March 10, 2026
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 34
ESTABLISHING THE BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON PUBLIC EDUCATION
WHEREAS, North Carolina has a constitutional duty to ensure all children have the opportunity to receive a sound, basic public education; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina’s public schools are foundational to our state’s prosperity, ensuring the long-term economic vitality, civic strength, and social well-being of our state and its people; and
WHEREAS, support and resources are needed to effectively meet the academic and social-emotional needs of students and the organizational needs of schools and school systems; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the laws and Constitution of North Carolina, including Article III of the North Carolina Constitution and N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 143A-4 and 143B-4, the Governor is the chief executive officer of the state and is responsible for formulating and administering the policies of the executive branch of state government; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 147-12, the Governor has the authority and the duty to supervise the official conduct of all executive and ministerial officers.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and the laws of the State of North Carolina, IT IS ORDERED:
Section 1. Establishment.
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education (“Commission”) is hereby established.
Section 2. Membership.
The Commission shall be composed of up to thirty (30) members jointly appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Members should represent the geographic, professional, and demographic diversity of North Carolina. Commission members each shall serve a term of one (1) year and may be reappointed to successive terms.
The Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall jointly select one or more members to serve as chair or co-chairs of the Commission.
Section 3. Duties.
The Commission shall study the structure and implementation of public education in the State. The Commission may examine:
- Teacher training and student advancement
- Administrative operations
- Educational leadership
- Accountability
The Commission may report on findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2026.
Section 4. Meetings.
The Commission shall meet upon the call of the chair(s) or the joint call of the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Commission may conduct meetings using electronic conferencing or other electronic means.
A simple majority of the Commission members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting the business of the Commission.
Section 5. Administration.
Governor’s Office staff shall coordinate with non-partisan professional staff from North Carolina General Assembly Legislative Services on the Committee’s work.
Members of the Commission shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowance as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 120-3.1, 138-5, and 138-6, as appropriate.
Section 6. Effect and Duration.
This Executive Order is effective immediately. It shall remain in effect until December 31, 2026, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 147-16.2, or until rescinded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in the City of Raleigh, this 10th day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-six.
Josh Stein
Governor
Attest:
Elaine F. Marshall
Secretary of State
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