WakeEd

Uncertainty Defines WCPSS Budget Proposal for 2026–27

WakeEd — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:43:36 +0000

President’s Note

This week, I joined many friends, education and business leaders from across North Carolina at the Public School Forum’s annual Eggs & Issues breakfast—an event that continues to ground our state’s education conversation in facts.

The message was clear and consistent with what we’ve been highlighting in In Context:

North Carolina ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil funding and is last in funding effort
Teacher pay remains uncompetitive with neighboring states
And once again, our state is operating without a comprehensive budget, leaving school districts in limbo

These are not new issues. But they are becoming more urgent.

The Wake County Public School System’s newly proposed 2026–27 budget presented this week reflects this reality. District leaders are doing what they must—building a responsible plan amid uncertainty, making assumptions about funding that has not yet been decided, and identifying reductions where necessary.

But let’s be clear: this uncertainty is a policy choice.

North Carolina is currently the only state in the nation without a finalized budget. That lack of action is now cascading down to every classroom, every teacher, and every student.

What we are seeing in Wake County is not a local problem. It is the local impact of state-level inaction.

If we want strong public schools—and a strong economy that depends on them—then passing a state budget must be an immediate priority. And not just any budget, but one that:

Meaningfully improves teacher pay and benefits
Invests in public schools at a level that reflects our growth and expectations
Provides stability and predictability for school districts trying to plan responsibly

Until that happens, districts like WCPSS will continue to make difficult choices in an environment they do not control.

The question is not whether needs exist. It is whether leadership—at every level—will meet this moment.

— Keith Poston
President, WakeEd Partnership

Uncertainty Defines WCPSS Budget Proposal for 2026–27

Wake County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor presented his proposed budget for the 2026–27 school year this week before the Wake County Board of Education at a time when one word defines the entire financial outlook: uncertainty.

North Carolina remains the only state in the country without a finalized budget for the current fiscal cycle. That leaves school districts like WCPSS building next year’s plan without clear direction on teacher pay, funding levels, or key policy decisions that directly affect classrooms.

What’s in the Proposal

The superintendent’s proposed operating budget totals approximately $2.29 billion, with funding coming from three primary sources:

State funding (55%)
Local funding (38%)
Federal funding (7%)

The proposal includes several key components:

A request for a $25.3 million increase in county funding (bringing the total to $768.2 million)
An assumed $44.3 million increase in state funding, largely tied to anticipated salary and benefit changes
A projected $27.5 million decrease in federal funding, driven primarily by lower carryover funds

On the spending side, the budget prioritizes:

Employee compensation increases (~$14 million), including assumed state raises and local supplements
Maintaining key positions, including special education and magnet programs
Opening a new elementary school and supporting enrollment changes
Covering rising costs for insurance, facilities, and mandated expenses

At the same time, the proposal includes targeted reductions and realignments, such as:

Reductions in elementary literacy coaching support
Transportation and instructional services adjustments
Shifts in how some services are delivered to reduce costs

The Bigger Story: A Structural Squeeze

While the numbers matter, the larger story is what’s driving them.

WCPSS—like districts across North Carolina—is navigating a convergence of pressures:

No finalized state budget, leaving major assumptions unresolved
Rising costs tied to inflation, benefits, and operations
Declining federal support, especially post-pandemic
Limited reserves, after years of using fund balance to stabilize budgets
Slowing student growth, which impacts funding formulas

Even as Wake County continues to grow, district leaders note that growth does not pay for itself, particularly in a system already operating with some of the lowest per-pupil funding levels nationally.

Special Education and Critical Services in Focus

One of the most closely watched elements of this year’s proposal is how the district handles special education funding and staffing.

The superintendent’s initial proposal includes changes tied to funding constraints, but district staff have already indicated they will bring alternative options forward to the Board of Education in upcoming work sessions.

This reflects both the financial reality and the broader context: increasing student needs, heightened public scrutiny, and the importance of rebuilding trust with families.

What Happens Next

The budget process now shifts to the Wake County Board of Education, with several key steps ahead:

Community input sessions in April
Budget work sessions and revisions
Final Board adoption
Submission to Wake County Commissioners by mid-May

At each stage, assumptions—particularly around state funding—may need to be revisited.

Why This Matters

This year’s budget is not just about balancing numbers—it is about how a growing community sustains strong public schools in an increasingly uncertain funding environment.

With the courts stepping back on school funding enforcement and the state budget still unresolved, responsibility continues to shift closer to home—placing greater pressure on local leaders, county commissioners, and community partners.

For Wake County, the question is not whether needs exist. It is whether funding decisions—at every level—will match those needs.

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Statement on Leandro Decision from WakeEd Partnership

WakeEd — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:33:01 +0000

April 2, 2026

Today’s North Carolina Supreme Court decision in the Leandro case is disappointing—but not surprising.

The Court did not determine whether North Carolina is meeting its constitutional obligation to provide every child with the opportunity for a sound basic education. Instead, it ruled on procedural grounds and stepped back from enforcing a solution.

What hasn’t changed is what students and teachers need.

Across our state, schools are working to meet increasingly complex student needs, and teachers must be better supported—including through stronger pay and long-term investment in public education.

With the courts stepping back, the responsibility now sits squarely with state leaders to act.

At WakeEd Partnership, we will continue to mobilize our community, support educators and students, and champion strong public schools across Wake County—and across North Carolina.

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Leandro Decision Resets Responsibility for Public Education in North Carolina

WakeEd — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:35:13 +0000

Today, the North Carolina Supreme Court issued a major decision in the long-running Leandro case.

The Court did not rule on whether North Carolina is meeting its constitutional obligation to provide every child with the opportunity for a sound basic education. Multiple courts including the NC Supreme Court had previously found the state was not. Instead, it ruled on procedural grounds—finding that the trial court lacked the authority to order statewide remedies.

As a result, prior rulings—including the 2022 decision and the 2023 order—have been vacated, and this chapter of the case seemingly has been brought to a close.

What the Court decided

The Court found that:

The case began as district-specific claims
It later evolved into a statewide challenge that was never formally brought
Because of that, the trial court did not have jurisdiction to order a statewide remedy

This is a ruling about process—not progress.

**What the Court did not decide**

Just as important, the Court did not determine:

Whether the State is currently meeting its constitutional obligation
Whether students across North Carolina are receiving the opportunity for a sound basic education

The needs in our schools were not resolved by this decision.

What this means now

With the courts stepping back, responsibility now sits squarely with state leaders.

For decades, the Leandro case served as a legal mechanism to push action. With that mechanism removed, the path forward is no longer defined by court orders—but by policy decisions.

This is a pivotal moment for leadership.

Why this matters

Across North Carolina:

Schools are working to meet increasingly complex student needs
Communities are navigating growing expectations for student success
And teachers must be better supported—including through stronger pay and long-term investment in public education

None of that changed today.

The path forward

This moment calls for:

Clear leadership from state policymakers
Stronger investment in teachers and the educator workforce
Sustained focus on meeting the needs of all students

At WakeEd Partnership, our work is grounded in this approach:

Mobilize — bringing business and community leaders together around shared responsibility for strong public schools
Support — directly supporting teachers and students where needs are greatest
Champion — elevating the conversation around what our schools, educators, and students need to succeed

Bottom line

The Leandro decision did not answer whether North Carolina is meeting its obligation to students.

It answered who is responsible for doing so.

The courts have stepped back for now.

What happens next is up to us.

###

Statement from Keith Poston, President, WakeEd Partnership

Today’s North Carolina Supreme Court decision in the Leandro case is disappointing—but not surprising.

The Court did not determine whether North Carolina is meeting its constitutional obligation to provide every child with the opportunity for a sound basic education. Instead, it ruled on procedural grounds and stepped back from enforcing a solution.

What hasn’t changed is what students and teachers need.

Across our state, schools are working to meet increasingly complex student needs, and teachers must be better supported—including through stronger pay and long-term investment in public education.

With the courts stepping back, the responsibility now sits squarely with state leaders to act.

At WakeEd Partnership, we will continue to mobilize our community, support educators and students, and champion strong public schools across Wake County—and across North Carolina.

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Teacher Pay in North Carolina

WakeEd — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

President’s Note

Still Waiting on a State Budget — and Still Waiting on Action for Public Schools

North Carolina is still waiting for a comprehensive state budget, and once again our public schools are feeling the impact.

Last week Governor Josh Stein, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, and House Speaker Destin Hall jointly announced the creation of a Blue Ribbon Commission on the Future of Public Education. Long-term planning for our schools is important. But the challenges facing teachers and students today are not complicated — and they are not new.

As we noted in the last issue of In Context, North Carolina ranks near the bottom nationally in teacher pay, per-pupil funding, and overall funding effort. Those rankings point to a clear underlying issue: North Carolina is simply not investing enough in its public schools.

Governor Stein has also proposed immediate investments to address urgent needs, including teacher pay. Those conversations are critical and cannot wait.

Here in Wake County, our community has stepped up. A strong local economy and leaders who prioritize public education have allowed Wake County to supplement teacher pay and invest in our schools. That commitment helps make Wake County a place where great educators want to work.

But the North Carolina Constitution places the primary responsibility for funding public education with the state — a principle at the center of the long-running Leandro case. When the state underfunds schools, the burden increasingly shifts to local communities and taxpayers.

Local support matters. But it cannot replace state responsibility.

The data in this issue helps explain why.

— Keith Poston
President, WakeEd Partnership

Teacher Pay in North Carolina

What the Data Shows — and Why It Matters for Wake County

Most North Carolina teachers reach the maximum state salary after about 15 years in the classroom — a structure that increasingly leaves local communities like Wake County filling the gap.

North Carolina’s teacher pay system tells a story that should concern every community that depends on strong public schools — including Wake County.

For most teachers with a bachelor’s degree, the state salary schedule starts at $41,000. After 15 years in the classroom, their salary reaches $53,880. And then something unusual happens: the state salary schedule essentially stops.

From year 15 through year 25 and beyond, there are no additional state salary steps for most teachers.

In practical terms, that means many educators reach their maximum state salary in their late 30s, even though they may continue teaching for another 25 or 30 years.

Few professions expect employees to spend the majority of their careers with little opportunity for salary growth.

What the Data Shows

This challenge is not just about one pay schedule. It reflects a broader pattern in how North Carolina funds public education.

According to national comparisons:

North Carolina ranks 43rd in average teacher pay
50th in per-pupil funding
50th in overall funding effort

Meanwhile, neighboring states — including South Carolina — have increased investments in teacher compensation and now rank significantly higher.

These rankings make it harder for North Carolina school districts to compete for talent in a regional and national labor market.

Wake County’s Role

Here in Wake County, local leaders have worked hard to strengthen teacher compensation.

Through county funding, Wake County provides a local salary supplement currently averaging about $9,150 for teachers with a bachelor’s degree — an increase of roughly $2,950 over the past decade.

Those local investments matter. They help make Wake County more competitive in recruiting and retaining teachers.

But they also illustrate an important reality: local communities are increasingly being asked to fill gaps left by state funding.

Wake County’s strong economy, growing tax base, and longstanding commitment to public education have made these investments possible. Many communities across North Carolina do not have that same capacity.

Why This Matters

Competitive teacher pay is not simply about fairness for educators. It directly affects the ability of schools to attract and keep talented teachers in classrooms.

When compensation lags behind other professions — or behind neighboring states — school systems face greater challenges in recruitment and retention.

Wake County has taken meaningful steps locally to support teachers. But the scale of the challenge means local communities cannot solve the issue alone.

Under North Carolina’s constitution, the state bears the primary responsibility for providing every child access to a sound basic education — including ensuring schools can recruit and retain high-quality teachers.

Wake County’s investment in teacher pay reflects a community that values strong public schools. But the data in this issue makes clear that local leadership alone cannot solve a statewide challenge.

That responsibility ultimately rests with the General Assembly.

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North Carolina Shouldn’t Be Looking Up at South Carolina

WakeEd — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:50:00 +0000

Nearly two decades ago, WakeEd Partnership launched In Context to help our community better understand the policy and funding decisions shaping Wake County Public Schools.

From 2008 to 2020, this platform offered analysis and perspective on education budgets and legislation affecting students, educators, and our broader community. We are relaunching In Context at a critical moment.

North Carolina remains without a comprehensive state budget, and significant debate is underway around adequate school funding and teacher pay — including how our state compares to others in the region. These decisions carry real implications for students, educators, families, local taxpayers, and our regional economy.

In this edition, we examine what the budget impasse means, why it matters for Wake County, and what responsible leadership should look like moving forward.

Thank you for staying engaged.

Keith Poston
President, WakeEd Partnership

***

Every week, we see the consequences of state funding decisions up close.

At Tools4Schools — WakeEd Partnership’s free classroom supply store — teachers line up for basics: paper, notebooks, disinfecting wipes and pencils. Many spend more than $1,000 of their own money each year because state funding for instructional materials has declined while costs continue to rise.

Now consider this: months after the July 1, 2025 deadline, North Carolina still does not have a comprehensive new state budget. As of early 2026, we stand alone as the only state in the nation without one in place. Without a finalized plan, teacher raises are delayed, investments are stalled and school districts are left navigating prolonged uncertainty.

For educators, that uncertainty is personal.

The average teacher salary in North Carolina is about $58,000 — more than $12,000 below the national average. In the latest national report, North Carolina ranks 43rd in average teacher pay.

South Carolina ranks 23rd.

South Carolina now outpaces North Carolina in both average and starting salaries. For a state that once led the South in its commitment to public education, that should be a wake-up call.

This isn’t about pride. It’s about competitiveness.

Strong public schools are the heart of our community and the engine of our economy. When neighboring states invest more aggressively in teachers, they strengthen their workforce pipeline and signal long-term stability.

If South Carolina can prioritize educators, so can North Carolina.

Meanwhile, Wake County Public Schools — serving nearly 160,000 students — is navigating a significant budget shortfall and has asked for increased local funding, primarily from property taxes. When the state fails to provide adequate and timely investment, the burden shifts to local communities.

The cost does not disappear. It simply moves.

North Carolina should not be looking up at South Carolina when it comes to investing in education. We should be setting the pace.

It is time for legislative leaders to resolve their differences, pass a comprehensive budget, deliver meaningful teacher raises and invest at a level that reflects both our economic strength and our students’ needs.

Strong public schools do not happen by accident. They thrive when a state makes the deliberate choice to fund them accordingly.

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Tools4Schools Reaches $2 Million Milestone in Free Classroom Supplies for Wake County Teachers

WakeEd — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Free classroom supply store has supported 5,886 educators through more than 16,700 teacher shopping visits since 2022

RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) announced today that its free classroom supply store, Tools4Schools, has surpassed a major milestone, distributing more than $2 million in new classroom supplies to Wake County Public School teachers since opening in January 2022.

Since opening in 2022, Tools4Schools has supported 5,886 unique Wake County educators, with teachers returning again and again—accounting for more than 16,700 shopping visits for free classroom supplies.

Tools4Schools was created to support educators who routinely spend hundreds—often thousands—of dollars out of pocket each year to provide basic classroom supplies for their students. Since its launch, thousands of Wake County teachers representing every public school in the district have shopped at the store.

“When we launched Tools4Schools, our goal was simple—make sure teachers didn’t have to spend their own money on basic supplies for their classrooms,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “The fact that educators continue to rely on this resource year after year shows both the scale of the need and the power of this community stepping up for teachers.”

Wake County teachers report spending more than $900 a year out of their own pockets on classroom supplies. Tools4Schools helps offset those costs by providing essential items at no cost to educators, allowing them to focus resources where they matter most—supporting students.

In January 2024, WakeEd relocated Tools4Schools from Cary to a more central location at 1816 Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, improving access for teachers across the county—particularly those serving schools with the greatest need. The new location has helped drive a significant increase in teacher participation and supplies distributed.

“The demand has only grown,” Poston added. “While we wish a program like Tools4Schools wasn’t necessary, the reality is that teachers and students can’t wait for long-term policy solutions. Until classrooms are fully funded, we’re committed to mobilizing the community to support educators right now.”

To help prepare for the upcoming school year, WakeEd Partnership will host its annual Tools4Schools Community Supply Drive this summer. Donations of funds and classroom supplies are accepted year-round, with summer being a critical time to restock shelves before teachers return in the fall.

How to Support Tools4Schools

Make a cash donation. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Donate online HERE (https://wakeed.kindful.com/?campaign=1131262)

or mail checks to:

WakeEd Partnership

1816 Capital Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27604

(Please include Tools4Schools in the memo line.)

Donate classroom supplies.

WakeEd accepts new and gently used classroom supplies year-round. A list of most-requested items is available online at https://www.wakeed.org/tools4schools/ Large deliveries should be coordinated at Tools4Schools@wakeed.org

Shop the Tools4Schools Amazon Wish List.

Purchase teacher-requested items and ship directly to Tools4Schools through our Amazon Wish List of what is most needed right now. Amazon Wish List here https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/AUCFMA948I5X/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Host a supply drive.

Businesses, civic groups, and community organizations can host supply drives throughout the year. Toolkits and registration information are available online at https://www.wakeed.org/supply-drive/

Volunteer at Tools4Schools.

Volunteers are needed to stock shelves, assist teachers, and sort donations. Individuals and groups can sign up on our web site through Activate Good https://www.wakeed.org/volunteer/

For information about corporate sponsorships and other giving opportunities, contact development@wakeed.org.

About WakeEd Partnership

WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) is a business-backed nonprofit dedicated to supporting the teachers, students, and families of Wake County Public Schools. Founded in 1983, WakeEd works to mobilize the community, support classrooms, and champion strong public schools for all students. Learn more at www.wakeed.org

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WakeEd Partnership Expands Coach Bob Pittard Scholarship to Guaranteed Four-Year Award

WakeEd — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:01:00 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) announced a major expansion of the Coach Bob Pittard Scholarship, transforming the award from a one-year scholarship into a guaranteed, auto-renewing four-year scholarship valued at $12,500 per academic year for eligible student-athletes from Apex High School and Green Hope High School.

Since its inception in 2018, the Pittard Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $1.3 million in college scholarships to 89 students, honoring the legacy of Coach Bob Pittard and his commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and character.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, WakeEd will transition the Pittard Scholarship from a one-year award to an auto-renewing four-year scholarship, providing greater stability and clarity for recipients as they pursue a bachelor’s degree. To remain eligible for renewal, scholars must be enrolled full-time at a four-year baccalaureate-granting institution and remain in good academic standing. Previously, Pittard Scholars were required to reapply annually, and in some years well-qualified renewal applicants were unable to receive continued funding due to scholarship availability.

Current Pittard Scholars who are already enrolled in college will be incorporated into the new four-year structure beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

“These students exemplify excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in their communities,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “For the first time, Pittard Scholars will have the confidence of knowing their scholarship is there for them year after year. This four-year commitment removes uncertainty, strengthens Coach Pittard’s legacy, and allows students to focus on learning, competing, and thriving in college.”

WakeEd will continue to award at least four new Pittard Scholarships annually, with two new recipients each year from Apex High School and Green Hope High School, ensuring that new classes of students continue to benefit from the program each year.

The Coach Bob Pittard Scholarship Fund was established following a $2.7 million bequest from the late Robert Ray Pittard, a beloved teacher and coach at Apex High School. His vision was to create a lasting impact by supporting student-athletes from Apex and Green Hope high schools as they pursue higher education.

`About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, the Partnership has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.

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WakeEd Partnership Announces 2025 Recipients of its Wake County Public Schools Student & Educator Award

WakeEd — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 01:56:00 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership, a nonprofit organization that supports teachers and students in Wake County Public Schools, announced the recipients of this year’s teacher award, the “Star Among Us” Award, given to one Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) educator, and the “Emerging Star” Award, given to one WCPSS senior high school student. Both awards include a $5,000 prize for each recipient and will be presented on November 5, 2025, at WakeEd’s 12th Annual Stars of Education Gala.

“The Stars of Education gala shines a spotlight on the passion, creativity, and leadership of our students and educators,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “It’s a celebration not just of individual achievement, but of the strength of public education in Wake County.”

The “Emerging Star” Award is being presented by Delta Dental to Wake Forest High School Senior Alejandro Garcia. Alejandro is passionate about leaving a legacy of equity and inclusion for those who come after him. Representing his school in the IGNITE program, he co-founded the Student Equity Team, which has strengthened student-staff connections and launched an on-campus school store to meet student needs. “Establishing a legacy that others can trace and build upon is at the core of my values,” Alejandro says, reflecting the purpose behind his leadership.

In addition to his work with equity initiatives, Alejandro has nurtured a more inclusive and culturally rich school environment. As president of the Spanish Honor Society, he has created opportunities for students to celebrate Latin American culture and the Spanish language, while his role as vice president of the Cultural Connections Club has highlighted the many cultures represented within the school community. Proud of his heritage and committed to lifting others, Alejandro plans to carry his passion for equity and community with him into higher education and beyond.

Students were nominated by their administrative staff, with input from teachers and other staff members across WCPSS’s high schools. There were 33 nominations in total, with 9 finalists including Mr. Garcia.

The “Star Among Us” Award is being presented by Equitable to Aurelis Lugo, a Visual Arts Specialist at Herbert Akins Road Middle School. Aurelis is a proud Puerto Rican artist, educator, and advocate who uses art as a tool for healing, empowerment, and social change. With more than sixteen years of teaching experience in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States, she was named Herbert Akins Road Middle’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. She leads initiatives such as We Can Too, an exhibition highlighting the creativity of students with severe disabilities, and open studio nights that bring families and the community into the art-making process. Her artwork has been exhibited internationally, including in Puerto Rico, the United States, London, Tokyo, and the Dominican Republic.

She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts Education from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Digital Marketing and Media Content from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at UNC Chapel Hill. Her accolades include the NEA Global Learning Fellowship Award, the VOYA Unsung Heroes Award, recognition from the Puerto Rican House of Representatives for her cultural contributions, and selection to the 2025 School of the Arts Leaders Cohort by the National Art Education Association. Rooted in socio-emotional leadership, Lugo believes art can build dialogue, equity, and hope—and she continues to embody that mission as an educator, artist, and community leader.

Teachers were nominated through an open-community nomination process. During this time, over 300 nominations from across the district were submitted. Teachers nominated self-selected to participate further in the process. In the end, 13 finalists were selected including Ms. Lugo.

The “Emerging Star” Award and the “Star Among Us” Award is presented each year alongside the “Friend of Education Award.” Both the “Emerging Star” and “Star Among Us” awards are honors that are designed to recognize the brilliance of one high school senior and one K-12 educator from the WCPSS district, respectively, who have a strong presence within their school communities, and their communities-at-large.

For more information about WakeEd’s Stars of Education Gala, including tickets, tables, and sponsorships available, visit: https://www.wakeed.org/stars-of-education-gala/

About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, the Partnership has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.

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Wake Ed Partnership’s Partners Read Program Joins Forces with The Brown Bookshelf to Inspire Young Readers

WakeEd — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:05:32 +0000

Raleigh, NC – [September 23, 2025] – WakeEd Partnership announced today a new collaboration between its Partners Read program and The Brown Bookshelf http://thebrownbookshelf.com, a nationally recognized coalition of children’s authors. Together, they will bring celebrated authors of color into Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) classrooms to share stories, spark imagination, and encourage a lifelong love of reading.

The Brown Bookshelf works to amplify awareness of the many Black voices writing for children and young adults. Through this partnership, WakeEd will connect WCPSS Title I elementary school with acclaimed authors who reflect the communities they serve.

“Every child deserves to see themselves in the pages of a book,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “By bringing these outstanding authors directly into classrooms, we’re not only inspiring young readers but also helping them imagine themselves as storytellers and creators.”

This school year, the program will host readings and distribute free books to students, featuring:

Tameka Fryer Brown, Charlotte-based author, sharing her inspiring picture book All the Greatness in You
Kelly Starling Lyons, Raleigh-based founder of The Brown Bookshelf, reading Ty’s Travels: Super Ty from her award-winning series
Tracey Baptiste, New Jersey-based New York Times bestselling author, with her new story Super Goat Girl

The first school visits will take place on September 24, 2025, when author Tameka Fryer Brown will meet with students at Forestville Elementary and Hodge Road Elementary. More than 200 first graders will each take home a personal copy of All the Greatness in You.

About Partners Read

Partners Read places community volunteers into Wake County elementary schools to work one-on-one with developing first-grade readers. Last year, more than 300 volunteers supported 560 students at 62 schools, distributing 1,240 books for children’s personal libraries. Learn more at wakeed.org/partnersread.

About The Brown Bookshelf

Founded by children’s authors, The Brown Bookshelf highlights the breadth and depth of Black voices writing for young readers. Its signature initiative, 28 Days Later, showcases the best in picture books, middle-grade, and young adult literature. More at http://thebrownbookshelf.com

About WakeEd Partnership

WakeEd Partnership is an independent nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, WakeEd has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. Visit wakeed.org.

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Wake Ed Teams Up with NC Courage for Back-to-School Match to Benefit Tools4Schools

WakeEd — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:32:58 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership is teaming up with the NC Courage for a special Back-to-School Match on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to support Tools4Schools, WakeEd’s free classroom supply store for Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) teachers.

Fans attending the 7:30 p.m. match at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park are encouraged to bring new school supply donations to help stock the Tools4Schools store, which provides essential classroom materials to educators across Wake County—free of charge.

In addition, $3 from every ticket purchased through the special WakeEd link will be donated to Tools4Schools: https://tickets.nccourage.com/offers/1959. These tickets will also include a $10 merchandise voucher.

“Teachers are spending their own money on basic classroom needs for their students, and that’s unacceptable,” said WakeEd President Keith Poston. “Tools4Schools exists to ease that burden—and it’s only possible because of the incredible generosity of this community and partners like the NC Courage. We’re so appreciative of the NC Courage, who have supported Tools4Schools since we opened in 2022.”

As part of the evening, WakeEd Partnership will be honored at halftime as the charity of choice for NC Courage player Hannah Betfort, a nominee for the 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award. Hannah will wear a commemorative armband featuring a silhouette of the award’s namesake, Lauren Holiday.

Hannah has partnered with WakeEd to launch an innovative PE Takeover program, bringing soccer-based, hands-on learning experiences into local schools. Her goal is to make learning more fun and engaging by using the game she loves to inspire students.

Fans can also show their support for Hannah by participating in the Fan Impact Challenge, hosted at nwslsoccer.com from August 15–30. The nominee with the most fan engagement will win the challenge, and the charitable organization of their choice will receive an additional $10,000 donation from Nationwide. Learn more about the Lauren Holiday Impact Award here:
https://nwslsoccer.com/lauren-holiday-impact-award-2025

This event coincides with WakeEd’s ongoing Back to School with Tools4Schools Community Supply Drive, which runs through August 22. The eight-week drive helps ensure that teachers across WCPSS have the materials they need for the upcoming school year.

Since its launch in 2022, Tools4Schools has distributed over $1.6 million in free supplies to WCPSS educators. In the last school year alone, the store served more than 5,000 teachers from every WCPSS school. Surveys show that 94% of teachers said it helped reduce their out-of-pocket classroom spending—costs that average more than $1,000 per teacher per year.

Learn more or support Tools4Schools at: https://www.wakeed.org/tools4schools/

For sponsorship or giving inquiries, contact Kristen Farrell, WakeEd’s Director of Development, at kfarrell@wakeed.org.

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