CIVIL LIBERTIES
In 1994, Cumberland, Halifax, Hoke, Robeson, and Vance County School Boards sued the State, arguing that the school funding system violated the NC Constitution in Leandro v. State. Although the NC Supreme Court has required schools to be equally funded to meet basic education needs, like well-trained teachers and updated resources, the State continues to underfund public schools. The Court has recently decided to rehear this case—for the fifth time—putting the education of North Carolinians at stake. The case underscores the profound impact judicial decisions have on education access and quality in North Carolina. Discover how the courts play a crucial role in shaping the future of our children’s education.
Every Child x The Leandro Plan
The Leandro Plan is a comprehensive education policy roadmap designed to ensure all children in North Carolina have access to a sound basic education by 2028. The courts mandated it as part of the Leandro v. State case, which found that the state was failing to meet students' constitutional rights. The plan addresses critical needs such as equitable funding, providing qualified teachers and principals, improving early education programs, reducing reliance on standardized tests, and strengthening pathways from high school to college or career.
VOTE for Leandro:
Candidate Checklist
"How to Spot a Candidate That Supports Public Education for Every Child" provides guidelines for evaluating candidates running for office. It outlines key areas to consider, such as:
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Knowledge of Office: Ensure candidates understand their role in educational decision-making.
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Public Service Record: Check candidates' voting history on education issues.
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Knowledge of Equity: Evaluate their stance on compliance with the Leandro ruling and school funding disparities.
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Rhetoric: Be wary of terms like "choice," which can disguise policies that promote inequity.
Candidates are encouraged to commit to the Leandro ruling and support fair education policies.
These pivotal North Carolina court cases reflect the state's ongoing struggle to balance equitable access to education, school funding, and public accountability. From challenges to the Opportunity Scholarship Program and disparities in funding for predominantly Black school districts (Hart v. State and Silver v. Halifax County), to debates over the role of the State Board of Education (N.C. State Bd. of Educ. v. State), these rulings underscore how critical judicial decisions shape the future of education for all NC students.
Each case highlights the importance of judicial appointments, making it essential to stay informed and engaged in judicial elections to ensure equitable access to quality education across North Carolina.
For more information on Education Access work in North Carolina, be sure to visit
Every Child NC
They are dedicated to advocating for equitable access to quality education for all children across the state. Check out their site to learn more about their initiatives, including the Leandro case, and find out how you can get involved in the movement to ensure every child receives a sound basic education.
