Education Matters

Public School Forum of North Carolina

 Education Matter aims to provide the public with real facts about the state of public education in North Carolina. The weekly series explores everything from the history of public education to the impact of legislation and policy decisions on our public schools.

  1. MAY 9

    Episode 273: Celebrating Teacher Apperception Week 2026

    Across the country this week, educators were applauded for their commitment to students. Their extremely important work plays a critical role in shaping the futures of our kids as well as our communities. To help us celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and recognize just how critical that work is, we’re joined by two classroom teachers and a district HR director. Guests: Chyna Delk-Bratcher, Kindergarten Teacher, Hoke County SchoolsMichael Vetter, Human Resources Director, Jackson County Public SchoolsValencia Abbott, Social Studies Dept. Chair, Rockingham Early College High School

    25 min

  2. APR 25

    Ep 272: Eggs & Issues 2026 Pt. 2 - Policymakers on Education Funding

    On this special episode we’re taking a look at the Public School Forum’s annual Eggs & Issues event, which was held on April 7 in Raleigh this year. Eggs & Issues is held at the beginning of each legislative session so that the Forum can share our policy agenda for the biennium. This year’s program featured a panel of policymakers from the North Carolina General Assembly discussing revenue and school funding – a critical conversation considering North Carolina is now the only state in the nation without a current budget.

    25 min

  3. APR 18

    Episode 271: Eggs & Issues 2026 Pt. 1 – Measuring Progress on the Top Issues

    On this special episode we’re taking a look at the Public School Forum’s annual Eggs & Issues event, which was held on April 7 in Raleigh this year. Eggs & Issues is held at the beginning of each legislative session so that the Forum can share our policy agenda for the biennium. This year is a short session year, meaning the Top Issues focused on measuring progress toward the issues named in 2025. Within the episode you’ll hear status updates on those issues, as well as analysis of the recent Leandro V ruling from legal expert Ann McColl.  Guests: Dr. Lauren Fox, Public School Forum of NCAnn McColl, Legal Expert

    25 min

  4. APR 17

    Episode 268: Our Community School

    EdNC, a nonprofit news outlet, embedded in P.W. Moore Elementary School in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools in 2024-25. From the first day of school through the last day of school, this film documents the power of the community school model for students, educators, families, and the community.

    25 min

  5. APR 17

    Episode 267: Save the Date for NC Legislators in Schools Week 2026

    On this episode, we’re thrilled to be announcing North Carolina Legislators in Schools Week 2026! This year’s school visits will take place during the week of April 13, during which all members of the North Carolina General Assembly are invited to spend a day, or a few days, visiting the local public schools they represent. Guests: Representative Alan Branson Representative Amos Quick III Superintendent Don Phipps, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Rachel Candaso, 2025 NC Teacher of the Year

    25 min

  6. APR 17

    Episode 266: NC College Connect

    On this episode, we’re discussing the NC College Connect Program: a groundbreaking initiative offering direct college admission to eligible high school seniors across the state for the 2025–2026 school year! To help us better understand the program before the January 2 application deadline, we’re joined by representatives from NCDPI, The UNC System, and the State Education Assistance Authority.

    25 min

  7. APR 17

    Episode 265: The Impact of Immigration Enforcement in Local Public Schools Pt. 2

    Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re continuing our discussion on what that means for students, families and local communities at large.

    25 min

  8. APR 17

    Episode 264: The Impact of Immigration Enforcement in Local Public Schools Pt. 1

    Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re taking a look at what that means for students, families and local communities at large.

    25 min
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About

 Education Matter aims to provide the public with real facts about the state of public education in North Carolina. The weekly series explores everything from the history of public education to the impact of legislation and policy decisions on our public schools.

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  • Creator
    Public School Forum of North Carolina
  • Years Active
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  • Episodes
    32
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    © 2026 Education Matters
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    Education Matters