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RALEIGH, N.C. – Following approval by the North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) on Thursday, the groundbreaking strategic plan "Achieving Educational Excellence: 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for North Carolina Public Schools" will be publicly launched on Wednesday, August 20, with events featuring Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice "Mo" Green and education leaders from across the state.
The five-year plan aims to position North Carolina's public schools as the best in the United States by 2030, and it is the first joint plan between the SBE and the state superintendent. Built on input from thousands of educators, students, parents and community members through Green's "Mo Wants to Know" listening tour, the plan outlines eight transformative pillars designed to revolutionize public education statewide.
The plan sets bold targets including achieving a 92% graduation rate, reaching the top ACT composite scores nationally and dramatically increasing Advanced Placement (AP) participation and Career and Technical Education (CTE) engagement.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) will host two events on Aug. 20 to launch the strategic plan:
Morning Media Event
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 | 9:40–11 a.m.
WHERE: Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School, 1900 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh, 27606
WHO: Governor Josh Stein, State Board Chair Eric Davis, Superintendent Green, Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) representatives, students
FORMAT: School tour (9:40-10:25 a.m.) followed by press conference (10:25-11 a.m.)
MEDIA: Press conference will include time for questions, brief interviews available afterward
RSVP: Fill out this form to let us know you plan to attend the morning media event.
Evening Public Launch
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 | 6–7 p.m.
WHERE: Neuse River Middle School, 2700 Old Milburnie Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604
WHO: Superintendent Green, State Board members, 2025 Teacher of the Year Rachel Candaso, 2025 Principal of the Year Jason Johnson, students
AUDIENCE: Educators, elected officials, community members
FORMAT: Public celebration with student performances and strategic plan presentation
RSVP: Fill out this form to let us know you plan to attend the public evening event.
Additional Information
Plan Highlights:
The "Achieving Educational Excellence" plan establishes eight strategic pillars:
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Prepare Each Student for Their Next Phase in Life – Expanding rigorous pathways, dual enrollment and character development
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Revere Public School Educators – Competitive compensation and career advancement opportunities
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Enhance Parent, Caregiver and Community Support – Strengthening family engagement and partnerships
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Ensure Healthy, Safe and Secure Learning Environments – Physical and emotional safety with mental health support
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Optimize Operational Excellence – Modernizing systems and eliminating administrative burdens
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Lead Transformative Change – Research-driven innovation and accountability reform
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Celebrate the Excellence in Public Education – Comprehensive messaging to highlight successes
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Galvanize Champions to Fully Invest in and Support Public Education – Building coalitions for increased investment and pride in our schools
Key Goals by 2030:
- 92% four-year graduation rate (currently 86.9%)
- ACT composite score of 20 (currently 18.5)
- 30% AP participation among 10th-12th graders (currently 21.5%)
- 41% Career Technical Education (CTE) participation among all K-12 students (currently 36.1%)
- 89% of school-aged children enrolled in public schools
- Lead the Southeast in educator compensation
- National leadership in National Association for Educational Preparedness (NAEP) reading and math scores
The plan also emphasizes character development, with goals to significantly increase schools recognized as National Schools of Character and implement service-learning efforts and comprehensive character education programs statewide.
Background:
The strategic plan development included eight regional listening sessions, over 30 stakeholder meetings and more than a dozen school visits across North Carolina. The initial draft of the plan was shared at the June State Board of Education meeting. Since that time, the plan was reviewed and edited based on feedback from NCDPI staff, SBE members, educators, legislators, parents, students and other stakeholders. The plan was presented to the SBE today, and the board will vote to approve the plan tomorrow.
Media interested in attending the morning launch event or evening celebration should RSVP using the links listed with each event above.
The complete strategic plan will be available online following the State Board vote.
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