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Public Schools First NC is a statewide nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused solely on pre-K–12 public education issues. We collaborate with parents, educators, business and civic leaders, and communities across North Carolina to advocate for one unified system of public education that prepares every child to be active and productive participants in their communities.
Our Goal is to educate and inform North Carolinians about the critical public education issues that affect our schools, our teachers, and our students and to engage all stakeholders in supporting one unified system of high-quality K-12 public education .
Our Vision is for NC to have an inclusive, fair, innovative, and accountable public education system that nurtures and prepares each child for success in school, career and life.
“The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it. There should not be a district of one mile square, without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves.” John Adams, President of the United States (1797-1801)

Election Day is Tomorrow

It's the Last Day of Early Voting

Election 2026: Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot: How Could They Impact NC?

Give

Documenting Discrimination: New Voucher Report!

Private School Curriculum Report 2026 Update

Back to School 2026

Does NC Really Need These Constitutional Amendments?

Public Schools: The Best Choice for Our Communities

‘School Choice’ Does Not Provide Better Education for All Families

How Far Behind Are Veteran Teacher Salaries?

A More Humane Way to Strengthen Public Schools: Invest in Teachers’ Wellbeing

Are Private School Voucher Programs Putting Students in Danger?

A Deeper Dive into NC’s New State Budget

Hoke County et. al . State of North Carolina et. al (Leandro Ruling)

NC School Vouchers: Using Tax Dollars to Discriminate Against Students & Families

NC Charter Schools: Undermining Quality Education for All

Education Savings Accounts: Program Evaluation

Review of NC K-12 Private School Curriculum 2024-25 (2-pg.)

APPENDIX for NC School Vouchers: Using Tax Dollars to Discriminate Against Students & Families

NC Statistical Summary for Private Schools 2024-25

NC K-12 Private Schools 2024-25: A Review of Curriculum

Rankings of the States 2024 and Estimates of School Statistics 2025

NC Statistical Summary for Private Schools 2023-24

Report to the NC General Assembly: 2024 Annual Charter Schools Report

NC School Vouchers: Using Tax Dollars to Discriminate Against Students and Families

Rankings of the States 2023 and Estimates of School Statistics 2024

As a Matter of Fact: The National Charter School Study III 2023

In Fact or Fallacy? An In-Depth Critique of the CREDO 2023 National Report

Chartered for Profit II: Pandemic Profiteering

Grading the States: A Report Card on Our Nation’s Commitment to Public Schools

Report to the NC General Assembly: 2022 Annual Charter Schools Report

Still Stymied: Why Integration Has Not Transformed North Carolina’s Schools

Rankings of the States 2022 and Estimates of School Statistics 2023

North Carolina Budget Report 2022

America’s School Mental Health Report Card

Making the Grade 2022: How Fair is School Funding in Your State?

Local school districts deserve a voice! Before new charters are approved, let’s require impact statements to protect our public schools and students. Stronger oversight means stronger schools for all. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

November is Native American Heritage Month! Let’s honor the history, resilience, and vibrant cultures of Indigenous communities. Together, let’s learn, respect, and uplift their voices. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Charter schools impact every NC student. We need a nonpartisan, expert-led study to ensure transparency and accountability. Our kids deserve the facts, let’s put students first! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Federal voucher programs put students with disabilities at risk. Private schools don’t have to follow IDEA or provide key protections. Every child deserves equal rights and support, don’t let them lose out. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

There have been so many wins for public education this week! But the constitutional amendments passing are a huge disappointment.

Great teachers are the heart of every successful school. Our students succeed when we value and support educators, let’s make sure NC teachers get the respect they deserve!

Our message is clear: America’s students deserve thriving public schools! Fully fund IDEA, end voucher scams, and protect ALL students. Stand with us, demand better for every child. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Public Education Won Big in the Election! North Carolinians made their voices heard at the polls! Thank you to everyone who voted, stayed informed, and made public education part of the conversation. Let's keep advocating for the resources and opportunities our public schools deserve! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Private schools identify far fewer students with disabilities than public schools, even when it’s the same kids. Voucher programs put vulnerable students at risk. Every child deserves support. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Charter schools need real oversight. Fully staff the Office of Charter Schools so every student is protected and public funds are used responsibly. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Congratulations Public Education Voters! Our students, families, and communities are big winners because voters chose candidates who will support public schools. Thank you NC voters! #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026

Where the indoctrination is front and center: Private schools in NC. Bailey's Grove Baptist School has received more than $4.3 million in taxpayer voucher tuition payments since the program started. PUBLIC $$ belongs in PUBLIC SCHOOLS! #nced #ncpublicschools #noschoolvouchers @randolphcoschoolsystem @asheboro_city-schools

Thank you for voting! Every single vote makes a difference in communicating to elected officials that we care about public education and expect them to support our PUBLIC SCHOOLS! #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026

North Carolina teachers deserve better pay! Our state ranks 43rd in the nation, with salaries far behind our neighbors. Recent raises haven’t kept up, veteran teachers are falling further behind, and average pay even dropped last year. We must do more to attract and keep great educators in our public schools. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO CAST YOUR VOTE! These constitutional amendments don't benefit everyday North Carolinians. They could lock in tax advantages for the wealthy while threatening funding for our public schools and essential services. Protect what matters. VOTE AGAINST these amendments TODAY!

Today is Election Day! The proposed income tax cap could further limit funding for teachers, classrooms, and student resources. Know what's at stake before casting your ballot! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

The State Board of Education meets W and Th this week for its monthly meeting. Check it out on YouTube. #nced #ncpublicschools

It's Election Day! Lowering the state income tax cap could mean less funding for NC classrooms. Our teachers and students need more resources, not less. Make your voice heard at the polls today! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #ncvote

It's Election Day! Make your voice heard and support public education candidates! Your vote is our state's future! #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026 @lwv_north_carolina

These amendments won’t lower costs, they’ll raise taxes and fees for everyday North Carolinians. Protect our schools and communities. VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST #ncvote

A constitutional amendment capping income tax is a BAD DEAL for NC’s public schools. When lawmakers limit state revenue, our students pay the price, fewer resources, larger class sizes, and critical services cut. North Carolina’s children deserve fully funded schools that meet their needs, not budget shortfalls and empty promises. An income tax cap means LESS support for every classroom and every child. Protect our public schools and our future. VOTE NO on the income tax cap amendment! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTENO

Our schools, our communities, and our future are at stake! The proposed constitutional amendments could impact funding for public education, healthcare, and essential services for generations to come. Know what's at stake, make your voice heard, and vote AGAINST the amendments! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

If you haven't voted yet, don't forget that tomorrow, November 3 is Election Day and your last chance to vote. Make your voice heard as a PUBLIC EDUCATION VOTER! #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_north_carolina #vote2026

If you haven't voted yet, today's the day! It's the last day of early voting. If you're not registered, you can still register and vote on the same day during EARLY voting! #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026 @lwv_north_carolina

The wealthy and big corporations shouldn’t get special treatment while our schools, roads, and emergency services lose out. These amendments would benefit those at the top and hurt the resources we all depend on. Protect North Carolina’s future, VOTE AGAINST the amendments! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

Don’t let spooky amendments haunt our schools! Lowering the state income tax cap means LESS funding for NC PreK and fewer resources for our students. Protect public education, vote AGAINST these constitutional amendments and stand up for North Carolina’s future! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Don’t be tricked! This amendment puts funding for public schools, libraries, EMS, and hospitals at risk. Protect our communities, VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

Don’t be tricked by misleading constitutional amendments! North Carolina already ranks 46th in average teacher pay, and slashing our income tax cap will only make it harder to invest in our teachers and schools. Our students deserve better, not less. Protect public education and our future. VOTE AGAINST these amendments! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #NCElection2026

Before you vote, make sure to download your sample ballot and research your candidates. Today and tomorrow are the last two days of early voting. Vote EARLY to beat the Election Day lines! #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026 @lwv_north_carolina

Don’t be fooled by scary amendments! Lowering the income tax cap means less funding for our classrooms and teachers. Protect our schools, VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Don’t be fooled by scary amendments! An income tax cap means less funding for NC’s public schools and deeper cuts to vital services. Protect our students, VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST #ncvote

Public schools are the heart of our communities, providing opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and succeed. North Carolina families continue to believe in the power of public education. It's time for our lawmakers to prioritize strong, fully funded public schools that serve ALL students. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Time is running out! Early voting ends this Saturday, October 31, at 3 PM! Every vote matter, and your vote helps shape the future of North Carolina's public schools and communities. Make a plan, find your nearest early voting location, and cast your ballot before the deadline! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #EARLYVOTING

Congratulations to Dr. Brad Breedlove, the 2027 NC Superintendent of the Year! His leadership and dedication are making a real difference for students and staff. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone for public education! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

It's EARLY VOTING time! Early voting is a great way to beat the long lines on election day and make sure you get your vote in. Check out NCSBE.GOV for the early voting site near you. You can vote at any site across the county. #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026 @lwv_north_carolina

Don’t be fooled by scary amendments! Proposed constitutional amendments could slash funding for our schools and essential services, forcing higher sales taxes and fees on our communities. Let’s protect our public schools and keep North Carolina strong. Stand up for our students, teachers, and families. VOTE AGAINST these harmful amendments! #NCed #PublicSchoolsFirstNC #VoteForPublicSchools #ncpubliceducation

Don't be tricked by the constitutional amendments on your ballot. They're a TRICK and are bad for North Carolina's future. They're only a treat for millionaires and corporations like Duke Energy!

Charter schools need real oversight. Disband the Charter School Review Board and bring back experienced educators and policy experts to ensure accountability for all NC students. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Don't forget to take your ID when you go to vote (hopefully early)! #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026 @lwv_north_carolina

Don’t be fooled by these constitutional amendments! They won’t help everyday North Carolinians, only the wealthy and big corporations win. Protect our schools and communities. VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

Don’t let private school vouchers drain resources from our public schools! North Carolinians deserve to know how these policies threaten funding, transparency, and equal opportunity for all students. Stand up for strong public education, learn the facts and make your voice heard! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

What changed on Metrolina Christian Academy’s website? These changes raise concerns about discrimination, transparency, and accountability at private schools receiving taxpayer dollars. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

We’re proud to celebrate Audrey Vinson, winner of the 2026 English Learner Recognition Award! Her passion and commitment help ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Join us in congratulating Audrey for her outstanding work and inspiring advocacy for our students! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Don't be fooled by the tax amendments. When you dig deeper, you'll see that they will actually cost more for most North Carolinians in the long run while being a huge giveaway to wealthy corporations and individuals. Vote AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools

Don’t be tricked! Limiting local property taxes means losing local control over our schools. Keep decisions local, VOTE AGAINST these amendments! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

A 1-cent property tax reduction would cost New Hanover $8.1 million a year. The biggest beneficiaries would be Duke Energy and Corning, Inc., NOT average taxpayers. Don't be fooled. Vote AGAINST the amendments. #nced #ncpublicschools @newhanoverco

Who should decide the future of NC charter schools? Restore the State Board of Education’s authority, protect public oversight and accountability for all our schools. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Check out where your candidates stand on public education at our Candidate Education Position Questionnaire! (link in bio) @lwv_north_carolina

Don't let our schools keep sliding back into segregation. What will your candidate do to stop the racial and socioeconomic segregation of our schools? #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_north_carolina

Duke Energy gains the most if the constitutional amendments pass, while the average homeowner in NC gains just $33 and will have to pay more in sales taxes and service fees. We can't afford cuts to public services, teachers, sheriff's deputies and paramedics. Vote AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools @charmeckschools

UPDATED REPORT! Public Schools First NC has released North Carolina Charter Schools: Undermining Quality Education for All. Explore key findings on charter school funding, accountability, and their impact on public education. REPORT LINK IN BIO

Visit NCVOTEAGAINST.ORG to learn more about the proposed constitutional amendments on North Carolina’s November ballot. These amendments could limit funding available for public schools and other essential services, including healthcare and public safety. Learn what’s at stake, how these changes could impact your community, and make an informed decision at the polls this November! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

These amendments won’t lower costs, they’ll hurt our schools and communities. Protect North Carolina’s future. VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

We encourage everyone to vote early! You'll miss the lines on Election Day and will have time to address any issues that may arise. Remember to take your ID! #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_north_carolina

NC legislators have placed two constitutional amendments on the November 2026 ballot that could threaten funding for public schools, healthcare, and other essential community services. If passed, these changes could have lasting consequences for North Carolina's future. Public Schools First NC urges voters to VOTE AGAINST these amendments! Protect our public schools and communities. Make your voice heard on November 3! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

Vote AGAINST the constitutional amendments on your ballot and say NO to more benefits for wealthy corporations and NO to cuts in services. We can't afford to lose teachers, sheriff's deputies, or firefighters! #nced #ncpublicschools @pittcountyschools

NC should not be below average in anything - especially something that has such an impact our children's future. Ask your candidates! #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_north_carolina

Vote AGAINST the constitutional amendments on your ballot and say NO to more benefits for wealthy corporations and NO to cuts in services. We can't afford to lose teachers, sheriff's deputies, or firefighters while Duke Energy pays less! #nced #ncpublicschools @wcpssofficial

An Ohio appeals court has ruled that the state's taxpayer-funded private school voucher program violates its constitution. Here's why this decision matters. Swipe for more details. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Missed our webinar on the constitutional amendments and how could they impact NC? Check out the full conversation on our YouTube channel. YOUTUBE LINK IN BIO

Public school funding is at risk. These amendments threaten our schools and communities. Protect North Carolina, VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

Remember to take your ID when you go to vote. We encourage everyone to vote early! @lwv_north_carolina #nced #ncpublicschools

Large corporations and wealthy individuals gain the most if the constitutional amendments pass while the average North Carolinian will shoulder more of the tax burden. Higher sales taxes, service fees, & cuts to services like schools, firefighters & sheriff's deputies will result. Vote AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools @Iredell-Statesville Schools @mgsdschools

Ask your candidates questions that will identify whether they truly support accountability for tax dollars! #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_north_carolina

Our democracy, public schools, and communities are on the line. Protect what matters, VOTE AGAINST all the amendments on Nov. 3! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #ncvote

Jones Onslow and Duke Energy gain the most if the constitutional amendments pass. Just 1-cent lower property tax gains Duke $3.2 MILLION statewide while the average homeowner gets just $33. Higher sales taxes, service fees, and cuts to public services like schools, firefighters and sheriffs will result. Vote AGAINST! @onslowcountyschools #nced #ncpublicschools

Large corporations and wealthy individuals will be the big winners if the constitutional amendments pass. The average taxpayer will see services cut and other fees go up - costing even more. Vote AGAINST the amendments and help protect North Carolina's future! #nced #ncpublicschools @JCPS_NC

Duke Energy is the biggest winner in Gaston if the property tax amendment passes. A 1 cent drop in property tax gets Duke $3.2 M statewide and the average homeowner just $33. The public LOSES teachers, sheriff's deputies, paramedics, and more. It's a bad deal - vote AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools @carolina.forward #supportpublicschools

Early voting has started! Don't forget to download your sample ballot, research and make your choices before heading to the polls. #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026 @lwv_north_carolina

North Carolina, our public schools and communities are at risk. These amendments threaten what matters most. Stand up for our future, VOTE AGAINST the amendments on Nov. 3! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #ncvote

How easy is it to open a private school? The answer might scare you! A ProPublica investigation revealed just how little it takes to open a private school in states like North Carolina, Arkansas, and West Virginia. Continue watching to learn more about the results found during the investigation. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Duke Energy is the biggest winner in New Hanover if the property tax amendment passes. Statewide, the average homeowner gains just $33. Who loses the most? The public loses teachers, sheriff's deputies, and paramedics. It's a bad deal. Vote AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools @carolina.forward @newhanoverco #supportncpublicschools

The first day of early voting is here, North Carolina! Your vote is your voice, let’s use it to protect our public schools, support our teachers, and strengthen our communities. Head to the polls, make your plan, and stand up for what matters most. Every vote counts! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VoteEarly

Early voting has started! Find locations and hours for in-person early voting near you at NCSBE.GOV. Download your sample ballot and research candidates before you go! #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026 @lwv_north_carolina #supportpublicschools

Big winners in Cabarrus if the property tax amendment passes are Eli Lilly and Corning. The county would lose big - $5 million/year. That means less $ for public schools, sheriff's deputies and paramedics. Vote AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools @cabcoschools @carolina.forward

These amendments lock in tax policy and limit lawmakers’ ability to respond to crises. Protect NC’s future, VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation #VOTEAGAINST

Early voting starts tomorrow! Make sure you're ready by downloading your sample ballot and researching all candidates. #nced #ncpublicschools #vote2026 @lwv_north_carolina #supportpublicschools

North Carolina, your voice matters! Our public schools, teachers, small businesses, and communities are all on the line. These amendments threaten the resources and services we depend on every day, public education, emergency services, affordable housing, and more. Stand up for what makes our state strong. Protect our future. VOTE AGAINST the amendments on Nov. 3! #NCVote #ProtectPublicSchools #NCed #VoteAgainst #ncpublicschools

Who will be the biggest winners if the property tax amendment passes? In Buncombe County, it's Mission Hospital and Duke Energy. A 1 cent reduction would save Duke Energy $3.2 Million and the typical NC homeowner just $33. Public schools will lose a lot! Vote AGAINST this scam. #nced #ncpublicschools @buncombeschools @avlcityschools @carolina.forward

What do North Carolinians LOSE if the Constitutional Amendments Pass? Swipe to learn what's at risk for our schools, communities, and essential public services. Stay informed before you vote! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

These amendments don’t help everyday North Carolinians; they lock in tax cuts for the wealthy and threaten funding for our public schools. Protect what matters. VOTE AGAINST! #nced #ncpublicschools #npubliceducation

Let us know if you have questions about the constitutional amendments! You can also learn more at the Budget & Tax Center's voter guide: https://ow.ly/2bkl50ZX9CI #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_north_carolina @ncbudgetandtax

Be an informed voter! Make sure to understand the implications of your vote on the amendments! #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_north_carolina #supportpublicschools

We’re celebrating Terry Drum, Hickory High’s automotive teacher, for winning the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence! His $75,000 award will boost the school’s automotive program and inspire students for years to come. Congratulations, Mr. Drum! #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation

Allegheny Technologies and Duke Energy will be the big winners if the property tax amendment passes. Most homeowners across NC will gain $33/year and will end up losing more in services and cuts to public schools. Vote NO on the amendments! @ucpsnc #nced #ncpublicschools @carolina.forward

Help protect NC’s public schools! Join our postcard campaign to fight harmful amendments that threaten school funding. Download, print, and send a postcard; let’s make our voices heard! POSTCARD LINK: publicschoolsfirstnc.org/engage/advocacy-tools/postcards/

Ask your candidates questions that will help you know whether they understand the issues! #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_north_carolina #supportpublicschools #novouchers

It's the last day of Banned Books Week 2026, but we need to fight for the right to read all year long. Fight censorship! Stand up for readers, writers, and libraries! Learn more: https://bannedbooksweek.org/ #nced #ncpublicschools #bbw2026

Missed our webinar? Go catch up on the conversation with Dr. Emily King! You can find it on our YouTube channel. #nced #ncpublicschools #ncpubliceducation YOUTUBE LINK IN BIO

Are you ready? Early voting starts next week! Find out more here: https://ow.ly/Gwqn50ZWi2H #nced #ncpublicschools @lwv_North_Carolina

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Honoring leaders like Julián Castro, who champions universal pre-K and equitable education for all. Strong public schools mean a stronger future for every child. #HispanicHeritageMonth #publicschools #publiceducation

It's Banned Books Week 2026. Knowledge is POWER! Don't let knowledge be censored. Let's fight for the right to read. Learn more: https://ow.ly/Quxh50ZV7uz #nced #ncpublicschools #bbw2026

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