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 together individuals and institutions from business, education and government to study education issues, develop ideas, seek consensus and ultimately inform and shape education policy in North Carolina. We envision a future where North Carolina is the uncontested national leader in business and economic opportunity, fueled by excellent, innovative, well-funded local public schools in every single county.
Strong local public schools drive workforce development, support small businesses, attract employers and employees, and sustain the civic fabric that binds communities together. That clear connection between the education and business communities inspired Education is Everyone’s Business, and the goal of creating a network of business leaders in support of a public education system that:
- strengthens our current and future workforce,
- drives economic competitiveness, and
- creates opportunity in every community.
“North Carolina has consistently been a top state for business, but that won’t be sustainable if we don’t also prioritize being a top state for public education,” said Public School Forum Sr. Director of Policy & Research Dr. Lauren Fox. “In order for businesses and communities as a whole to thrive, we have to invest in our future. Public school students are our future. Many members of the business community do recognize that and want to champion our public schools.”
To learn more about the Forum’s advocacy work in partnership with the business community, visit ncforum.org/eieb.
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About the Public School Forum of North Carolina
Since its founding in 1985 as a nonpartisan “think and do tank,” the Public School Forum of North Carolina has been a champion of better schools and one of the most trusted sources in the state for research and analysis on vital education issues. In order to provide meaningful action on the state’s most important public education issues, the Forum brings together leaders from business, education and government to study education issues, develop ideas, and ultimately inform and shape education policy. The Forum team conducts research and policy analysis, leads innovative programs, and advocates for high-quality, equitable educational opportunity for all children in North Carolina. Follow the Forum on social media at @theNCForum and visit our website at http://www.ncforum.org/
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