportunity. The opportunity to weigh in on and decide a direction for our country, state, and local communities. If we hope to see our values prioritized by the people in decision-making positions, we must participate. Elected officials at the national, state, and local levels are tasked with creating numerous […]
North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs Names 2024 Afterschool Champions as Part of Lights On Afterschool Celebration
RALEIGH, NC (October 7, 2024)– The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs will host a Lights On Afterschool reception on October 24 at the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh as part of the national Lights On Afterschool campaign. The annual nationwide campaign celebrates afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, […]