Public schools are the heart of our communities, providing essential educational services to our 1.5 million students and serving as a top-five employer in every North Carolina county. Recent staffing reductions at the U.S. Department of Education raise significant concerns for our state’s schools, as federal funding represents nearly 11% of our education budget and supports over 14,000 public school positions. These funds are critical for our most vulnerable students, particularly those with disabilities and from low income families. While we cannot control federal decisions, I want to assure you that NCDPI is monitoring the changes, keeping our districts informed and taking appropriate actions when necessary. Throughout North Carolina’s history, our public schools have faced challenges with resilience and determination, and I am confident that by working together we will continue to advance educational excellence for every student in our state.