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Today, the Leandro case was addressed again by the North Carolina Supreme Court in a lengthy opinion exceeding 240 pages. Given the scope and complexity of the decision, we are carefully reviewing it in full, including consultation with our legal counsel, to understand its implications for our public schools, students, and educators.
While we take the necessary time to review the court’s opinion, one thing remains clear: every measure we have seen over time demonstrates that North Carolina’s public schools have been chronically under-resourced. Ensuring that our children receive the education they deserve is not just a constitutional responsibility; it is a moral and economic imperative for the future of our state.
At the same time, we are incredibly proud of what our students and educators are accomplishing despite these challenges. In 2025, North Carolina reached historic highs in graduation rates, participation in advanced coursework, and career and technical education. Notably, 54% of our public high school graduates last year successfully completed a college-level course while in high school. This is an extraordinary and historic achievement that reflects the dedication, talent and resilience present in classrooms across our state.
Our educators and students continue to pursue educational excellence, even in the face of resource constraints. They are doing their part. Now, we must ensure that our systems and investments match their efforts.
We remain committed to working with all partners to support strong public schools and to ensure that every child in North Carolina has the opportunity to succeed in our public school system.
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