Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re continuing our discussion on what that means for students, families and local communities at large.

Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re taking a look at what that means for students, families and local communities at large.

Our country recently faced the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history as Congress was unable to pass a budget by the September 31 deadline. North Carolina continues to operate without a state budget following the failure of the General Assembly to pass a budget by the July 31 deadline. Both of these political stalemates have meant instability for many communities, local public schools and the students they serve. In this episode, we’re exploring how such instability can impact school nutrition and what that means for students, educators and the local programs working to fill the gap

EP 262 North Carolina After 3 PM by Public School Forum of NC

EP261: The Plan to Make North Carolina’s Public Schools the Best in the Nation by Public School Forum of NC

On this episode, we’re joined by the 2025-26 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teachers of the Year. These outstanding educators have been recognized for their dedication to students and contributions to their school communities, and during the episode we hear about their inspiration, experiences and hopes for the future.

Guests:

Rachel Candaso, NC Teacher of the Year, Wellcome Middle School (Pitt County Schools)

Hannah Moon, Southeast Teacher of the Year, Emsley A. Laney High School (New Hanover County Schools)

Tamika Farmer, North Central Teacher of the Year, G.W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Schools)

Dr. Anthony Martin, Sandhills Teacher of the Year, East Columbus Junior/Senior High School (Columbus County Schools)

Chanel Jones, Piedmont-Triad Teacher of the Year, Broadview Middle School (Alamance-Burlington School System)

Tayler Bomar, Northwest Teacher of the Year, Greenlee Primary School (Mitchell County Schools)

Lydia Sale, Western Teacher of the Year, West Elementary School (Swain County Schools)

Yaronda Kilgo, Southwest Teacher of the Year, Wingate Elementary School (Union County Public Schools)

Lindsay Phillips, Charter School Teacher of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School

EPISODE: On this episode, we’re joined by the 2025-26 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teachers of the Year. These outstanding educators have been recognized for their dedication to students and contributions to their school communities, and during the episode we hear about their inspiration, experiences and hopes for the future.

Guests:

Rachel Candaso, NC Teacher of the Year, Wellcome Middle School (Pitt County Schools)

Hannah Moon, Southeast Teacher of the Year, Emsley A. Laney High School (New Hanover County Schools)

Tamika Farmer, North Central Teacher of the Year, G.W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Schools)

Dr. Anthony Martin, Sandhills Teacher of the Year, East Columbus Junior/Senior High School (Columbus County Schools)

Chanel Jones, Piedmont-Triad Teacher of the Year, Broadview Middle School (Alamance-Burlington School System)

Tayler Bomar, Northwest Teacher of the Year, Greenlee Primary School (Mitchell County Schools)

Lydia Sale, Western Teacher of the Year, West Elementary School (Swain County Schools)

Yaronda Kilgo, Southwest Teacher of the Year, Wingate Elementary School (Union County Public Schools)

Lindsay Phillips, Charter School Teacher of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School

On this episode, we’re joined by business leaders to discuss the important relationship between businesses and local public schools in their communities, and the role those schools play in maintaining our status as a leading state for business.

Guests:

Tom Oxholm, Retired Executive Vice President, Wake Stone Corporation

Mike Hawkins, President, Pisgah Enterprises

Jarian Kereekes, Head of Social Impact & President, Equitable Foundation

Doug Shackelford, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Taxation at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

On this episode, we’re joined by some outstanding educators, the 2025-26 North Carolina Wells Fargo Regional Principals of the Year. They’ve been recognized for their strong leadership and commitment to student success, and today they’ll share some insight on how they’re striving to lead learning environments that prepare students for life.

Guests:

Jason Johnson, NC Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Orange High School Orange County Public Schools

Dr. John Lassiter, Northeast NC Principal of the Year, Northeast Hertford Grammar School, Perquimans County Schools

Kelly Withrow, Southwest NC Principal of the Year, Battleground Elementary School, Lincoln County Schools

Dr. Laura Bailey, NC Sandhills Principal of the Year Scotland High School, Scotland County Schools

Dr. Jessica LaBrose Anthony, NC Northwest Principal of the Year Davenport A+ Elementary School, Caldwell County Schools

Dr. Jake E Wilson, NC Charter School Principal of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School, Mount Holly, NC

On this episode, we’re joined by some outstanding educators, the 2025-26 North Carolina Wells Fargo Regional Principals of the Year. They’ve been recognized for their strong leadership and commitment to student success, and today they’ll share some insight on how they’re striving to lead learning environments that prepare students for life.

Guests:

Jason Johnson, NC Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Orange High School Orange County Public Schools

Dr. John Lassiter, Northeast NC Principal of the Year, Northeast Hertford Grammar School, Perquimans County Schools

Kelly Withrow, Southwest NC Principal of the Year, Battleground Elementary School, Lincoln County Schools

Dr. Laura Bailey, NC Sandhills Principal of the Year Scotland High School, Scotland County Schools

Dr. Jessica LaBrose Anthony, NC Northwest Principal of the Year Davenport A+ Elementary School, Caldwell County Schools

Dr. Jake E Wilson, NC Charter School Principal of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School, Mount Holly, NC