RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina is launching an ambitious initiative to transform its public school system into the best in the nation by 2030. The comprehensive five-year strategic plan, titled “Achieving Educational Excellence: 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for North Carolina Public Schools,” received approval from the North Carolina State Board of Education on Thursday and will be publicly unveiled on August 20.
Historic Collaboration Between State Leaders
The groundbreaking plan represents the first joint strategic initiative between the State Board of Education and the state superintendent. Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green, and education leaders from across the state will participate in the public launch events.
“This plan was built on input from thousands of educators, students, parents and community members through Green’s ‘Mo Wants to Know’ listening tour,” according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
Eight Pillars for Educational Transformation
The strategic plan is structured around eight transformative pillars designed to revolutionize public education statewide:
- Prepare Each Student for Their Next Phase in Life – Expanding rigorous pathways, dual enrollment and character development
- Revere Public School Educators – Competitive compensation and career advancement opportunities
- Enhance Parent, Caregiver and Community Support – Strengthening family engagement and partnerships
- Ensure Healthy, Safe and Secure Learning Environments – Physical and emotional safety with mental health support
- Optimize Operational Excellence – Modernizing systems and eliminating administrative burdens
- Lead Transformative Change – Research-driven innovation and accountability reform
- Celebrate the Excellence in Public Education – Comprehensive messaging to highlight successes
- Galvanize Champions to Fully Invest in and Support Public Education – Building coalitions for increased investment and pride in schools
Bold Academic and Participation Targets
The plan establishes ambitious goals for 2030, representing significant improvements from current performance levels:
- Graduation Rate: Increase from 86.9% to 92%
- ACT Composite Score: Rise from 18.5 to 20
- Advanced Placement Participation: Grow from 21.5% to 30% among 10th-12th graders
- Career Technical Education Engagement: Expand from 36.1% to 41% among all K-12 students
- Public School Enrollment: Reach 89% of school-aged children
- Educator Compensation: Lead the Southeast region
- National Assessment Scores: Achieve national leadership in NAEP reading and math
Character Development Focus
Beyond academic achievement, the plan emphasizes character development with goals to significantly increase schools recognized as National Schools of Character and implement comprehensive service-learning and character education programs throughout the state.
Comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement
The strategic plan’s development involved extensive community input through eight regional listening sessions, over 30 stakeholder meetings, and more than a dozen school visits across North Carolina. The initial draft was presented at the June State Board of Education meeting and subsequently refined based on feedback from NCDPI staff, board members, educators, legislators, parents, students, and other stakeholders.
Public Launch Events Scheduled
Two events are planned for the August 20 launch:
Morning Media Event (9:40-11 a.m.) at Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School will feature a school tour followed by a press conference with Governor Stein, State Board Chair Eric Davis, and Superintendent Green.
Evening Public Celebration (6-7 p.m.) at Neuse River Middle School will include student performances, strategic plan presentation, and participation from the 2025 Teacher of the Year Rachel Candaso and 2025 Principal of the Year Jason Johnson.
The ambitious timeline gives North Carolina’s public education system five years to achieve what officials describe as transformative change, positioning the state as a national model for educational excellence.
