NC Leaders Form Education Commission

North Carolina leaders are launching a new effort aimed at improving public education across the state, bringing together educators, lawmakers, and business leaders to evaluate what is working—and where improvements can be made.

Governor Josh Stein, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, and House Speaker Destin Hall announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education, a bipartisan group tasked with examining key aspects of the state’s public school system.

The commission will study issues ranging from teacher preparation to administrative operations, with the goal of strengthening educational outcomes for students statewide.

A Bipartisan Push to Strengthen Public Schools

State leaders emphasized that the commission represents a collaborative effort across government branches and political lines.

“Excellent public schools create meaningful opportunity for every North Carolinian to succeed,” Stein said in announcing the initiative. “This commission represents a bipartisan commitment and an opportunity to make North Carolina’s public schools the best in the nation.”

The commission was created through Executive Order No. 34, which formally establishes the group and outlines its responsibilities.

Under the order, the commission will study the structure and implementation of public education in North Carolina and provide recommendations to the governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2026.

Berger Emphasizes Workforce Readiness

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, one of the state’s most influential legislative leaders, highlighted the connection between strong schools and North Carolina’s economic future.

“The educational opportunities in North Carolina open a world of possibilities for our citizens,” Berger said. “It’s imperative that we continue to work collaboratively to ensure North Carolinians have the skills they need to enter the workforce.”

Berger also emphasized the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to the table.

“We need everyone—business leaders, educators, and policymakers—to come together to meet the real-world needs of our students,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the proposals this group suggests to improve educational outcomes for all students.”

What the Commission Will Examine

The Blue Ribbon Commission will focus on several core areas within the state’s public education system, including:

Teacher training and student advancement
Administrative operations
Educational leadership
Accountability within school systems

These areas are intended to address both academic outcomes and the operational structure that supports schools and educators.

The commission’s work will be supported by staff from the Governor’s Office and nonpartisan professionals from the North Carolina General Assembly’s Legislative Services.

A Broad Group of Leaders and Educators

Members of the commission represent a wide cross-section of North Carolina’s education and business communities.

Among those appointed are:

• Anne Faircloth, President of Buffalo Investments & Lafayette Farms (co-chair)
• Dr. Don Martin, Chair of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners (co-chair)
• Maurice “Mo” Green, Superintendent of Public Instruction
• Eric Davis, Chair of the State Board of Education
• Peter Hans, President of the University of North Carolina System

The group also includes state lawmakers, educators, university leaders, and representatives from the business sector, reflecting an effort to bring diverse perspectives into the conversation.

Commission members will serve one-year terms and may be reappointed if the work continues beyond that period.

Looking Toward Long-Term Improvements

House Speaker Destin Hall said the commission offers an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at North Carolina’s education system.

“North Carolina has the talent and the foundation to become a national leader in education, and we intend to do just that,” Hall said.

By bringing leaders from across sectors together, state officials hope the commission will generate practical ideas to strengthen schools and better prepare students for both higher education and the workforce.

For Berger, the commission represents a chance to ensure that North Carolina’s education system continues to support the state’s long-term growth.

“This is about making sure our students are prepared for the opportunities ahead,” Berger said, emphasizing that collaboration will be key to the effort.