Governor Stein Advocates for Enhanced Educational Funding
Raleigh, N.C. — On November 9, 2026, Governor Josh Stein addressed the North Carolina School Boards Association Annual Conference, emphasizing the critical need for increased funding in public education. The governor’s remarks came in recognition of the state’s educators and the recent adjustments made to teacher compensation.
In July, Governor Stein enacted a budget that resulted in an average teacher salary increase of 8%, marking the most significant raise in two decades. Additionally, starting teacher salaries were raised by 17%, the highest increase seen in nearly 50 years. Despite these advancements, North Carolina was reported to have the lowest school funding effort in the nation in 2025.
“Our children are our future, so no investment has a stronger return. Unfortunately, if we’re investing toward the bottom of all 50 states, we will struggle to consistently produce students who are at the top,” Governor Stein stated during his speech. He expressed gratitude to the North Carolina School Boards Association for its commitment to supporting the state’s students and educators. He stressed the importance of ongoing investments in education to ensure that all children can achieve their full potential.
New Educational Initiatives and Programs
The recently approved budget includes several initiatives aimed at improving education across North Carolina. One notable expansion is the Advanced Teaching Roles program, which will be introduced in additional schools statewide. This initiative allows outstanding teachers to remain in their classrooms while gaining leadership experience.
Furthermore, the budget allocates funding for the TeachReadyNC program, designed to create pathways into the teaching profession through apprenticeship opportunities. It also enhances early literacy efforts by expanding the use of diagnostic reading assessments and literacy intervention strategies in elementary grades while providing middle school teachers with training focused on the Science of Reading.
To address math performance, the budget includes funding for screening assessments and Mathematics Success Plans targeted at students in low-performing schools from kindergarten through eighth grade. In addition, it supports the integration of artificial intelligence literacy within classroom instruction, aiming to enrich the overall educational experience.
Focus on Safety and Unmet Needs
The budget also addresses school safety by providing resources for security upgrades, including cameras, door locks, fencing, and detection equipment. While the General Assembly adopted many of the governor’s budget recommendations, several of his proposed initiatives were not included. These missing elements encompass free school breakfast for all students, the removal of pay plateaus for veteran teachers to aid in retention, increased funding for students with disabilities, and additional resources for school facility repairs and renovations.
Governor Stein has indicated his intention to persist in advocating for these critical educational needs in the future.
Source: Office of the Governor of North Carolina
