Unlocking Education: State Board of Education Reveals Bold New Legislative Agenda | North State Journal

RALEIGH – The State Board of Education held its first meeting of 2025 to outline its legislative agenda and priorities for the year.

The board’s goals include making classrooms more flexible, improving teacher and principal pay, and enhancing support for educators. They are also looking to adjust the school performance grading system.

One significant discussion focused on offering extra pay for teachers who earn their master’s degrees. This aligns with the concept of creating advanced roles in teaching, which former State Superintendent Catherine Truitt had proposed. This aim is to provide teachers with clear paths for career growth.

To retain teachers, the board emphasized the need for better professional development and stronger mental health support. They also suggested establishing a comprehensive mentoring program for teachers.

When it comes to principals, the board discussed adjusting their pay structure. It proposed that principal salaries should be at least 25% higher than the highest teacher pay. They recognized the need to consider school complexity and the experience of principal candidates. The idea of protecting principals from unexpected pay cuts was also raised.

New principals could benefit from dedicated support and mentoring. The board proposed a “Principal Working Conditions Survey” to understand the needs of principals better.

Another suggestion was for all schools to receive state funding for at least one assistant principal. Extra positions could be added based on student numbers, such as one assistant principal for every 500 students.

The board also plans to request $2.5 million from the General Assembly for improving internet access in public schools. This funding will focus on enhancing Wi-Fi and ethernet equipment as part of their School Connectivity Initiative. This initiative has already been presented to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee for review.

The state has effectively used the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) E-Rate program, making it a top recipient of federal funding for schools on a per-student basis.

The board’s $2.5 million request stems from changes in the FCC rules that will increase the need for additional state funding in 2025. They aim to optimize federal support for enhancing school connectivity.

Key recommendations from the report include addressing cybersecurity needs. Funding that helped prevent ransomware attacks during the pandemic has ended, leaving schools vulnerable with only $5 million available for email security.

The report also highlighted concerns for school districts in western North Carolina, which need to renew fiber network agreements. These concerns grew, especially after Hurricane Helene impacted the area.

Additionally, new State Superintendent Mo Green was introduced at the meeting. He shared his vision for K-12 education in the state and discussed important changes within his department, including new appointments. Green emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration in achieving educational excellence.

He identified six focus areas: preparing every child for their future, valuing educators, and ensuring safe learning environments. Green is also collecting feedback through a “Mo Wants to Know” initiative, which invites input from the community on both successes and challenges. He concluded his address with a poem titled “The Promise” by Misti Williams.