North Carolina Schools Face Funding Crisis as Leandro Plan Remains Unfulfilled
Raleigh, NC – A coalition of parents, educators, and over 50 North Carolina organizations are intensifying pressure on the state’s Supreme Court and General Assembly to fully fund public schools through the Comprehensive Leandro Plan. The plan, a court-ordered framework, aims to address decades of underfunding and inequity in the state’s education system.
The Decades-Long Battle for Equitable Education
The core of the dispute stems from the 1994 Leandro v. State of North Carolina case, initially brought by families in five rural counties – Hoke, Halifax, Robeson, Vance, and Cumberland – who argued their children were not receiving a “sound basic education” as guaranteed by the state constitution. The North Carolina Supreme Court repeatedly affirmed this constitutional right, but implementing a funding solution has been stalled for years.
Susana Benites Chafloque stated, “The case Leandro has been going on for more than 30 years. Five rural families sued the state in 1994 because their children were not receiving an adequate basic education. The Supreme Court ruled in their favor and ordered the state to guarantee that education. Decades have passed and we are still waiting for them to comply.”
What Does the Leandro Plan Entail?
The Comprehensive Leandro Plan, spanning from 2021 to 2028, requires over $5.6 billion in new investment to ensure every student receives a sound, basic education. Currently, approximately $2 billion remains unfunded.
The plan focuses on several key areas:
- Expanding early education, including pre-kindergarten programs.
- Increasing teacher salaries and improving retention rates.
- Hiring more counselors, school psychologists, and support staff.
- Investing in students with disabilities and English language learners.
- Providing additional resources to rural and low-income communities.
- Ensuring safe facilities and quality academic programs.
Specifically, the plan allocates $445 million to strengthen special education services and support.
The Consequences of Underfunding
North Carolina currently ranks 43rd in teacher salaries and 50th in its effort to fund public education. Last year, the state recorded 7,141 teacher and staff vacancies – the highest number in its history – and 19,262 educators left public schools.
Since the most recent court decision in 2022, 370,295 students have graduated after attending schools operating below the constitutional standard.
The Debate Over School Vouchers
Critics are also raising concerns about the growth of private school voucher programs. “Instead of investing in public schools, they are directing taxpayer money to vouchers that primarily benefit families with resources,” Benites stated. “85% of vouchers go to students who never attended public schools, and 20% go to families in the highest income bracket.” Data suggests that 175 private schools have closed during the first decade of the voucher program.
Statewide Impact and Equitable Distribution
Whereas the original lawsuit originated in five counties, analysis confirms that the lack of funding affects all 115 school districts across North Carolina. The Leandro Plan prioritizes distributing resources based on need and equity, with a particular focus on supporting African American, Latinx, rural, and low-income communities.
“Every year without action represents lost opportunities for thousands of children. The Supreme Court’s role is to uphold the Constitution, and the legislature’s duty is to fund our schools. They cannot continue to ignore this obligation,” Benites concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Leandro Plan? The Leandro Plan is a court-ordered framework designed to adequately fund North Carolina’s public school system and ensure every child receives a sound, basic education.
What is the history of the Leandro case? The case began in 1994 with a lawsuit filed by families in five rural counties, arguing their children were not receiving an adequate education as guaranteed by the state constitution.
How much funding is still needed to fully implement the plan? Approximately $2 billion remains unfunded.
What are the key components of the Leandro Plan? The plan focuses on expanding early education, increasing teacher pay, hiring support staff, and providing resources to underserved communities.
What is the current status of the plan? Organizations are pressing the state Supreme Court and General Assembly to fully fund the plan, citing years of inaction and a lack of a complete state budget.
Organizations involved are continuing to advocate for full implementation of the Leandro Plan to drive economic development and equity in North Carolina.
