The Problem

1. Declining Confidence and Quality in Public Education

• 47% of North Carolinians believe public education is headed in the wrong direction, while only 29% believe it’s headed in the right direction (High Point University Poll, 2023).
• 48% of voters are dissatisfied with the quality of education in their local schools (Carolina Journal Poll, 2022).
• Parents are concerned about growing ideological influence:
  
  • Over 70% agree that classrooms have become more politicized.
  • Nearly 50% agree that teachers push personal beliefs in the classroom (John Locke Foundation Poll, 2022).
• North Carolinians gave their local schools a C+ in handling the COVID-19 pandemic (High Point University Poll, 2021).

2. Unequal and Underfunded System

• 65% of voters believe public schools are underfunded (Public Schools First NC, 2024).
• Teacher salaries remain uncompetitive, contributing to shortages:
  • 78% believe teachers deserve a raise beyond the 3% currently scheduled (Public Schools First NC, 2024).
  • 82% say teachers should earn as much as comparably educated professionals.
  • 55% believe North Carolina teachers are paid too little (High Point University Poll, 2023).
• The Leandro case continues to highlight systemic inequities in access to a sound basic education, especially in rural and underserved urban communities.

3. Safety, Mental Health, and Student Support

• 73% of North Carolinians believe school safety is the top issue for state government to address (High Point University Poll, 2023).
• 80% agree that youth mental health needs significantly more dedicated resources (High Point University Poll, 2024).
• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated learning loss and mental health challenges, exposing weaknesses in student support systems and further polarizing educational debates.

Voter Consensus

Recent polling indicates strong public support for reform across key areas:

• 65% say schools are underfunded.
• 78% support greater raises for teachers.
• 82% want pay parity for teachers with similarly educated workers.
• 73% rank school safety as the top education issue.
• 80% support expanding youth mental health services.
• A growing percentage of parents demand depoliticization of classrooms.

Policy Recommendations

Grounded in member consensus (defined as 68%+ support), the following solutions are proposed:

A. Student-Centered Learning

• Student-Centered Curriculum: Implement personalized and project-based learning that fosters core academic skills, creativity, and adaptability.
• Equal Access to Foundational Resources: Ensure all students, regardless of ZIP code, receive the materials and support necessary for a sound basic education.
• Diverse Learning Opportunities: Provide pathways for both college preparation and career-readiness.

B. Curriculum Excellence and Civic Preparation

• Rigorous Standards: Prioritize literacy, numeracy, science, and civics with clear proficiency goals.
• Balanced Social Studies: Encourage critical thinking through a balanced approach to historical and social topics.
• Character and Practical Skills Development: Integrate ethics, emotional intelligence, and real-world applications into the curriculum.
• Restorative Discipline: Promote accountability while providing second chances and supportive interventions.

C. Educator Effectiveness and System Efficiency

• Parent-Driven Behavioral Policies: Involve parents in defining and addressing student conduct.
• Top-Tier Talent Recruitment: Attract exceptional teachers and industry professionals through competitive compensation and prestige.
• Teacher Support: Expand professional development and leadership pathways for educators.
• Efficiency with Impact: Promote cost-effective programs that yield measurable results in student outcomes.

Policy Guardrails

While we do not impose a litmus test on our candidates, our policy recommendations are designed to serve as a resource—providing accessible, consensus-driven solutions that candidates can reference throughout their campaigns. These recommendations reflect strong membership support and are intended to streamline alignment around practical solutions. If candidates choose not to adopt a recommended policy in full or in part, they are still expected to advance solutions that fall within our established guardrails. This ensures that their platforms remain solution-focused and do not contribute to divisive or polarizing narratives that hinder progress and public trust.

All policy proposals have been verified through a consensus threshold of 68% or higher among our membership.