Charlotte, North Carolina, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Eric Davis, chair of the North Carolina Board of Education, has raised concerns about the challenges facing public schools in the state. He emphasized the need for respect and support for teachers while advocating for better funding and resources. With 85% of the state’s children educated in public schools, ongoing issues such as teacher retention, inadequate funding, and negative rhetoric against educators underscore the importance of addressing the current education landscape. A new strategic plan aims to improve these conditions and elevate the state’s public schools by 2030.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Eric Davis, the chair of the North Carolina Board of Education, has publicly challenged the prevailing belief that public schools in the state are broken. During a recent discussion with former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Peter Gorman at the Hood-Hargett Breakfast Club, Davis highlighted that the mindset surrounding public education presents a larger obstacle than the systems themselves.
Public schools are responsible for educating around 85% of North Carolina’s children, which underscores their significance in the state education landscape. While there are positive strides being made, such as the implementation of the state’s early literacy program, several persistent problems hinder the effectiveness of public education. Issues including teacher retention, inadequate funding, and detrimental rhetoric against educators remain significant challenges.
Davis emphasized the critical need for respect and support for teachers, advocating for enhancements in teacher retention, pay, and school facilities. He criticized the state legislature for its insufficient funding of public schools, pointing out the alarming trend of allocating substantial resources to private school tuition through vouchers. Since the previous year, there has been an expansion of the voucher program to include families from all income brackets.
The situation has been complicated further by a freeze on $165 million in federal funding, which has exacerbated financial worries within North Carolina schools. This funding freeze puts approximately 400 teaching jobs at risk along with 89 positions at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Notably, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools alone could face a loss of $12.5 million due to this financial uncertainty.
In response to ongoing challenges, the State Board of Education has made it a priority to raise teacher salaries in order to remain competitive with other Southeastern states. Additionally, they approved a comprehensive five-year strategic plan designed to position North Carolina’s public schools as some of the best in the nation by 2030. The goals of this plan include raising the four-year high school graduation rate to 92%, achieving an average ACT score of 20, and enhancing participation in Advanced Placement courses.
There is prevailing uncertainty regarding the distribution of federal funds, especially if there are changes at the Department of Education. Such changes might complicate local funding and educational resources. However, the strategic plan sets out clear objectives aimed at improving educational outcomes across various dimensions, focusing on character development and safety in schools.
The strategic plan, shaped by stakeholder feedback, is set to officially launch on August 20, with promotional events scheduled throughout the state. Yet, many concerns have been raised regarding the clarity of funding and the detailed implementation and revision process of the plan over its lifespan.
Overview of Key Initiatives
- 85% of children in North Carolina are educated in public schools.
- Current challenges include teacher retention, funding, and negative perceptions of educators.
- The state legislature has been criticized for inadequate funding while expanding private school voucher programs.
- A strategic plan aims for significant educational improvements by 2030.
- The plan will officially launch on August 20 with stakeholder events across North Carolina.
Key Features of the Strategic Plan
| Goal | Target |
|---|---|
| High School Graduation Rate | 92% by 2030 |
| Average ACT Score | 20 by 2030 |
| Advanced Placement Participation | Significant enhancement |
FAQ Section
What are the main challenges facing public education in North Carolina?
The main challenges include teacher retention, inadequate funding, and negative rhetoric surrounding educators.
What is the goal of the five-year strategic plan?
The strategic plan aims to make North Carolina’s public schools the best in the nation by 2030, with specific targets for graduation rates and ACT scores.
When will the strategic plan be launched?
The strategic plan is set to officially launch on August 20, with events throughout the state to promote its objectives.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- NC Newsline
- Google Search: North Carolina public schools
- News Observer
- Google Scholar: North Carolina education
- Journal Patriot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Policy
- WSOC TV
- Google News: North Carolina education funding
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
