By Shawnice Meador,
President, Executive Director of Public Ed Works

RALEIGH (January 6, 2026) – At Public Ed Works, we’re stepping into the year with energy, urgency, and deep commitment to North Carolina’s public schools—from pre-K and K-12 to community colleges and public universities. In a pivotal year for our state, we’ll continue lifting up what works, naming what doesn’t, and advocating for the level of investment our students, educators, and communities deserve.

Here’s what’s ahead in 2026:

• Advocacy for Strong Public Education – Serving as a trusted megaphone for policies and funding that strengthen neighborhood public schools across North Carolina

• Statewide Research and Storytelling – Sharing compelling stories that highlight both local successes and real challenges facing students and educators

• On-The-Ground Local Reporting – Traveling across the state to visit community colleges, public universities, and neighborhood schools to listen, learn, and report

• Community Connection – Meeting North Carolinians at local festivals, on campuses, and in classrooms as we spotlight public education in action

We can’t wait to connect with many of you along the way. Together, 2026 is an opportunity for each of us to positively shape the future of North Carolina’s public schools—and we’re grateful to be on this journey with you.