The State of Rural Education: Building Bridges, One Classroom at a Time
On stage for the panel “The State of K-12 Rural Education,” moderator Mebane Rash was joined by Cecilia Holden, president and CEO of myFutureNC; Senator Kevin Corbin (R-Macon); and Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, president and executive director of the Public School Forum of North Carolina. READ MORE ABOUT NC’s RURAL SUMMIT
Together, they tackled the big questions—how public schools anchor rural communities, the long road to post-Hurricane Helene recovery, funding gaps, and the crucial link between education and economic mobility. Rash called on the audience to connect with these "bridge builders," each of whom shared their personal ties to public education.
A familiar message returned from last year’s summit when Holden reminded everyone, “There’s one word that describes economic development. What is that? Education.” Her refrain echoed across this year's panel as she laid out an update on North Carolina’s ambitious education goal: 2 million residents aged 25-44 holding a postsecondary degree or industry-recognized credential by 2030.
We’re at 1.7 million. Progress? Definitely. Victory lap? Not quite. Holden noted that 79 of North Carolina’s 100 counties have upped their education game—but she wants this for all 100. Her formula for success is clear: put an effective educator in every single classroom.
“Without an effective educator, you’re not going to have an educated workforce, no matter what the industry sector is,” she said. “So I believe it does begin with having an effective educator in the classroom.”
The message was loud and clear: if we want thriving rural communities, we start with the people at the front of the classroom.
READ MORE ABOUT THE STATE OF EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT IN NC HERE: