Adrian Ezell
@ncaepresssec.bsky.social
Parent, former news producer, Ed advocate, & Press Secretary for the North Carolina Association of Educators (@ncae). Retweets are not endorsements.
Delays in Leandro case are hurting students, advocates tell N.C. Supreme Court ncnewsline.com/2026/01/29/d...
Delays in Leandro case are hurting students, advocates tell N.C. Supreme Court • NC Newsline
Education advocates, parents and teachers urged the North Carolina Supreme Court to enforce its Leandro ruling after a delay of almost two years.
ncnewsline.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Delays in Leandro case are hurting students, advocates tell N.C. Supreme Court ncnewsline.com/2026/01/29/d...
Reposted by Adrian Ezell
Federal lawmakers’ decision to slash SNAP funding impacts millions of North Carolinians who rely on the program to eat. Local food banks are left with dwindling resources that cannot meet rising demand. #NCGA needs to pass a state budget that supports our basic needs now!
Local Food Banks Seek Community Help With Dwindling Support for Federal Programs - Chapelboro.com
Local nonprofit organizations battling food insecurity are struggling to sustain the increasing number of families who depend on them.
chapelboro.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Federal lawmakers’ decision to slash SNAP funding impacts millions of North Carolinians who rely on the program to eat. Local food banks are left with dwindling resources that cannot meet rising demand. #NCGA needs to pass a state budget that supports our basic needs now!
“These students are saying, ‘We want our site. We want to engage with the process. I don’t think we should do anything but support that.”
North Carolina election board rejects early voting site at country’s largest Black university www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
North Carolina election board rejects early voting site at country’s largest Black university www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
North Carolina election board rejects early voting site at country’s largest Black university
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:13 AM
“These students are saying, ‘We want our site. We want to engage with the process. I don’t think we should do anything but support that.”
North Carolina election board rejects early voting site at country’s largest Black university www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
North Carolina election board rejects early voting site at country’s largest Black university www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Reposted by Adrian Ezell
The NCAE W.E.L.L. Center's 2nd Annual InspirED Summit is an event designed to bring together educators to engage in meaningful dialogue and share best practices for professional empowerment. Click the link below to sign up today! link.ncae.org/InspirED
January 14, 2026 at 6:40 PM
The NCAE W.E.L.L. Center's 2nd Annual InspirED Summit is an event designed to bring together educators to engage in meaningful dialogue and share best practices for professional empowerment. Click the link below to sign up today! link.ncae.org/InspirED
“We are continuing to make the process harder for our international educators to come to North Carolina and other states across the nation."
N.C. Schools That Rely on International Teachers Brace for Visa Changes borderbelt.org/north-caroli...
N.C. Schools That Rely on International Teachers Brace for Visa Changes borderbelt.org/north-caroli...
N.C. Schools That Rely on International Teachers Brace for Visa Changes
The federal government approved more H-1B visas for K-12 education for North Carolina in 2025 than any other state except Texas.
borderbelt.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:07 AM
“We are continuing to make the process harder for our international educators to come to North Carolina and other states across the nation."
N.C. Schools That Rely on International Teachers Brace for Visa Changes borderbelt.org/north-caroli...
N.C. Schools That Rely on International Teachers Brace for Visa Changes borderbelt.org/north-caroli...
"Public education is a core responsibility of government. It should be funded openly, debated honestly, and prioritized transparently."
Column: Audit on NC Lottery Shows We Are Doing Education No Favors www.thepilot.com/opinion/colu...
Column: Audit on NC Lottery Shows We Are Doing Education No Favors www.thepilot.com/opinion/colu...
Column: Audit on NC Lottery Shows We Are Doing Education No Favors
North Carolina’s Education Lottery was never a consensus idea.
www.thepilot.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:42 AM
"Public education is a core responsibility of government. It should be funded openly, debated honestly, and prioritized transparently."
Column: Audit on NC Lottery Shows We Are Doing Education No Favors www.thepilot.com/opinion/colu...
Column: Audit on NC Lottery Shows We Are Doing Education No Favors www.thepilot.com/opinion/colu...
“If a brick and mortar schools were in front of us with that kind of academic performance, we would pick them apart to understand all of those pieces to hold them accountable for it. We need to be able to do that with those schools.”
amp.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
amp.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
NC renews two low-performing virtual charter schools. See how long and why.
The renewals occurred despite both schools being labeled by the state as continually low performing since they opened.
amp.newsobserver.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:49 PM
“If a brick and mortar schools were in front of us with that kind of academic performance, we would pick them apart to understand all of those pieces to hold them accountable for it. We need to be able to do that with those schools.”
amp.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
amp.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
“We are almost four times the recommended level,” said Michelle Ries, president and CEO of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine. “Regardless of whether a district has a psychologist or not, those we do have are overwhelmed.”
ncnewsline.com/2026/01/12/f...
ncnewsline.com/2026/01/12/f...
For years, some rural N.C. schools have operated without psychologists • NC Newsline
Fourteen North Carolina school districts have gone years without a staff psychologist, relying on contractors and crisis calls instead of full-time support.
ncnewsline.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:28 PM
“We are almost four times the recommended level,” said Michelle Ries, president and CEO of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine. “Regardless of whether a district has a psychologist or not, those we do have are overwhelmed.”
ncnewsline.com/2026/01/12/f...
ncnewsline.com/2026/01/12/f...
“The reality is we have stretched every resource as far as we can, and in Tier 1 counties and Tier 2 counties where local funds are not accessible, this is a real and urgent problem that needs attention from our legislators.”
www.ednc.org/1-12-2026-so...
www.ednc.org/1-12-2026-so...
School districts struggle to replace student digital devices due to funding, report says
A new report says all districts have a 1:1 digital device-to-student ratio, but many struggle to replace old devices due to a lack of funding.
www.ednc.org
January 12, 2026 at 6:24 PM
“The reality is we have stretched every resource as far as we can, and in Tier 1 counties and Tier 2 counties where local funds are not accessible, this is a real and urgent problem that needs attention from our legislators.”
www.ednc.org/1-12-2026-so...
www.ednc.org/1-12-2026-so...
First Flight High School student’s service project recognized by Governor Stein
www.thecoastlandtimes.com/news/first-f...
www.thecoastlandtimes.com/news/first-f...
First Flight High School student’s service project recognized by Gover...
2025 was an exciting year for Payton Houseknecht, a junior at First Flight High School.
www.thecoastlandtimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:38 PM
First Flight High School student’s service project recognized by Governor Stein
www.thecoastlandtimes.com/news/first-f...
www.thecoastlandtimes.com/news/first-f...
"In 2002, before the lottery, 65.1 percent of the state budget was devoted to k-12 public education. By 2010, four years after the first scratch-off games, that percentage had dropped to 60.1 percent and was reported at 39 percent in 2014."
www.starnewsonline.com/story/opinio...
www.starnewsonline.com/story/opinio...
NC residents deserve accountability for lottery funds | Opinion
If NC Education Lottery revenues are increasing, why has the percentage of proceeds to public schools declined?
www.starnewsonline.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:26 PM
"In 2002, before the lottery, 65.1 percent of the state budget was devoted to k-12 public education. By 2010, four years after the first scratch-off games, that percentage had dropped to 60.1 percent and was reported at 39 percent in 2014."
www.starnewsonline.com/story/opinio...
www.starnewsonline.com/story/opinio...
"Us coming together to discuss how to increase teacher salaries is not a substitute for what our state should be doing in terms of base salary."
CMS leaders warn low teacher pay threatens classroom stability www.wcnc.com/article/news...
CMS leaders warn low teacher pay threatens classroom stability www.wcnc.com/article/news...
CMS leaders warn low teacher pay threatens classroom stability
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools highlight the urgent need to increase teacher pay to combat departures due to low salaries and high living costs.
www.wcnc.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:16 PM
"Us coming together to discuss how to increase teacher salaries is not a substitute for what our state should be doing in terms of base salary."
CMS leaders warn low teacher pay threatens classroom stability www.wcnc.com/article/news...
CMS leaders warn low teacher pay threatens classroom stability www.wcnc.com/article/news...
“This really bad situation could be a lot better if the state would just do what they’re responsible for. We’re the economic engine of the state, and we’re being completely disrespected in this regard.”
amp.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...
amp.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...
Charlotte News: Breaking, Sports & Crime | Charlotte Observer
Today's latest news from Charlotte and Mecklenburg covering local business, sports, crime, politics and community updates from North Carolina.
amp.charlotteobserver.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:24 AM
“This really bad situation could be a lot better if the state would just do what they’re responsible for. We’re the economic engine of the state, and we’re being completely disrespected in this regard.”
amp.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...
amp.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...
"Whether or not the final rules for the federal voucher program add or take funds away from public schools, it’s time to invest more — not less — in our public education system."
www.k12dive.com/news/protect... via @K12DiveNews
www.k12dive.com/news/protect... via @K12DiveNews
Private school choice threatens public school experiences, says EdTrust CEO
Public funding for students and schools must be protected to preserve equitable learning opportunities, Denise Forte writes.
www.k12dive.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:34 PM
"Whether or not the final rules for the federal voucher program add or take funds away from public schools, it’s time to invest more — not less — in our public education system."
www.k12dive.com/news/protect... via @K12DiveNews
www.k12dive.com/news/protect... via @K12DiveNews
“Honestly... not surprised. It’s sad and disheartening, but not surprising,” Blanchard said. “It makes me wonder, do they want to destroy public education by not funding it properly?”
North Carolina ranks poorly in public school funding report www.witn.com/2025/12/17/n...
North Carolina ranks poorly in public school funding report www.witn.com/2025/12/17/n...
North Carolina ranks poorly in public school funding report
Public schools in North Carolina received failing grades in two out of three categories of a recent funding report.
www.witn.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:03 PM
“Honestly... not surprised. It’s sad and disheartening, but not surprising,” Blanchard said. “It makes me wonder, do they want to destroy public education by not funding it properly?”
North Carolina ranks poorly in public school funding report www.witn.com/2025/12/17/n...
North Carolina ranks poorly in public school funding report www.witn.com/2025/12/17/n...
“This is not just our test scores will go up this is literally the quality of life for all humans in our state will go up."
‘These babies deserve better’: Another year without ruling in landmark Leandro funding case: www.cbs17.com/news/north-c...
‘These babies deserve better’: Another year without ruling in landmark Leandro funding case: www.cbs17.com/news/north-c...
‘These babies deserve better’: Another year without ruling in landmark Leandro funding case
Friday, the North Carolina Supreme Court released a list of 19 final decisions for the year. However, the landmark Leandro funding case is once again not on the list.
www.cbs17.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:29 PM
“This is not just our test scores will go up this is literally the quality of life for all humans in our state will go up."
‘These babies deserve better’: Another year without ruling in landmark Leandro funding case: www.cbs17.com/news/north-c...
‘These babies deserve better’: Another year without ruling in landmark Leandro funding case: www.cbs17.com/news/north-c...
Cabarrus County Schools’ chief financial officer warned commissioners Monday that the lack of a state budget and other state-driven cost shifts are creating mounting stress and uncertainty for the district.
Read more at: www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...
Read more at: www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...
NC school district says it’s ‘kind of shooting blind’ without state budget
Cabarrus County Schools says it is taking budget hits from a number of directions, including outdated bus rider numbers and Medicaid reimbursements that haven’t arrived.
www.charlotteobserver.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Cabarrus County Schools’ chief financial officer warned commissioners Monday that the lack of a state budget and other state-driven cost shifts are creating mounting stress and uncertainty for the district.
Read more at: www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...
Read more at: www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/e...
"They have refused to comply with Leandro and have delivered one of the most poorly funded public school systems in America. "
The NC Supreme Court’s inexplicable, historic silence on Leandro | Opinion www.newsobserver.com/opinion/arti...
The NC Supreme Court’s inexplicable, historic silence on Leandro | Opinion www.newsobserver.com/opinion/arti...
The NC Supreme Court’s inexplicable, historic silence on Leandro | Opinion
Gene Nichol: To be honest, I’m not anxious to hear from Paul Newby’s court. They’re no friends to the low-income students of North Carolina. | Opinion
www.newsobserver.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
"They have refused to comply with Leandro and have delivered one of the most poorly funded public school systems in America. "
The NC Supreme Court’s inexplicable, historic silence on Leandro | Opinion www.newsobserver.com/opinion/arti...
The NC Supreme Court’s inexplicable, historic silence on Leandro | Opinion www.newsobserver.com/opinion/arti...
“We don’t need fearful children. We need to be raising independent fearless children.”
Video: Durham woman drove kids to school because their parents feared ICE @cardinalandpine.bsky.social cardinalpine.com/2025/12/01/d...
Video: Durham woman drove kids to school because their parents feared ICE @cardinalandpine.bsky.social cardinalpine.com/2025/12/01/d...
Video: Durham woman drove kids to school because their parents feared ICE
A Durham woman talks about her experience helping kids get to school during the ICE and Border Patrol crackdowns in NC.
cardinalpine.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:58 PM
“We don’t need fearful children. We need to be raising independent fearless children.”
Video: Durham woman drove kids to school because their parents feared ICE @cardinalandpine.bsky.social cardinalpine.com/2025/12/01/d...
Video: Durham woman drove kids to school because their parents feared ICE @cardinalandpine.bsky.social cardinalpine.com/2025/12/01/d...
Reposted by Adrian Ezell
Justice Earls has proven time and again that she stands on the side of everyday North Carolinians. We are honored to endorse her for re-election because we know she will continue fighting for our children, our educators, and our families to be treated fairly and with dignity.
December 1, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Justice Earls has proven time and again that she stands on the side of everyday North Carolinians. We are honored to endorse her for re-election because we know she will continue fighting for our children, our educators, and our families to be treated fairly and with dignity.
"Despite funding, policy, or competition, North Carolina’s public schools have remained the backbone of opportunity and of our communities."
Perspective | Thankful for North Carolina’s public schools www.ednc.org/perspective-...
Perspective | Thankful for North Carolina’s public schools www.ednc.org/perspective-...
Perspective | Thankful for North Carolina’s public schools
A high school principal in rural eastern North Carolina expresses gratitude for public schools as places of opportunity, community.
www.ednc.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:38 PM
"Despite funding, policy, or competition, North Carolina’s public schools have remained the backbone of opportunity and of our communities."
Perspective | Thankful for North Carolina’s public schools www.ednc.org/perspective-...
Perspective | Thankful for North Carolina’s public schools www.ednc.org/perspective-...
"$1 billion is enough for a 10% average raise for teachers, free school breakfast for students, and increased child care subsidy rates that are closer to the real cost of care.”
NC should hold off on Jan. 1 tax cuts as huge state expenses loom | Opinion www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/arti...
NC should hold off on Jan. 1 tax cuts as huge state expenses loom | Opinion www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/arti...
NC should hold off on Jan. 1 tax cuts as huge state expenses loom | Opinion
With individual and corporate tax rates falling, North Carolina faces a growing budget shortfall that could cost billions and undermine Medicaid, schools and public services if not reversed.
www.charlotteobserver.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:34 PM
"$1 billion is enough for a 10% average raise for teachers, free school breakfast for students, and increased child care subsidy rates that are closer to the real cost of care.”
NC should hold off on Jan. 1 tax cuts as huge state expenses loom | Opinion www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/arti...
NC should hold off on Jan. 1 tax cuts as huge state expenses loom | Opinion www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/arti...
“The new rule imposes harsh and illegal restrictions, makes repayment less affordable, and silences the voices of educators and other beneficiaries of the programs."
NEA Sues to Protect Student Debt Forgiveness Program www.nea.org/nea-today/al...
NEA Sues to Protect Student Debt Forgiveness Program www.nea.org/nea-today/al...
NEA Sues to Protect Student Debt Forgiveness Program | NEA
On November 3, NEA joined a coalition of cities and unions in filing suit against the Trump-Vance administration, which has threatened to deny Public Service Loan Forgiveness from some workers.
www.nea.org
November 18, 2025 at 2:56 AM
“The new rule imposes harsh and illegal restrictions, makes repayment less affordable, and silences the voices of educators and other beneficiaries of the programs."
NEA Sues to Protect Student Debt Forgiveness Program www.nea.org/nea-today/al...
NEA Sues to Protect Student Debt Forgiveness Program www.nea.org/nea-today/al...
"Not having a budget this year means there's no pay raises. No pay raises in the context of inflation means a pay cut, right? Not having a pay raise this year in the context of increased spending on healthcare costs means a pay cut."
abc11.com/post/north-c...
abc11.com/post/north-c...
As state budget stalemate continues, teacher pay raises remain in limbo
According to an April report, the estimated average salary for public school teachers in the 2023-24 school year in North Carolina was $58,292, below the national average of $72,030.
abc11.com
September 26, 2025 at 12:37 AM
"Not having a budget this year means there's no pay raises. No pay raises in the context of inflation means a pay cut, right? Not having a pay raise this year in the context of increased spending on healthcare costs means a pay cut."
abc11.com/post/north-c...
abc11.com/post/north-c...