Highlights
The Carolina Journal - David N. Bass | July 23, 2025: Under this new federal program, taxpayers can donate up to $1,700 to nonprofit Scholarship-Granting Organizations (SGOs), which in turn issue stipends to students for private school expenses, including tuition and other allowable costs. A key feature is that donors receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their income taxes, effectively making the donation cost-free. The program, set to begin in 2027, allows families earning up to three times the median income to qualify for scholarships. While the legislation provides significant funding — estimated to cost nearly $26 billion through 2034 — its implementation largely depends on whether individual states and their governors opt into the program.
Politico - Elena Schneider | July 23, 2025: Roy Cooper is expected to announce his campaign for the North Carolina Senate as soon as Monday, according to two people directly familiar with the former governor’s decision. The popular, former two-term governor’s entrance into the Senate race — for a seat Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is leaving open with his announcement last month that he won’t seek reelection — is expected to transform the Senate race into the most competitive of 2026.
Politico - Dasha Burns | July 24, 2025: Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley will run for Senate in North Carolina and will have the blessing of President Donald Trump after his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, opted not to seek the seat, two people familiar with the decision told POLITICO. The president, the two people said, believes Whatley is well-positioned to take on former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who is expected to announce his candidacy to replace the retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.
K-12 Dive - Anna Merod | July 25, 2025: The U.S. Department of Education sent a “Dear Colleague” letter on Tuesday to district and state leaders encouraging and guiding them on how to integrate artificial intelligence in schools through existing federal grants. The department’s new AI guidance comes at a time when the future of federal oversight of ed tech and K-12 cybersecurity policies remains unclear, given that the Trump administration shuttered the Education Department’s Office of Educational Technology in March and has continued to move toward its plan to dismantle the agency.
State Board of Education
State Board of Education August Meeting
- Wednesday, August 6 at 10 AM
- Thursday, August 7 at 9 AM
About the State Board of Education
YouTube recordings of SBE meetings HERE.
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Federal Funding Update: Title IV-B Funds Released
The following is a joint statement from North Carolina State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green and North Carolina State Board of Education Chairman Eric Davis on the July 21 release of federal Title IV-B funding.
July 21, 2025
"The U.S. Department of Education has released $35.8 million in Title IV-B funding for North Carolina's 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This development allows the 99 after-school and summer programs across our state that served over 10,000 students and employed nearly 1,400 staff members last year to continue their operations.
These programs provide critical academic support and safe environments for students, particularly those in high-poverty areas. For working families, they provide assurance that their children are engaged in enriching activities after school. Community organizations, churches and nonprofits operate 75% of these programs and can now continue their work serving North Carolina families.
While this funding has been released, we continue to advocate for the remaining $130 million in federal education funds that remain under review. These funds support essential services including additional teachers to lower class sizes, safety and security measures, English learner support, teacher professional development and academic enrichment programs.
We want to thank Attorney General Jackson's efforts in pursuing the release of these funds through legal action.
We will continue working with our federal partners to secure the release of the remaining $130 million funds that North Carolina students and educators need for the current school year and that Congress approved to meet those needs."
Celebrate the Good in Public Education
SEED Program Honors More Than 70 Students at Recognition Ceremony
Office of Governor Josh Stein Press Release | July 24, 2025
More than 70 high school students from southeastern North Carolina were recognized for successfully completing the SEED (Southeastern Education and Economic Development) Program, a unique career exploration initiative focused on advanced manufacturing and agriculture.
“Every North Carolinian deserves a chance at success whether or not they want to pursue a traditional four-year degree,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Programs like SEED prepare students for careers in high-demand fields, giving them hands-on experience and industry-valued credentials. Congratulations to these students for their hard work in pursuit of a brighter future.”
The SEED Program is a registered pre-apprenticeship with ApprenticeshipNC, offering students a structured pathway into high-demand careers through hands-on learning, industry credentials, and exposure to real-world job environments. As a pre-apprenticeship, the program sets students up for success in future apprenticeship opportunities and long-term employment.
Made possible through generous funding from Smithfield Foods, SEED was created in partnership with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), local school districts, community colleges, and regional employers. The program provides high school students with hands-on exposure to high-growth careers and helps build a sustainable talent pipeline for North Carolina’s workforce.
SEED also provides financial support, covering stipends, supplies, and transportation to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. In addition to the summer program, SEED supports career awareness for middle school students and offers professional development for teachers and counselors.
The SEED program continues to grow, with plans to expand into additional counties and career pathways in the coming years.
For more information on the SEED program, visit ncbce.org/seed.
Read the entire Press Release here.
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K-12 Education Bills
Bills in the News:
The Carolina Journal - CJ Staff | July 22, 2205: The North Carolina Senate and House will reconvene on Tuesday, July 29, aiming to override multiple vetoes issued by Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, who took office in January. In total, Stein has vetoed 14 bills from the state legislature this year. Each chamber will review seven of those vetoes, sending them across to the other chamber if overridden.
Vetoed Bills Affecting K-12 Education:
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HB 171 Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI.
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HB 402 Limit Rules With Substantial Financial Costs.
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HB 549 Clarify Powers of State Auditor.
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HB 805 Prevent Sexual Exploitation/Women and Minors.
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SB 50 Freedom to Carry NC.
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SB 153 North Carolina Border Protection Act.
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SB 227 Eliminating "DEI" in Public Education.
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SB 254 Charter School Changes.
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SB 416 Personal Privacy Protection Act
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General Assembly Committee Meetings
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Tuesday, July 29 at 12 p.m. | 544 LOB
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