Education Takes Center Stage at Power In Partnership Breakfast

The Power In Partnership breakfast series launched its new season on September 18, 2023, at Trinity Oaks, focusing on the theme of education. This year’s kickoff event included notable speakers and recognized contributions from local educational leaders, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.

Dr. Lauren Fox, senior director of policy and research at the Public School Forum of North Carolina, served as the guest speaker. She addressed crucial issues related to public education governance and funding in North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of effective policies in supporting student success. Attendees included Dr. Kelly Withers, superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools, who highlighted recent achievements within the local school system.

The breakfast was sponsored by Global Contact Services, co-owned by Greg Alcorn and Brian Overcash. Alcorn discussed the company’s commitment to the community, pointing out that their initiative, ApSeed Early Childhood Education, has served over 30,000 children, providing essential educational tools such as touchpads.

Withers spoke about the exciting developments in the school district, including the construction of the new J.H. Knox Intermediate School, scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. She also celebrated a reduction in staff vacancies and reported that 14 out of 19 tested areas from elementary through high school showed overall growth. “Eleven schools improved their letter grades,” Withers noted, referring to this achievement as a significant milestone.

In her presentation, Fox acknowledged the dedication of those present, stating, “Your care for education in North Carolina is commendable.” She provided a comprehensive overview of the educational landscape in the state. There are over 1.5 million students enrolled in North Carolina schools, including traditional public and charter institutions.

Fox delineated the responsibilities of state and local governments in managing educational affairs. State responsibilities include personnel issues and standardized testing policies, while local governments handle construction, maintenance, and transportation for schools. She also addressed key players in the education policy-making process, including the North Carolina General Assembly and local school boards.

Financial aspects of education were a focal point of Fox’s presentation. She stressed that “money does matter in education,” highlighting research that indicates increased funding correlates with improved student outcomes. Currently, North Carolina ranks 43rd in the nation for teacher pay, with an average salary of $58,292, which is more than $13,000 below the national average. Furthermore, she noted that the state’s ranking for beginning teacher pay stands at 39th nationally.

Fox also discussed the sources of public school funding, including lottery revenues, which are projected to contribute nearly $1 billion to public education in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Rowan County is expected to receive approximately $7.5 million in lottery funding.

In terms of policy updates, Fox mentioned ongoing budget negotiations between the North Carolina Senate and House, noting that no state budget had been finalized at the time of the event. She expressed concern about federal funding cuts affecting teacher training programs and capital projects, totaling $90 million and $17 million respectively, across four counties in North Carolina.

Fox concluded her presentation by encouraging community engagement with public schools. She urged attendees to connect with teachers and school administrators, volunteer in local schools, and explore further information on the Public School Forum of North Carolina website at www.ncforum.org.

This event not only emphasized the importance of education in the community but also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of education for all students in North Carolina.