Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
Rooted in Leaarning - Celebrating Teachers at the North Carolina Governor's Mansion - May 5, 2025
NCDNCR - Rooted in Learning - Teacher Appreciation Week Reception at the Governor's Mansion - Photo Gallery
Secretary McMahon, U.S. Department of Education video message to honor our nation’s teachers. Teaching is among the noblest professions. To teachers across America, thank you for your devotion to educating the next generation.
Outward Bound Schools honors educators with the Blue Heron Educator Awards - Outward Bound Schools is celebrating educators with the Blue Heron Educator Awards, a prestigious honor celebrating outstanding educators who are shaping the future of learning in classrooms, school communities, and youth organizations. These exceptional individuals exemplify the Outward Bound values of resilience, compassion, perseverance, and purpose.
-
Do you know an educator who deserves recognition? Nominate an educator today and help shine a spotlight on the transformative work happening in schools and youth programs across the country. Nominations are open until the end of May 2025.
Highlights
News & Observer- N&O Staff | May 8, 2025: NC lawmakers finish flurry of votes ahead of key deadline. Here’s what they did.
K-12 Dive - Naaz Modan | May 2, 2025: Trump’s FY26 budget would slash more than $4.5B from K-12
- All $70 million for Teacher Quality Partnerships grant, often used to diversify the teacher workforce.
- All $7 million for Equity Assistance Centers, established as part of desegregation efforts.
- All $890 million for English Language Acquisition.
- A $49 million, or 35%, reduction for the Office for Civil Rights.
At the same time, Trump’s budget would boost funding for charter schools by $60 million. Funding for Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act programs — which public school advocates had worried would be cut — was preserved.
Office of Governor Josh Stein Press Release | May 2, 2025: Governor Stein Visits Burlington Elementary School, Emphasizes Need for $4 Billion School Bond to Strengthen North Carolina Public Schools - Governor Stein’s 2025-2027 budget proposal includes a $4 billion school bond to modernize old and outdated buildings. The Office of State Budget & Management estimates that North Carolina’s public schools need $13 billion to address school facility needs to keep up with the state’s growing population.
From The Superintendent
|
K-12 Education Bills
CROSSOVER DEADLINE - Thursday, May 8, 2025
Bills eligible to be filed in 2025 with no deadlines:
- Redistricting bills for House, Senate, Congress, or local entities.
- Ratification of amendments to the Constitution of the United States.
- Bills providing for action on gubernatorial nominations or appointments.
- Appointments by the General Assembly.
- Adjournment resolutions.
- Bills introduced on the report of the House Committees on Appropriations, Finance, or Rules.
Bills in the News:
Senate Leader Phil Berger Press Release | May 5, 2025: Proposal to Provide Additional School Calendar Flexibility Clears NC Senate - Senate Bill 754,"School Calendar Flexibility: A New Alternative," allows school districts two options for starting the school year.
Carolina Journal - David N. Bass | May 7, 2025: NC House bill would explore open enrollment for public schools - House Bill 981, titled “Local Schools Open Enrollment,” establishes a formal study committee to examine how allowing students to attend any public school within their home district could improve educational outcomes and provide greater flexibility for families.
Charlotte Observer - T. Keung Hui | May 7, 2025: NC House passes bill changing high school math and social studies requirements - House Bill 415 requires the UNC System Board of Governors to adopt the new high school math requirements as the system’s minimum math admissions requirements. The bill also changes social studies requirements, including requiring students to pass a test on their civics knowledge before they can graduate from high school.
K-12 Education Bills to Watch
In addition to the bills scheduled to be heard in education committees next week, here are ten education bills to watch. For a complete list of education bills to watch, see the tracking link above.
|
|
Bill
|
Short Title
|
Action Description
|
|
1.
|
HB 4
|
Sam's Law.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to Senate Rules
|
|
2.
|
HB 74
|
House Budget Technical Corrections.
|
House Calendar – Tuesday, May 13
|
|
3.
|
HB 415
|
Modify Math & Social Studies Grad. Req.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to Senate Rules
|
|
4.
|
HB 615
|
Enrollment Stability for Military Students.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to Senate Rules
|
|
5.
|
HB 772
|
North Carolina Student Lifeline Act.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to Senate Rules
|
|
6.
|
HB 854
|
Require Licensure of Educational Interpreters.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to Senate Rules
|
|
7.
|
HB 886
|
AEDs and CPR in Public Schools.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to Senate Rules
|
|
8.
|
HB 959
|
Social Media Literacy in Schools.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to Senate Rules
|
|
9.
|
HB 981
|
Local Schools Open Enrollment Study.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to Senate Rules
|
|
10.
|
SB 375
|
Harrison's Law.
|
Made Crossover – Referred to House Rules
|
|
|
