August 16, 2025

[1]www.publicschoolsfirstnc.org
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Making NC Public Schools the BEST in the Nation

At the August meeting of the NC State Board of Education, Superintendent Mo
Green and Board Chair Eric Davis revealed their ambitious vision for North
Carolina Public Schools: high academic achievement, character development,
and by 2030, they want our public schools ranked as the best in the nation.

They revealed the detailed plan for making it happen—[7]Achieving
Educational Excellence: 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for North Carolina Public
Schools—and stated in its introductory letter that “The plan is a
declaration: Public education is the foundation of North Carolina’s
future.”

After highlighting key facts about North Carolina’s public schools, the
strategic plan presents a short mission statement to help clear up any
confusion about the role of the state’s education leaders:

The mission of the North Carolina State Board of Education and the North
Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction is to use their
constitutional authority to guard and maintain the right to a public
education for every student in North Carolina and to support public school
units in providing every student an excellent education that prepares them
for success in their next phase of life.

The strategic plan lays out comparisons to other states and very specific
benchmarks to achieve best-in-nation status:
* Four-Year Cohort High School Graduation Rate increases from the current
87% in 2024 to 92% by 2030.
* ACT Composite Score increases from 18.5 in 2024 to 20 by 2030.
* Participation in AP Exams grows from 21.5% (2024) to 30% and
performance from 65.4% passing (2024) to 75% by 2030.
* Performance on Advanced Placement Exams increases from 65.4% (2024) to
75% in 2030.
* Participation in character education increases along with national
school character education recognition.
* Also listed are benchmarks for Participation and Performance in Dual
Enrollment Courses, Career and Technical Education Courses/Credentials,
Performance in 4th and 8th grade reading and math on NAEP, and Percentage
of school-aged children enrolled in public schools.

Realization of these and other goals rests upon successful actions across
eight pillars. These eight pillars were informed by the[8]
listening/learning tour conducted by Superintendent Green from February
through May, 2025:
* Prepare Each Student For Their Next Phase in Life
* Revere Public School Educators
* Enhance Parent, Caregiver and Community Support
* Ensure Healthy, Safe and Secure Learning Environments
* Optimize Operational Excellence
* Lead Transformative Change
* Celebrate the Excellence in Public Education
* Galvanize Champions to Fully Invest in and Support Public Education

Each pillar is defined and the indicators of success (measures) are listed,
followed by proposed actions to achieve the goals.

For example, Prepare Each Student For Their Next Phase in Life (first
pillar) means "giving them the tools that all people need to function in
the 21st century. It also means ensuring access to opportunities after they
graduate from high school. Because every student is different, the
preparation they need must be flexible and responsive, tailored to their
individual needs…."

The performance goals for this pillar are reflected in several of the
measures listed above (e.g. 92% graduation rate). Proposed actions to
achieve success are grouped into several focus areas followed by specific
actions listed in chronological order by their target completion date.
There are many actions with ambitious timelines.

We encourage you to read the [9]full plan. The focus areas for the first
pillar (Prepare Each Student For Their Next Phase in Life) are listed below
followed by the first action listed (each focus area has 3-6 actions) and
target dates:
* Ignite early learning. Expand high-quality pre-K and strengthen
kindergarten readiness by partnering with North Carolina Department of
Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and PSUs to align standards, coordinate
inclusive early learning systems and enhance transition supports. (January
2026).
* Elevate teaching and learning. Implement the Golden LEAF Schools
Initiative through cross-agency collaboration to transform educator
practice and student outcomes in rural schools, focusing on high-quality
mathematics instruction via the High Reliability Schools model. (July 2025)
* Promote excellence for all. Support PSUs in expanding access to
rigorous pathways, such as AP, International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge
International, Career and College Promise (CCP), credentialed Career and
Technical Education (CTE) and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
(JROTC), to ensure every student takes and passes a college level and
career-connected course. (April 2026)
* Reimagine the student experience. Promote awareness of NC College
Connect and NextNC to provide direct admission to North Carolina colleges
and universities and financial aid to support the cost of attendance.
(August 2025)
* Launch life-ready graduates. Develop a statewide toolkit to support
schools in implementing high-quality character education that teaches
students to be good citizens, as well as important values such as respect,
responsibility, integrity, perseverance, courage, justice, and
self-discipline. (January 2027)

The strategic plan also includes steps that will be taken to ensure
effective implementation and progress monitoring. A new Office of Strategic
Planning at DPI will be established to oversee the execution and evolution
of the plan, current staff will be tasked with specific parts of the action
plans, and senior leadership will review progress as part of a new
Strategic Plan Monitoring and Accountability Committee (SPAC).

[10]Read the plan.

The Best Hope for Public Schools Is You!

Now is the time to make sure that we keep informed about our public schools
and use this knowledge to defend the promise they hold. Time to speak up
loudly and advocate fiercely to make sure our public schools and our
teachers have the funding and support they need to help our students be
successful.

Individual involvement is critical. Below are a few ways you can
contribute.

Advocate with Elected Officials. Public schools are facing many challenges,
especially underfunding and teacher shortages. You can protect public
schools & students by advocating with your elected officials to address
these challenges to make sure our public schools remain strong and
equitable for all students.
* Contact your state and federal lawmakers, county commissioners, and
school board members. Share your ideas about how they can help make our
public schools stronger.
* Attend school board meetings. Express your concerns and opinions on
matters affecting public education.
* Join parent-teacher organizations (PTA/PTSA). PTAs offer a structured
platform for parental involvement and advocacy, influencing school
decisions and supporting educational initiatives.
* Support local school funding initiatives. Vote in favor of bond
measures and other initiatives that provide essential resources for
schools.

Contribute Your Time and Skills. Research demonstrates that when parents,
families, and community groups collaborate with schools, students tend to
achieve more academically, enjoy school more, and stay in school longer.
You can contribute to this success in many ways:
* Volunteer in schools. Opportunities range from classroom assistance to
serving on school improvement councils.
* Become an academic mentor to help students who are struggling with
their schoolwork.
* Donate classroom supplies or funds to your local public school.
* Stay informed about your child's learning. Collaborate with their
teachers to address any academic challenges.

Foster a sense of community. Community involvement strengthens the ties
between schools and the community they serve.

Create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for everyone:
* Engage in school community events. Attend workshops, performances, or
sporting events to connect with other families, teachers, and school
leaders.
* Celebrate diversity. Participate in multicultural events or initiatives
that showcase the richness of your community's traditions and experiences.

Ultimately, the future of public schools hinges on the collective efforts
and sustained commitment of individuals who believe in their mission and
are willing to invest their time, energy, and resources to ensure their
success. Let's ALL do our part!

Proposed Federal Cuts Means More Hungry Students

Federal budget cuts scheduled to go into effect on October 1 will affect
more than 1.4 million low-income children in North Carolina who stand to
lose their critical SNAP/FNS (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program/Food and Nutrition Services) benefits [11]according to information
from the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

Being eligible for SNAP makes it easier for families with children to
access other food benefits. School-age children receiving SNAP are
automatically eligible for free school breakfast and lunch during the
school year and for food benefits during the summer. SNAP eligibility makes
it easier for families with women, infants, and children to show they meet
WIC’s (Women, Infants, Children) income requirements and to ultimately
qualify for the WIC program.

The [12]most important school supply is food. When the federal government
reduces funding for food programs and the state government doesn't fill
funding gaps, local communities and schools are left without the support
they need. Teachers see this up close. In a recent [13]survey of 1,000
teachers nationwide, 74% said they have children who come to school hungry.
We know that North Carolina’s teachers rank [14]#2 in the nation in the
amount of personal income they spend on school supplies. Some teachers
count healthy snacks for hungry students as essential school supplies.

Kids who have access to healthy meals [15]do better in school. As Leah
Carpenter, NC 2022 Burroughs Welcome Fund North Carolina State Teacher of
the Year says, "Feed them, and then we can teach them." ([16]Watch the
video.)

It is in the best interest of all North Carolinians to make sure our
children have the food they need to thrive. Contact your federal lawmakers
and urge them to stop the SNAP cuts!

Legislative and SBE Updates

The House and Senate have adjourned until August 26.

Check the [17]legislative calendar for updates. See our [18]Week in Review
for a summary of legislative activity this session.

The State Board of Education's next meeting is September 3-4. You can find
links to their agenda and live stream (YouTube) links [19]HERE.

Take Action to STOP Federal Education Cuts!

On July 25th, $6.8 billion in K-12 funding that had been frozen for weeks
was released. Your pressure made this happen. Every phone call, meeting,
and conversation with neighbors made a difference.

Now the administration is pushing to cut $12 billion from public education
in the federal budget starting October 1st (FY 10/1/2025 - 6/30/2026).

Members of Congress are recessed for August. This is a great time for
constituents to reach out and let them hear from you!

Congress will reconvene to vote in September on the proposed $12 billion in
public education cuts. Let’s let them know how harmful these cuts to public
education will be. They will eliminate afterschool and summer programs,
arts & technology classes, teacher recruitment & training, emergency
preparedness and mental health services, and more.

[20]Read our Action Alert and contact your lawmakers!

In Case You Missed It

[21]Report reveals NC teachers rank 2nc nationwide for out-of-pocket
spending on classroom supplies

[22]Durham expands Montessori magnet school program with latest addition

[23]Wake Schools hoping to provide therapy access at all schools, after
losing federal grant

[24]NHC school board set to discuss Leandro Remedial Plan later this month

[25]Forsyth interim superintendent recommends mass layoff to balance budget

[26]Texas Private Schools Hire Relatives and Enrich Insiders. Soon They Can
Do It With Taxpayer Money.

Where, oh where is Leandro?

The North Carolina Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Leandro Case
on February 22, 2024 and has not yet issued a ruling.

The 2024 hearing stemmed from continued refusal of North Carolina's
legislative leadership to follow the court's 2022 ruling to release funds
to public schools according to the state's [27]Comprehensive Remedial Plan.
(Read our [28]fact sheet.)

However, [29]Leandro is back in the news. Advocates for public schools in
New Hanover County are encouraging their school board to urge legislative
leaders to fully fund public schools. Many budget shortfalls would
disappear if the state released the funding as required by the NC Supreme
Court's ruling.

We encourage you to encourage your elected leaders to speak up for public
schools also.

Words to Remember

"Out of public schools comes the greatness of a nation."

— Mark Twain, from a speech given in 1900, The Mark Twain House and Museum,
Hartford, CT

Help us support public schools!

Public Schools First NC is a statewide nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit
focused solely

on pre-K to 12 public education issues. We collaborate with parents,
teachers, business and civic leaders, and communities across North Carolina
to advocate for one unified system of public education that prepares each
child for productive citizenship.

[30]DONATE HERE

[31]www.publicschoolsfirstnc.org

Questions? Contact us today at [email protected]

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