Financing Education in North Carolina

Successful schools for all North Carolina students are possible only with adequate resources. When spending is increased per student, successful student and school-level outcomes increase as well, on average. States that have increased funding for low-income districts have significantly improved student achievement in those districts.

Of course, how the money is spent is also important. Targeted investments that reduce class sizes, increase the number of teacher assistants, expand early education opportunities, and improve teacher pay are all associated with positive student outcomes. These targeted investments have long-term benefits, such as higher graduation rates, higher levels of educational attainment, and higher lifetime earnings, with particularly positive impacts for students from low-income families.

North Carolina has a long tradition of strong state support for public schools. The State Constitution requires a general and uniform system of free public schools providing equal opportunities for all students. North Carolina citizens who understand our school finance system are uniquely equipped to ensure the state meets its constitutional duties and effect significant improvements in communities throughout the state.