NC Republicans revive plan to elect State Board of Education members
Republicans want voters to decide whether to elect State Board of Education members instead of having the governor appoint them.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Republican lawmakers are once again pushing to change how North Carolina governs public schools, reviving a longstanding debate over education policy control in the state.
House Bill 144, set for discussion Tuesday in the House Education Committee, would ask voters to amend the state constitution to make most State Board of Education members elected rather than appointed by the governor. The proposal would also elevate the superintendent of public instruction to chair of the board.
The current system includes 11 members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the General Assembly, along with the lieutenant governor, state treasurer, and superintendent of public instruction. The superintendent currently serves as the board’s secretary and chief administrative officer.
New Electoral Districts Proposed
Under the Republican proposal, the governor’s appointees would be replaced with board members elected from districts created by the General Assembly. The number of districts would match North Carolina’s congressional delegation.
If lawmakers approve the measure, the constitutional amendment would appear before voters in November 2026, likely alongside several other constitutional amendments aimed at increasing Republican voter turnout. The changes would take effect in 2028 and apply to board terms beginning in 2029.
Political Control Debate Continues
Critics argue the proposal would make education policy more political, while supporters contend the current system is already political because governors appoint board members.
The legislation is part of a broader Republican effort in recent years to shift authority away from the governor’s office. Lawmakers have previously attempted to change control of the State Board of Elections and limit governors’ appointment powers over various boards and commissions.
Statewide Impact Expected
If approved, North Carolina would join other states that elect education board members rather than relying on gubernatorial appointments. The proposal marks the latest attempt by Republican legislators to restructure how the state oversees its public education system.
The House Education Committee will take up the measure during Tuesday’s scheduled meeting, beginning the legislative process that could ultimately place the constitutional amendment before voters this fall.
