A UNC study found students in schools without strict phone policies spend about one-third of the school day on their phones—around 20 minutes per hour—mainly on social media and entertainment. So much screen time harms focus, learning, and cognitive control. #NCed
One eastern North Carolina nonprofit is trying to make a difference in public schools as they deal with underfunding and understaffing. #NCed
Durham Public Schools held its annual job fair with 400 attendees as North Carolina faces a growing teacher shortage. Over 6,700 classrooms lacked qualified teachers in 2025, prompting DPS to recruit educators and staff to support student success. #NCed
We saw some refreshing examples this week of North Carolina voters holding their elected officials accountable. #NCed
North Carolina’s NC College Connect direct-admissions program helped seniors accept more than 88,000 college offers in 2025–26, giving about 21% of the Class of 2026 a simplified, no-application pathway to higher education. #NCed
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is debating the future of the Dean E. Smith Center: renovate for ~$591M, build nearby, or move to Carolina North. Fans want tradition preserved on campus, while officials favor new revenue streams—highlighting college sports’ shift toward business. #NCed
NC teacher turnover stayed about the same (≈10%), but schools still struggle to fill jobs. Vacancies remain high, especially in special education and math, as districts rely more on international hires and career switchers amid low pay and burnout. #NCed
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reversed a policy allowing secret classroom recordings after strong opposition from faculty, students, and the American Association of University Professors, calling it a win for academic freedom. #NCed
In North Carolina, 73M school breakfasts fed 470K students in 2023–24, mostly free. Innovative models and universal breakfast proposals aim to boost access. Research links school breakfast to better academics, behavior and health. #NCed
The Wake County Public School System is expanding its school-based mental health program, placing licensed therapists on campuses. Now in 150 schools, it’s helping hundreds of students regulate emotions, access care faster and succeed in class. #NCed
To round out this #PublicSchoolsWeek, we at Public Ed Works want to share gratitude for our public schools, which all children residing in NC are constitutionally entitled access to. To learn more about the state of our schools, visit our website! #NCed
North Carolina advocates warn of a growing child care crisis as 367 programs have closed since 2020, with losses rising after federal aid ended. Costs now top in-state tuition at the UNC System, while workers earn about $14 an hour. #NCed
The University of North Carolina Board of Governors approved a 3% in-state tuition increase for new students in 2026-27—the first in 9 years. UNC System officials say it will help cover rising costs while keeping college affordable. #NCed
More than two years ago, the North Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments in the latest chapter of Leandro v. State, the landmark case affirming that every child in this state has a constitutional right to a sound, basic education. Since then – silence. #NCed
Two years after hearing oral arguments, the NC Supreme Court STILL hasn’t made a ruling on the Leandro case. A favorable decision would boost teacher pay, expand early education, and add support staff in under-resourced schools. #NCed
After a federal grant was cut by DOGE, WS-TEACH—a partnership among Winston-Salem State University, Salem College and Wake Forest University—scrambled to keep training licensed teachers for high-poverty Title I schools, sustaining the pipeline with local support. #NCed
At a meeting, North Carolina State University trustees questioned the value of national rankings, citing wide gaps across major lists and flawed reputation metrics. Leaders said the focus should be on student success, not chasing rankings. #NCed
Parents are pushing back against the Cumberland County Board of Education proposal to close nine schools, end year-round calendars, and consolidate campuses, arguing it would harm students and communities. County officials say the plan could save about $36.5M annually. #NCed
CMS will reserve up to 25 new homes for teachers with Kingdom Development Partners and Ascension Community Development Corporation. The effort addresses low teacher pay—starting at $48,943, below Mecklenburg’s living wage—making homeownership out of reach for many educators. #NCed
North Carolina State Board of Education launched a task force to redesign the state’s school accountability system, aiming for a more accurate, supportive model. The group will develop guiding principles in 2026–27, with possible statewide rollout in 2027. #NCed
Diggs-Latham Elementary School principal Cassandra Dobson spends long days observing classes, supporting staff and students, and promoting arts and academics. Amid district financial strain, she works to boost achievement and morale at the Title I school. #NCed
New federal data from the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative shows 66.1% of North Carolina children are kindergarten-ready, slightly above the U.S. average. But just 44% of the state’s lowest-income kids are on track, vs. 82.4% of the wealthiest — a 38-point gap. #NCed
Other than his mother, Coach Roy Williams says his biggest heroes are his teachers.
“I’m very proud of North Carolina and want our state to be the best it can be,” Williams says in the accompanying video. #NCed
Parents and educators urge the North Carolina Supreme Court to rule on the long-running Leandro case, unresolved for two years. The lawsuit seeks to enforce a multi-billion-dollar education funding plan, but disputes over lawmakers’ authority have stalled a decision. #NCed
Former Wake County teacher Kathryn Hall weighs in on how North Carolina can best support teachers as election season ramps up. #NCed
Bladen County is one of 78 rural counties in North Carolina suffering the consequences of state underfunding in public schools. #NCed
After $600M in federal cuts, Winston-Salem TEACH lost most of its funding. But community donors rallied with $1.2M+, saving the teacher residency program. Now recruiting a smaller cohort, it aims for long-term sustainability despite reduced capacity. #NCed
North Carolina A&T State University biology professor Jian “Jessica” Han has received the 2026 University of North Carolina System Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, honoring her innovative, research-driven and student-centered instruction. #NCed
