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The following is Mary Ann Wolf’s “Final Word” from the June 14, 2025 episode of Education Matters, featuring Tom Oxholm, Mike Hawkins, Jarian Kereekes, and Doug Shackelford.
In 2022 and 2023, North Carolina was CNBC’s top state for business. In 2024, we were #2. Virginia took the top spot with one of the cited reasons being the state’s strong public education system. While that drop in ranking is far from drastic, it does demonstrate that if North Carolina does not prioritize our local public schools, we risk losing our spot as one of the best states for businesses. These two areas are not separate; they are inextricably linked.
A thriving business environment depends on more than just favorable tax policies or robust infrastructure. It also requires a strong foundation of well-educated, prepared individuals who are ready to contribute to a dynamic and evolving economy. Local public schools build that foundation. They are where the future workforce is developed, where critical thinking and problem-solving skills are nurtured, and where the next generation of leaders first discover their potential.
Local public schools also play a vital role in the stability and appeal of communities. Strong schools attract families, retain talent, and foster civic engagement. In many rural communities, including several here in North Carolina, schools are among the largest employers while also serving as community hubs. When local schools succeed, their communities are more likely to succeed with them.
Business leaders are uniquely positioned to play a role in supporting and strengthening local public schools. The business sector has the capacity to help address longstanding challenges through direct partnerships, mentorship programs, workforce development initiatives, or advocacy at the state level. These collaborations benefit both students and business, and are necessary for sustainable, long-term progress.
In rural areas, the relationship between schools and local industries can be particularly impactful. When students see viable career paths in their own communities, they are more likely to stay, invest in the local economy, and contribute to regional growth. For businesses, this means access to homegrown talent and reduced workforce shortages. For students, it means access to opportunity without the need to leave home to find it.
Many business leaders already serve as champions of education through volunteering, serving on school boards, or advocating for better funding and support. For others, the path to engagement may be less familiar. But advocacy can take many forms. Whether it’s speaking up for competitive teacher pay, supporting access to early childhood education, or helping to shape policies that close opportunity gaps, there are countless ways to make a difference.
The strongest partnerships between the education and business sectors are built on consistency, trust, and shared goals. These relationships don’t emerge overnight, but when cultivated with care, they can transform communities. They allow schools to better respond to workforce demands, give students a clearer view of their post-graduation options, and create a more resilient and inclusive economy.
North Carolina’s reputation as a top state for business is one worth protecting, but that reputation will not hold if local public schools continue to face disinvestment and widening opportunity gaps. The future of North Carolina’s workforce, communities and prosperity depends on the strength of our local public schools.
