Public Statement on the Dismissal of Leandro v. State

Education is the cornerstone of a strong and prosperous society. Every child in North Carolina deserves access to a high-quality public education that prepares them for success in life, work, and civic participation.

In 1994, families in Hoke County brought forward what became the Leandro case, asserting that the State of North Carolina was failing to provide its students with a constitutionally adequate education. For more than three decades, this case has served as a critical mechanism for defining and advancing the State’s obligation to provide every child with the opportunity for a “sound basic education.”

On April 2, 2026, the North Carolina Supreme Court dismissed the case. This decision effectively halts one of the most significant education equity efforts in our state’s history; not because the underlying issues have been resolved, but despite clear evidence that they persist.

Recent data and district-level decisions across North Carolina demonstrate that the constitutional promise recognized in Leandro remains unmet:

• North Carolina ranks 50th in the nation in school funding effort, investing only 2.0% of its GDP in public education and spending approximately $5,660 less per pupil than the national average.

• Wake County proposed eliminating 130 Exceptional Children (EC) positions, highlighting ongoing strain in serving students with the greatest needs.

• Gaston County has reported plans to eliminate approximately 174 positions.

• Buncombe County Schools publicly discussed the potential need to reduce 100–150 positions due to budget constraints.

• Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools approved the elimination of 343 positions and has notified 222 employees that their jobs are being cut.

• Rutherford County Schools has closed two schools in response to funding shortfalls and enrollment pressures.

• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is actively studying school closures and consolidation scenarios to remain financially viable.

• Districts in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties are anticipating the loss of up to 30% of key funding streams, threatening core services for students.

These are not isolated incidents.  They are indicators of a systemic problem.

In its 1997 decision, the North Carolina Supreme Court affirmed that every child has a constitutional right to a “sound basic education.” That standard has not changed. What has changed is the growing gap between that promise and the reality in classrooms across our state.

The dismissal of Leandro does not eliminate the State’s constitutional responsibility, it simply removes one of the primary mechanisms for enforcing it. Courts play a vital role in ensuring that constitutional guarantees are upheld. When that enforcement is limited, the responsibility shifts more heavily to policymakers.

The North Carolina General Assembly must now act with urgency and resolve.

North Carolina cannot afford to delay. Our students cannot wait another generation for meaningful progress. The state must take immediate steps to:

• Increase per-pupil funding to at least the national average

• Address critical staffing shortages, particularly in high-need areas such as Exceptional Children services

• Stabilize funding for districts experiencing enrollment shifts and revenue loss

• Invest in sustainable, long-term solutions that ensure equitable access to resources across all communities

The American Federation of Professional Educators in North Carolina calls on its members, educators, families, and all concerned citizens to engage respectfully with their elected officials and advocate for meaningful investment in public education.

The promise of a sound basic education is not optional, it is a constitutional obligation. Our students deserve nothing less.