In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, Democratic Governor Josh Stein and top legislative leaders from both parties announced the formation of a bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education in North Carolina on March 10. The commission will examine teacher training, student advancement, and other critical issues facing the state’s education system, with a final report due by December 31, 2026.

Commission Focus on Teacher Pay and School Funding

The Blue Ribbon Commission was established amid growing tensions over teacher pay and school funding. Stein proposed a $1.4 billion critical needs budget that includes significant teacher raises, but the budget remains at an impasse between the House and Senate over other issues, including funding for a standalone children’s hospital in the Triangle region.

According to Stein’s press release, the commission is tasked with examining teacher training and student advancement, administrative operations, educational leadership, and accountability. Members of the Blue Ribbon Commission were jointly appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House.

The commission includes representatives from the public and private sector, as well as members of the General Assembly from both parties. This diverse group is intended to bring together educators, business leaders, and policymakers to address the real-world needs of students across the state.

Bipartisan Commitment to Education Reform

Democratic Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of public education in creating opportunities for all North Carolinians. In a press release, he stated, ‘Excellent public schools create meaningful opportunity for every North Carolinian to succeed. This commission represents a bipartisan commitment and an opportunity to make North Carolina’s public schools the best in the nation.’

Republican Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger echoed Stein’s sentiment, saying, ‘The educational opportunities in North Carolina open a world of possibilities for our citizens. It’s imperative that we continue to work collaboratively to ensure North Carolinians have the skills they need to enter the workforce.’

Republican Speaker of the House Destin Hall added, ‘North Carolina has the talent and the foundation to become a national leader in education, and we intend to do just that. By bringing top educators, business leaders, and elected officials to the same table, this new commission will take an honest look at what’s working and what isn’t in our public schools.’

Commission Meetings and Final Report

The executive order from Stein outlines the commission’s structure and responsibilities. The commission will meet ‘upon the call of the chair(s) or the joint call of the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.’ Meetings can be conducted using electronic conferencing or other electronic means.

The final report is due by December 31, 2026, and will provide recommendations for improving educational outcomes across the state. The commission’s findings are expected to influence future education policy and funding decisions.

While the formation of the commission is a positive step, the ongoing budget impasse between the House and Senate highlights the challenges facing education reform in North Carolina. The commission will need to handle these challenges to deliver actionable recommendations that can be implemented effectively.

The establishment of the Blue Ribbon Commission represents a significant step toward addressing the complex issues facing North Carolina’s education system. With bipartisan support and a diverse group of stakeholders, the commission has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the state’s public schools.