New from EdNC

Analysis shows potential impact of voucher expansion as lawmakers are set to further expand funding this week
The General Assembly will reconvene on Monday, and Republican legislative leaders said on Friday they will vote on several spending initiatives, including clearing the waitlist for the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Program and funding enrollment growth for the K-12 and community college systems.…

Questions for superintendent candidates
The race for superintendent of public instruction between the Democratic candidate Mo Green and the Republican candidate Michele Morrow is garnering national attention.…

New report outlines improvement plans for special education in North Carolina
North Carolina has been identified as a state that needs assistance with special education programs, according to data that was presented at the most recent State Board of Education meeting. …

NCICU launches direct admission program for eligible high school seniors
Twenty-six North Carolina private colleges and universities are offering eligible students more immediate acceptance to their campuses for the 2025-26 academic year, according to a press release.…
The Editor’s Notes
Both houses of the legislature are set to convene at noon today.
To the parents who have reached out to us who have students on the waitlist, a press release from Sen. Phil Berger says, “The conference report for House Bill 10 includes $248 million nonrecurring to clear the Opportunity Scholarship waitlist for the current school year, and $215.5 million recurring for scholarship awards in the 2025–26 fiscal year. It also includes $24.7 million recurring to clear the ESA+ waitlist for children with disabilities. The funding would be retroactive to the beginning of this school year. Families would be eligible for a tuition reimbursement from their school.”
Here is the proposed bill.
Last week, OSBM released this report, which estimates the county-by-county impact of voucher expansion.
Sen. Jay Chaudhuri will host an educator roundtable to discuss the “the real-world challenges educators are confronting under the current funding levels” ahead of the consideration of the budget bill today at 10a.m in the Legislative Office Building, 300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 414.
NCAE released this video, “Vote NO on vouchers.”
The bill also includes $64 million for enrollment growth across the N.C. Community College System, and $95 million recurring for K-12 enrollment increases.
In other news, this week voters will have several opportunities to get to know the candidates for superintendent better.
BEST NC is hosting a conversation with the candidates on Sept. 12 at noon, moderated by Chris William. The event is by invitation only, but it will be available online following the event.
LatinxEd is hosting a fireside chat with the candidates on Sept. 13 at 9 a.m., moderated by Xavier Adams, the 2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year. Here is more information.
NC PTA and Public Schools First NC are hosting a candidate forum on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m., moderated by Jeff Tiberii. Here is more information on how to register to watch a livestream.
Need to know
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