Public Ed Works is a nonpartisan organization that builds support for public education in North Carolinahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mk3kvhxdss2yWake County schools propose $10.5M in new cuts—on top of $5.2M earlier—including fewer assistant principals and reduced specialty teacher funding, as rising costs and declining enrollment strain the budget. #NCed https://www.wral.com/news/education/more-proposed-budget-cuts-wake-schools-april-2026/22 Apr 2026 13:07 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk3kvhxdss2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjzgbkz2h22yOrange High School principal Jason Johnson was named the 2026 National High School Principal of the Year, recognized for his supportive leadership and impact on students across North Carolina. #NCed https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article315469948.html21 Apr 2026 16:39 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjzgbkz2h22yhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjz2fdm7is2yNorth Carolina A&T will hold a Day of Service to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson, with students and alumni participating in community projects to celebrate his legacy of civil rights and service. #NCed https://www.wfdd.org/culture/2026-04-20/north-carolina-a-t-state-university-to-honor-rev-jesse-jackson-with-day-of-service21 Apr 2026 13:06 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjz2fdm7is2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjwk6mnahs2yStudents at North Carolina A&T are frustrated after being stripped of their on-campus early voting site, arguing it limits the voices of black students. They vow to keep advocating for easier, more equitable voting options. #NCed https://greensboro.com/opinion/column/article_bc7171ec-1657-49f9-9ad6-116495abc9b8.html20 Apr 2026 13:11 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjwk6mnahs2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjprsoub3s2yFor NC’s public universities, the balance between idealism and pragmatism was baked in from the beginning. The state’s original constitution calls for the promotion of “all useful learning,” and UNC’s 1789 charter commends higher education to “consult the happiness of a rising generation.” #NCed https://www.publicedworks.org/2026/04/workforce-demands-now-and-always/17 Apr 2026 20:39 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjprsoub3s2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjpibha2fs2yGov. Josh Stein is pushing for teacher raises in his proposed budget, but disagreements continue to stall a state budget, leaving educators with a 1% drop in compensation. The legislature MUST take action in their upcoming session! #NCed https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/education/article315436400.html17 Apr 2026 17:48 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjpibha2fs2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjp3r5ey6k2aTom Oxholm: There is a crisis in North Carolina of underfunding our public schools (including Charters). #NCed https://www.publicedworks.org/2026/04/tom-oxholm-when-will-business-leaders-wake-up/17 Apr 2026 14:04 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjp3r5ey6k2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjmumootic2aA UNC System report warns North Carolina’s job growth is outpacing its supply of skilled workers, with a need for 5,000–10,000 more graduates each year—especially in nursing, engineering, and education—to meet rising demand. #NCed https://www.northcarolina.edu/news/unc-system-study-finds-growing-workforce-gaps-as-economy-expands/16 Apr 2026 16:51 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjmumootic2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjmhjarrck2aUNC Wilmington is proposing a new medical school focused on primary care to address doctor shortages, especially in rural areas. The program could take 7–8 years to launch and aims to expand in-state training opportunities. #NCed https://www.wunc.org/education/2026-04-15/unc-wilmington-build-medical-school16 Apr 2026 12:57 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjmhjarrck2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjkmgzaqv22aGuilford County Schools will close May 1 to allow educators to join a Raleigh protest pushing for a state budget and more school funding, with leaders saying the action supports students and highlights ongoing resource needs. #NCed https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/article_a5050198-2fb8-4a24-949d-a7aba881e8fe.html15 Apr 2026 19:19 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjkmgzaqv22ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjk2qckyrk2aSchool construction costs in Wake County and across North Carolina have surged, rising 40–50% since 2021. New schools now cost tens of millions more, driving larger bond requests and likely higher taxes to cover growing needs. #NCed https://www.wral.com/news/education/school-construction-costs-booming-wake-school-board-facilities-april-2026/15 Apr 2026 14:03 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjk2qckyrk2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mji76yzdic2aWake County schools may switch up to eight year-round schools to traditional or single-track calendars to save money and adjust to slower growth, with changes potentially affecting thousands of students starting in 2027–29. #NCed https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article315392277.html14 Apr 2026 20:17 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mji76yzdic2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjhrmslab22aNCSSM and NC State alumna Christina Koch just returned from the Artemis II mission - the farthest any humans have traveled from Earth in the history of mankind. Here we republish a delightful December 2020 interview with Koch, as she prepared to deliver a commencement address at NC State. #NCed https://www.publicedworks.org/2020/12/christina-koch-ncsu/14 Apr 2026 16:14 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjhrmslab22ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjhk45tshc2aA UNC System report finds it isn’t producing enough graduates in key fields like teaching, nursing, and engineering, with a yearly shortfall of 5,000–10,000 degrees—raising concerns about meeting North Carolina’s workforce needs. #NCed https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article315392978.html14 Apr 2026 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjhk45tshc2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mjfoy6htg22aSix news outlets are suing the UNC System for withholding a publicly funded report on its School of Civic Life and Leadership. They argue it should be released, while UNC cites confidentiality concerns. #NCed https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-newsline-other-media-outlets-sue-unc-for-access-to-report-on-school-of-civic-life/13 Apr 2026 20:22 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjfoy6htg22ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mj3i27oais2aThere’s been an upheaval in leadership of North Carolina’s General Assembly with the defeat of longtime Senate leader Phil Berger in a primary that spanned Rockingham and part of Guilford County. #NCed https://www.publicedworks.org/2026/04/seismic/09 Apr 2026 18:51 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj3i27oais2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mj2whyqbqs2aHarnett County Schools will end Dual Language Immersion programs at several schools, affecting over 1,000 students. Families must choose to transfer or stay without it, as officials cite shifting enrollment and district priorities. #NCed https://www.wral.com/news/education/harnett-schools-dual-langauge-program-closing-april-2026/09 Apr 2026 13:36 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2whyqbqs2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3miyulmca4c2aUNC Charlotte is launching a new School of Construction to train students for booming regional growth. The program will teach the full building process and aims to address worker shortages as billions in new development are planned. #NCed https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/education/article315316831.html08 Apr 2026 17:57 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3miyulmca4c2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3miygpdqxrs2aThe North Carolina Association of Educators is urging teachers to leave work May 1 and rally in Raleigh to push for higher school funding, better pay, and more resources— changes that would improve conditions for both educators and students. #NCed https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article315315642.html08 Apr 2026 13:49 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3miygpdqxrs2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mivurpsghc2aAbout 30% of North Carolina college students face food insecurity. Advocates say extending SNAP certification from 6 to 12 months would help, since frequent renewal deadlines are easy to miss and cause many eligible students to lose benefits. #NCed https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article315317195.html07 Apr 2026 13:23 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mivurpsghc2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mitr67ja5k2mAfter the NC Supreme Court ended the Leandro school funding case, Robb Leandro called for new lawsuits. The decision canceled a major plan to boost school funding and left concerns that the state isn’t giving students an adequate education. #NCed https://www.wral.com/news/education/robb-leandro-talks-nc-supreme-court-decision-april-2026/06 Apr 2026 17:13 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mitr67ja5k2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mimbgz4fdk2mAfter nearly 32 years of litigation, the NC Supreme Court shot down a previous order from the courts today for the state to send $677.8 million to the state’s public schools. #NCed https://www.publicedworks.org/2026/04/nc-supreme-court-shoots-down-leandro/03 Apr 2026 17:43 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mimbgz4fdk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3miltj5eiic2mThe North Carolina State Board of Education delayed a vote on four new virtual schools after members raised concerns about quality and student outcomes. Officials want more details before approving the schools, reflecting growing caution about virtual learning. #NCed https://www.wral.com/news/education/vote-more-virtual-schools-state-board-education-april-2026/03 Apr 2026 13:33 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3miltj5eiic2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mijnwvsylk2mBREAKING: The NC Supreme Court struck down a multi-billion dollar education plan in the long-running Leandro lawsuit, undoing a decade of precedent. The court ruled judges can’t force funding decisions, leaving school improvement efforts to lawmakers. #NCed https://www.wral.com/news/education/nc-supreme-court-leandro-ruling-april-2026/02 Apr 2026 16:48 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mijnwvsylk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mijdgyw6ks2mNorth Carolina Association of Educators plans a May 1 march in Raleigh, calling for more public school funding. The group cites low pay and poor conditions for teachers. They also urge lawmakers to reverse their decision to expand voucher funding even further. #NCed https://www.wral.com/news/education/ncae-plans-march-downtown-raleigh-april-2026/02 Apr 2026 13:41 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mijdgyw6ks2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mih3yu6vck2jUNC-Chapel Hill will cut about $90M over three years due to funding pressures. Cuts target admin, some academic programs, and aid. The school will still invest $45M in the priorities it has identified, like AI, safety, and growth. #NCed https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article315246879.html01 Apr 2026 16:22 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mih3yu6vck2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3migryroicc2jChristina Koch, an NC State alum, will join Artemis II, the first crewed lunar flight since 1972, and become the first woman on such a mission. She’ll fly a ~10-day Moon orbit. #NCed https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article315235361.html01 Apr 2026 13:23 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3migryroicc2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3miepp7gbas2jNC State plans to hire alum Justin Gainey as men’s basketball coach after Will Wade’s abrupt exit to LSU. A longtime Tennessee assistant, Gainey brings strong recruiting and defensive credentials as the Wolfpack seek stability. #NCed https://www.wral.com/sports/ncstate-justin-gainey-mens-basketball-coach-replace-will-wade-march-2026/31 Mar 2026 17:37 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3miepp7gbas2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3micepesjqs2jCharlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is on track to hit its goal of 85% of graduates being enrolled, enlisted, or employed three years ahead of their original schedule. The progress is thanks to focused tracking, though some challenges remain. #NCed https://www.wfae.org/education/2026-03-26/cms-making-progress-on-getting-kids-enrolled-enlisted-or-employed30 Mar 2026 19:14 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3micepesjqs2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/publicedworks.bsky.social/post/3mibqnetmbc2jUNC has paused plans to renovate or replace the Smith Center until a new men’s basketball coach is hired and established, delaying a decision during a time of debate, high costs, and focus on program stability. #NCed https://www.wral.com/sports/unc-smith-center-discussion-suspended-tar-heels-coaching-search-march-2026/30 Mar 2026 13:15 +0000at://did:plc:rhlsu3epbau3mlvtfawomvx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mibqnetmbc2j