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North Carolina Ranks Last in Public School Funding

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

North Carolina ranked last in public school funding according to the Education Law Center (ELC) annual report.
The state earned failing grades in funding level and funding effort, ranking 50 out of 51.
North Carolina invested 2% of its GDP in education, far below Vermont's 5.4%.
Educators and parents urged lawmakers to improve funding as the Leandro case remains unresolved.

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Story summary

North Carolina ranked last in public school funding according to the Education Law Center (ELC) annual report.
The state earned failing grades in funding level and funding effort, ranking 50 out of 51.
North Carolina invested 2% of its GDP in education, far below Vermont's 5.4%.
Educators and parents urged lawmakers to improve funding as the Leandro case remains unresolved.