North Carolina public education is in trouble and the future of our children is at risk.

The cause:  Years of underfunding by North Carolina legislators. 

Did you know that…

• In 2022 NC public schools started short 5,000+ teachers?
• In 2023 NC public schools started short 3,000+ teachers?
• NC legislators are underfunding public schools?
• NC starting teacher pay ranks in the bottom for the southeast (just above Arkansas) and one of the worst 10 in the country?
• Alabama starting teacher pay is 11% ABOVE NC’s?
• 53% of at risk NC 4-year-olds can’t access public pre-K?
• NC fell to #48 out of 50 states in K-12 per pupil funding?
• Legislators fund vouchers for private schools with tax dollars that could otherwise go to public schools?
• SC leads NC in GDP% invested in K-12 education?
• NC is the 10th largest state, but per student spending ranks 47th?
• Pre-K fuels college readiness, but NC won’t expand pre-K access?
• The 2023 budget will not fix the NC teacher pay problem?
• NC fell to #49 out of 50 states in GDP% invested in K-12?

Article IX Section 2.1 of the North Carolina constitution mandates adequate legislative funding of NC public schools:

“The General Assembly shall provide by taxation and otherwise for a general and uniform system of free public schools, which shall be maintained at least nine months in every year, and wherein equal opportunities shall be provided for all students.”

This commitment to public education began in 1776, when the right to public education was included in our original constitution.  We all know that a strong, well-funded, well-resourced public education prepares students well for the workforce needs of today and in the future. A sound, basic public education also enables our poorest citizens to achieve mobility out of poverty. Without quality education credentials, 47% of these citizens are likely to remain stuck.

So, it is critical that our public schools be properly funded and supported.

The 2023 budget includes average teacher raises of 7% over two years (only an average of 3.5% per year). This will not address the issue.  The raises will not cover inflation, and the $39,000 in starting teacher pay is $3,000 short of what Alabama legislators approved last year.

Governor Cooper has declared a State of Emergency and asks legislators to:

1. Invest in teachers and early childhood education, not tax cuts for the wealthy.
2. Use public money for public schools, not private academies.
3. Keep politicians out of the classroom, textbooks and lesson plans.

Here are four things you can do:

1. Educate yourself on where legislators and their opponents stand on funding North Carolina public education.
2. Understand the new voting rules, voter ID, and register to vote in local, state, and national elections (from the school board to president).
3. Vote to save public education.., locally and throughout the state.
4. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed, inspired, and make a real impact!