Governor Stein Welcomes Students to Their First Day of School

Today Governor Josh Stein and State Superintendent Mo Green visited Conn Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh to welcome students back on the first day of school.

"The first day of school is always exciting and holds so much promise for the students starting school across our state!" said Governor Josh Stein. "Thank you to the teachers and staff for all you do to educate our future leaders. Thank you to all the parents for partnering with your schools to help your child succeed. And to all of North Carolina's students, from pre-school to high school: This year is yours for the taking - good luck!"

Last week, Governor Stein visited W.M. Irvin Elementary School in Concord to deliver school supplies collected by the Governor's Office during the eighth annual Governor's School Supply Drive. In total, the drive collected more than 110,000 individual items for students in need across the state.

In last week's NC Strong Update, Governor Stein highlighted how the state is working to keep North Carolina's public schools strong by investing in student learning and teacher recruitment and retention. Last month, Governor Stein signed into law North Carolina's first full state budget in more than two years. The budget raises average teacher pay by 8% - the largest average teacher pay raise in 20 years - and increases starting teacher pay by 17%, the largest starting teacher pay raise in nearly 50 years.

The budget also invests in proven programs that support student learning and teacher development. The budget expands the Advanced Teaching Roles program to more schools across the state, creating opportunities for excellent teachers to stay in the classroom while mentoring other teachers. It strengthens early literacy by expanding diagnostic reading assessments and literacy intervention plans in elementary grades and providing Science of Reading training for middle school teachers.

To improve math achievement, the budget funds screening assessments and Mathematics Success Plans for students in the state's low-performing schools from kindergarten through eighth grade to ensure every child is performing at a high level. It also supports AI literacy in classroom instruction, helping enhance and support the learning experience. Further, the budget enhances statewide school safety initiatives by funding targeted security upgrades - such as cameras, door locks, fencing, and detection equipment.