NC Schools Superintendent wants straight talk on education

State Superintendent of Public Schools Mo Green is making a mountains-to-coast tour across North Carolina, and he wants to know what people in Burke County think about the future of public education.

Green’s “Mo Wants to Know” listening and learning tour rolls into Lenoir on Tuesday, March 18. Caldwell County’s Hibriten High School will be the meeting site for the Northwest Region, of which Burke County is a part. The gathering will take place from 6-7:30 p.m.

With almost half of the workforce at the U.S. Department of Education being laid off on Tuesday, March 11, Green can expect questions about how changes at the federal level could impact the state and local districts. On average, the federal government provides about 13% of funding for public education in the U.S.

According to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, Green plans to use the information gleaned from the sessions to develop a strategic plan for the state’s public schools. The blueprint will include goals, initiatives, and accountability measures.

“The strategic plan we create will advance my vision for every child in North Carolina to achieve educational excellence and for our public schools to be the best in the country,” Green said.

“For the plan to be effective, it must be driven by the people we serve — from students and teachers to employers and community leaders. I encourage anyone who cares about the future of public education to join us on the ‘Mo Wants to Know’ tour,” he added.

The agenda will include the following questions for consideration:

• What should we celebrate and continue in N.C. public schools?
• What are the challenges and potential solutions for N.C. public schools?
• What is your big idea for N.C. public schools?
• What are the actions that you/your organization are committed to doing to enhance NC public schools?

The school is at 1350 Panther Trail in Lenoir. Parking is free and greeters will be available at the door to direct the public to the theater, where the meeting will take place.

For disability accommodations (e.g., sign language interpreters, alternative formats, wheelchair access), email mowantstoknow@dpi.nc.gov in advance of the meeting.