Friday, June 5, 2026
Highlights
EdNC - Ben Humphries | June 5, 2026
A bill enrolling North Carolina in a new federal school choice tax credit is now law after Senate Republicans voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto on Wednesday. The program will offer people in participating states up to a $1,700 tax credit annually for donations made to qualifying “scholarship granting organizations.” In a statement released after House Bill 87 was overridden, Stein said he vetoed the bill because he was waiting for “sound guidance” from the federal government on how the school choice program would be implemented. Stein previously said he intended to opt North Carolina into the program eventually.
Omnibus bill that would bring ‘transformational shifts in education’ passes Senate committee - Earlier on Wednesday, Lee introduced Senate Bill 1006 to the Senate Education/Higher Education committee. The bill is titled the “K-12 Innovation and Transformation Act.” The 33-page bill outlines numerous new programs, pilots, and policy changes that would affect K-12 schools. It includes many budget-related provisions, and comes as a conference committee is negotiating a final state budget.
House committee urges Congress to dismantle the Department of Education - In a resolution passed by the House Education K-12 committee on Tuesday, Congress is urged “to support the devolution of power from the U.S. Department of Education to the states.” The resolution has no effect except expressing support for the federal government’s efforts to eliminate the Department of Education.
Two other bills were passed by the House Education K-12 committee on Tuesday: House Bill 1026, which would allow schools to use an additional three days of remote instruction for emergencies, and House Bill 1124, which would appropriate funds for a virtual school psychology training program.
Governor Josh Stein Press Release | June 3, 2026: Governor Stein released the statement below in reaction to the override of his veto on House Bill 87:
“I see potential opportunities for public school students to benefit from this program. We are working on a solution to make it easy for North Carolinians like me who want to direct their federally reimbursed donations to scholarship-granting organizations that directly benefit public school students, and I look forward to sharing more once the federal guidance has been provided. Together, we can elevate high-impact programs that support public school kids with tutoring, after-school programs, summer learning, workforce development, and more.”
Senator Berger Press Shop | June 4, 2026: Senate Republicans overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 87, the “Educational Choice for Children Act,” which allows North Carolina to participate in President Donald Trump’s signature school choice program.
“Families across the state want to have a choice in where to send their children to school,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said. “In North Carolina, we have great public schools that are supplemented by public charter, private, and home schools. Participating in President Trump’s landmark school choice program gives parents another opportunity to obtain an education that best fits their child’s needs.”
June State Board of Education Meeting
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Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM
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Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 9 AM
Government and Community Affairs
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Geoff Coltrane, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Strategy
Student Voices
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Ian House, Student Advisor, State Board of Education, Wake County Public School System
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Mailin Soyke, 11th Grade Student, Guilford County Schools
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Nicholas Winfield-Fasan, 10th Grade Student, Alamance-Burlington Schools
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Gracie Moore, 12th Grade Student, Pitt County Schools
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Subgrants
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Alex Charles, Senior Director, Office of Federal Programs
Access all YouTube recordings of SBE meetings here.
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From The Superintendent
Dear Parents and Families of the Class of 2026,
Graduation season is when North Carolina's public schools come into their fullest light. From the small auditoriums to large arenas across our state, families are gathering to watch their graduate stride across a stage and into a future they have spent thirteen years building. There is no moment quite like it.
Thank you for allowing North Carolina public schools to help educate your child. It has been our honor to be part of you and your child’s educational journey, from the first time your child climbed onto a yellow school bus or was dropped off at school by you, through the times your child made you proud, worried you sick and surprised you in ways you could not have imagined.
Thank you for doing your part in this journey, from packing lunches, signing permission slips, staying up late to help with projects, reviewing homework, reading with your child, being sure they caught the bus, attending parent-teacher conferences, applauding at ball games and band concerts and on and on.
It has been an incredible journey for North Carolina public schools, you and your child.
Graduation season is also a moment to look at what we have accomplished together in North Carolina’s public schools. While we will be compiling information about the Class of 2026 during the next few months, it is worth noting that last year’s senior class graduated at a rate of 87.7 percent, the highest in our state's history. In 2025, more students than ever before took Advanced Placement exams, with 72.1 percent of the student’s scores qualified for college credit, the highest percentage in our state’s history, and exceeding the national average. Last year, our students earned 382,964 career and technical education credentials, the most in our state’s history. And 54 percent of last year’s graduates passed at least one college level course before they even crossed their high school graduation stage, again the highest percentage in our state’s history.
Results like these do not happen by accident. They happen because public schools are working. They happen because students show up, because educators teach with skill and heart, and because parents like you keep believing.
Your child’s accomplishments are worthy of celebration. Congratulations to you and your child.
With deep gratitude and enormous pride,
Maurice “Mo” Green
North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction
Watch the video here. Congratulations to the class of 2026!
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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction recently announced the launch of the North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, a new statewide initiative designed to strengthen meaningful family engagement in public education and support implementation of the state’s Strategic Plan.
The North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council will bring together parent leaders from across the state to serve in an advisory capacity aligned to the eight State Board of Education regions. The initiative is designed to elevate informed family voice, strengthen trust and ensure that those closest to students play an active role in shaping the future of public education.
"As we continue to implement our Strategic Plan, it is critical that we engage families not just as stakeholders, but as informed partners," said North Carolina Superintendent Maurice 'Mo' Green. "This Council will help us build a strong group of leaders who understand our system and can provide meaningful input to improve outcomes for students."
Applications Available Now
Parents and caregivers interested in serving on the North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council may submit an application beginning June 4, 2026.
Read the full press release here.
Celebrate the Good in Public Education
Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Advocacy Day - June 2, 2026
SSAC members attend Press Conference on Public Safety with House Minority Caucus
Two members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council participated in an advocacy day on Tuesday, June 2. The participating students included Victoria Higdon, a senior from Tri-County Early College High School in Cherokee County; and Spencer Bluth, a senior at Research Triangle High School, a charter school in Orange County.
The students began their day at a press conference on Public Safety. They subsequently held legislative meetings with their representatives and engaged in a discussion with Superintendent Mo Green. The day culminated with both students being recognized in the Senate and House Galleries.
The NC Department of Public Instruction staff extends a special thank you to the following legislators and staff members for their time and support of our public school students:
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Representative Renee Price: Hosted Victoria and Spencer at a Public Safety Press Conference, welcomed them to her office to learn about their future plans, and recognized them in the NC House Gallery.
- Representative Karl Gillespie’s Staff: Legislative Assistant William Helms and Research Assistant Ethan Hukel met with Victoria and informed her of internship opportunities at the General Assembly.
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Senator Jonah Garson: Held a thought-provoking discussion with Spencer and Victoria and recognized them in the NC Senate Gallery.
- Senator Kevin Corbin: Welcomed Victoria and Spencer onto the Senate Floor and took time before the legislative session to speak with them.
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"The Future of Education" - Spencer and Victoria stand in front of the future "New Education Complex" being built across from the General Assembly.
Legislative Lookback: Week of June 1, 2026
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Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
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Presiding: Representative Tricia Cotham, Co-Chair
The following bills were considered:
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Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
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Presiding: Senator Kevin Corbin
The following bills were considered:
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A Look Ahead: Week of June 8, 2026
At the time of this publication, no education committees had been scheduled to meet.
The NCGA legislative calendar is updated frequently, so be sure to check the NCGA Homepage for the most up-to-date information on committee meetings, voting sessions, press conferences, and more. Current Legislative Calendar
House Calendar | House Chamber Dashboard
Senate Calendar | Senate Chamber Dashboard
K-12 Education Bills
- HB 87 Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). | Ch. SL 2026-6
Education Bills to Watch
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HB 301 Social Media & AI Safety.
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HB 443 Const. Amendment: Council of State Vacancies.
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HB 451 Diabetes Education for Parents.
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HB 496 Patriotic Youth Group Access.
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HB 832 Education Omnibus.
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HB 1026 Remote Instruction for Excess Emergencies.
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HB 1043 CHCCS Act.
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HB 1086 Child Care Initiative Funds/Reform/Study.
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HB 1110 Early Intervention School Attendance Pilot.
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HB 1114 GSC Technical Corrections 2026.
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HB 1123 UNC Omnibus & Capital Contracting Law Changes.
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HB 1124 Interstate Compact for School Psychologists.
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HB 1126 2026 DST Admin/Technical/Clarifying Changes.-AB
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HB 1143 Principal Fellows & MSA Intern Stipends.
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HB 1163 Workforce Act of 2026.
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SB 445 Regulatory Reform Act of 2026.
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SB 840 Teacher Licensure Modifications.
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SB 864 Safe and Responsible AI in Schools Act.
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SB 986 Workforce Act of 2026.
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SB 990 Students First Act.
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SB 991 Community College Workforce Readiness Act.
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SB 1006 K-12 Innovation and Transformation Act.
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SB 1044 Foundational Mathematics Act.
Vetoed Bills on the House Calendar for Reconsideration
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HB 171 Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI.
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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.
Reminder: Bills ≠ Laws
Only a few dozen bills typically make it “across the finish line” and become law each legislative session.
- During the 2025-27 biennium, 2,300+ total bills have been introduced so far.
- Of these, 114 bills have become law.
- Of these 114 new laws, NCGA staff have noted 45 laws relate to education in some way.
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