Power In Partnership Series Launches Education Focus for New Season

The Power In Partnership breakfast series commenced its new season on September 18, 2023, at Trinity Oaks in Salisbury, focusing on crucial educational themes. The event featured notable speakers and recognized local educational leaders, highlighting the ongoing commitment to enhancing public education in North Carolina.

Dr. Kelly Withers, the superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools, addressed attendees, celebrating the positive developments within the school district. She announced the construction of the new J.H. Knox Intermediate School, which is slated to open in the fall of 2026. Withers also highlighted a reduction in staff vacancies and reported that 14 out of 19 tested areas across grade levels showed growth. “This is a huge accomplishment for us,” she stated, noting that 11 schools improved their letter grades.

The breakfast was sponsored by Global Contact Services, co-owned by Greg Alcorn and Brian Overcash. Alcorn spoke about the company’s impact on the community, particularly through the establishment of ApSeed Early Childhood Education, which has served over 30,000 children.

Dr. Lauren Fox, senior director of policy and research at the Public School Forum of North Carolina, served as the keynote speaker. With over 15 years of experience in education research and policy, Fox emphasized the importance of public education. She expressed gratitude for the attendees’ dedication to improving educational outcomes in the state.

In her presentation, Fox provided an in-depth analysis of public education governance and finance in North Carolina. She revealed that there are approximately 1.5 million students enrolled in both traditional public and charter schools in the state. Fox detailed the roles of state and local governments in education, which include responsibilities for personnel, standardized testing, and funding programs.

A significant part of her discussion focused on the financial aspects of education. Fox highlighted that 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. She also noted that the state’s ranking for beginning teacher pay is 39th, illustrating ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining qualified educators.

Funding for public education was another critical topic. Fox shared statistics about the sources of school funding, including state allocations, public dollars for private schools, and lottery revenues. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, North Carolina’s lottery revenue for public education is projected to approach $1 billion, with Rowan County receiving approximately $7.5 million in funding.

The presentation concluded with a discussion on current budget proposals, revealing a significant gap between the state Senate and House positions, leaving the state budget unresolved at present. Fox also addressed the impact of federal funding cuts, noting a loss of $90 million for teacher training programs and $17 million for stabilization grants affecting four counties.

Fox encouraged community members to engage with their local schools, emphasizing that support can come in various forms, from volunteering to communicating with educators. For those interested in learning more about supporting public education, additional resources are available at the Public School Forum of North Carolina’s website, www.ncforum.org.