40 years ago the Public School Forum of North Carolina was founded out of a critical need to bring together educators, community members, business leaders and policymakers to support our local public schools. In the decades since, the Forum has served as a think-and-do tank, bringing together individuals and organizations to study education issues, develop ideas, seek consensus, and ultimately inform and shape education policy with the goal of providing every child in North Carolina with a high-quality, equitable education.
To celebrate 40 years of this work, we asked 40 community members – students, educators, lawmakers and business leaders – what they would like local public schools to look like in another 40 years. Here are their visions:
“I’d like my district’s public schools to be easily accessible to all families so that there are few obstacles for education. Also, a diverse curriculum that ranges from class to class that diverges from monotonous learning. As well as an emphasis on free speech and free education.”
Audrey Kenn, 12th Grade, Orange High School
“In the next 40 years, I want to see public schools with a larger number of teachers and staff, offering significantly better salaries. I believe it’s crucial to engage more minority students in challenging courses and create a welcoming environment that fosters their comfort and confidence. Promoting inclusivity, so we ensure that all students feel valued and accepted, regardless of their background or self-presentation. Providing more resources for study help and creating opportunities for discussions about mental health and well-being are essential. It’s important to communicate to students that striving for excellence is commendable, but also to establish boundaries to prevent burnout.”
Malakhi Harris, Class of 2025, Orange High School
“Schools should start at 9:00 am. I think elementary schools should have sports like basketball. Every school should have a science lab so we can do experiments. Students need more comfortable seating in classrooms.”
Caleb Jacobs, 4th Grade, G.W. Carver Elementary School
“I want to see better quality of the food that is served for school lunch, and I will put credit where credit is due, the cafeteria staff are always very nice and try to put a smile on every student’s smile. Also better leg room on the bus because I have no leg room when I take the bus to and from school. I want the teachers to have better pay; for they are working too hard and are not rewarded to the level that they should be. Lastly, I want students to not walk into school and not have to worry for their lives seeing as though the number of school shootings exponentially increases every year.”
Ryan Newpher, 12th Grade, Orange High School
“I would say that in 40 years I would like public schools in my district to help better prepare students for college and their future. This can include required career research classes to help figure out your interests and better help with real-world applications.”
Isabella Palmquist, 12th Grade, Needham B. Broughton High School
“I would like to see more real-life connections made with the things we learn in school and in the real world. So maybe more classes based on real world careers or certifications.”
Divya Chaudhary, 10th Grade, Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies
“Schools should have a longer recess, at least 45 minutes. Students should be able to do clubs every Friday.”
Olivia Robertson, 4th Grade, G.W. Carver Elementary School
“In 40 years, I want public schools to include students from a diverse range of economic and cultural backgrounds who are all able to find classes and opportunities at their school that interest them. I want the students to be able to access any teaching style they need that allows them to learn best, and to be able to go at their own pace while still obtaining passing grades.”
Cassie Verrill, 11th Grade, Orange High School
“We need to have skate parks during recess. Schools should be smarter, we need to start learning harder stuff so the rest of the year is easy.”
Mason Langley, 2nd Grade, G.W. Carver Elementary School
“In 40 years, people will be teleporting to school and be able to fly to class instead of walk.”
Joshua Green, 2nd Grade, G.W. Carver Elementary School
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