Schools, districts, and education policy in North Carolina.
The proposed changes would require only Math 1 and Math 2, with students choosing two more courses from eight options aligned to post-graduation plans. The vote follows a review of over 5,700 survey responses showing declining teacher satisfaction and student outcomes in higher grades.
Provisions folded into $34.4 billion state budget signed by Gov. Josh Stein take effect July 1, 2026, amid teacher shortages and declining enrollment in preparation programs.
A two-year study finds that a revenue-neutral weighted formula would cause most districts and charters to lose money, while the 2026 state budget creates a work group to study the transition.
A budget provision changes North Carolina's school library challenge process from a local, optional system to a mandatory districtwide model, widening who can object and standardizing reviews across each district.
The 15-member panel, established in the 2026 budget technical corrections bill, will study flexible diplomas and competency-based learning. Its first report is due April 2027. The State Board of Education has no appointment.