Susan and Renee reminisce about the teacher march both past and present. Renee gives a little update on vouchers. Justice, public education, and the future of advocacy in North Carolina take center stage in this powerful episode of Advocacy Bites. Hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book unpack the ongoing Leandro school funding case, the constitutional fight over educational rights, and the growing tensions between courts, legislatures, and public accountability.

From separation of powers and judicial inaction to teacher shortages, special education concerns, and the dismantling of public education systems, this episode dives deep into the policies shaping schools, students, and communities across North Carolina and beyond. Renee and Susan also discuss the importance of voting in local and judicial elections, advocacy at the state level, and why kindness, language, and civic engagement matter more than ever.

If you care about public schools, education funding, disability rights, democracy, school boards, teacher support, or grassroots advocacy, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics include:

• The Leandro education funding case

• North Carolina public schools

• School funding and constitutional rights

• Teacher shortages and classroom behavior

• Special education advocacy

• Judicial elections and state politics

• Education policy and local government

• Disability rights and inclusion

• Everyday advocacy and civic engagement

(0:38) - March Prep and Volunteering (4:19) - Conversations and No Budget (7:01) - New Energy and Hope (9:21) - Surprise Guest Sam Page (10:51) - Teacher Pay Political Spin (13:07) - Voting Rights Act Fallout (16:03) - Voucher Numbers and Myths (20:17) - Segregation and Broken Promises (22:00) - Keep Hope and Get Involved (23:20) - Union County Pride Plug (24:23) - Wrap Up and Call to Action

Advocacy Bites is hosted by Renee Sekel and Susan Book and explores what it means to be an everyday advocate — and how you can make a difference in your community.

Stay connected at: saveourschoolsnc.org