By Tom Oxholm
Every business leader understands that the strength of a company lies in its people. However, many mistakenly assume that the well-regarded community colleges and universities in North Carolina indicate a thriving K-12 education system. This belief is fundamentally flawed.
A startling statistic reveals that only about 30% of rising 9th graders in North Carolina test at grade level in reading and math. In a competitive global economy, this is simply unacceptable. The pressing question is: how well-prepared are the graduates that businesses are hiring?
Funding and Teacher Quality Concerns
Despite a lack of adequate funding for public schools—particularly for teacher pay and essential classroom supplies—North Carolina taxpayers are subsidizing expanding voucher programs that benefit wealthier families who can already afford private education. This diversion of resources is not only morally questionable but also economically indefensible.
The critical factor in student success is having a well-qualified teacher in every classroom. Unfortunately, North Carolina falls short on this front. Starting teacher salaries are among the lowest in the Southeast at $41,000, and even after 15 years of experience, teachers earn only $53,880. After 24 years, the maximum salary caps at $55,950, regardless of performance or commitment. Would any skilled professional tolerate such limited opportunities for career advancement in a corporate setting?
In the wake of the Great Recession, state legislators drastically cut funding for public school supplies, slashing it by half. Despite the subsequent economic recovery and budget surpluses, these cuts have not been restored. Many counties are now resorting to charity campaigns to provide basic supplies that underpaid teachers are forced to buy themselves.
Declining Teacher Training Enrollments
Given these conditions, it is unsurprising that enrollment in North Carolina’s teacher training programs has plummeted by 70% over the past two decades. This decline is a glaring warning sign not only for our schools but for the future of the state itself. Relying on a “starvation strategy” for public education is not sustainable.
Business Leaders Taking Action
Last fall, I co-organized a summit with the Public School Forum of North Carolina, gathering around 100 business leaders from 40 counties to discuss public education. The findings presented at the summit shocked many attendees, revealing the dismal performance of our K-12 students—a direct result of the state’s inadequate public school funding.
Approximately 80% of attendees were previously unaware of these educational shortcomings, while the remaining 20% recognized the issues but felt powerless to address them.
Steps Toward Improvement
- Acknowledge the Reality: Just as businesses must assess their performance and set goals, education leaders must confront the facts regarding public education.
- Engage Chambers of Commerce: Local and state chambers should actively advocate for increased investment in public education. Economic growth is inherently tied to a strong K-12 system, yet many chambers have remained passive on this critical issue.
- Inform Legislators: It’s vital to communicate the urgent need for enhanced public school funding, focusing on higher teacher pay, more support staff, and adequate classroom resources. This call to action resonates with voters across party lines.
Prioritizing Education over Tax Cuts
Business leaders need to consider what truly matters: Should we prioritize further reducing North Carolina’s corporate tax rate or ensure that all children are prepared for school and reading at grade level? Instead of lowering taxes, we should be investing in the education of our future workforce, providing necessary resources like after-school tutoring, classroom supplies, and better salaries for teachers and principals.
To achieve meaningful change, there must be collaboration among businesses, educators, and policymakers. Many business leaders and government officials remain disconnected from public schools, and local districts often ignore the valuable insights of experienced executives.
Conclusion
Strong public education is vital for the future of North Carolina, and it’s time for business leaders to recognize this reality and take action. Let’s not wait until it’s too late.
Tom Oxholm served on Wake County’s Board of Education from 1999 to 2003. He is executive vice president of Wake Stone Corporation, based in Knightdale. Reach him at tomoxholm@wakestonecorp.com.
