The Mycenaean

On November 5, 2024, Maurice “Mo” Green won the election for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. With a promising campaign and a goal to change the state’s public school system, what does this mean for us students?

Superintendent Green recently hosted a press conference over Zoom, allowing a few students from across the state to ask questions about his plans and ideas. Questions ranging from school funding to violence prevention were discussed, promoting in-depth conversations surrounding the future of our state’s school system.

At the beginning of the meeting, the new superintendent discussed his overall vision for public education. Green referred to his plans as “achieving education excellence,” also stating how he believes that North Carolina “ought to be trying to be the very best school system in the country.” 

The first discussion of the interview revolved around North Carolina’s school system funding.  State and federal funding is essential for maintaining our schools’ safety and ability to educate; however, the ability to gain adequate funding has waivered significantly according to the superintendent.  Advocating for additional financial support is a major part of Green’ agenda, and he stated how the state ranks “49th in the country relating to the effort that we put into education.” 

According to Green, the funding would mostly be used to improve teacher salaries. Although the decision to raise educators’ pay is not in his direct control, he stated that his goal would be to advocate strongly for change. There are gaps in education-based employment across the state, including teaching positions, custodians, and bus drivers. 

Violence has been a sensitive issue throughout the nation’s school systems.  When the topic of violence prevention was raised, Green outlined how he would work on remedying the problem with a 4 step plan.  

The main part of the plan calls for upgraded mental health services for students, as most cases of student-related violence stem from inadequate mental health awareness and treatment. Green talked about how he wants schools to work better with local law enforcement agencies, utilizing their services without taking advantage of them for every situation.  Green added, “Character development is crucial to us having safe and effective schools, and I believe that issues around character have to be taught.”

According to Green, another part of the plan involves school infrastructure. Keeping our school facilities up to date and secure is vital to preventing further incidents, such as shootings and student altercations. The superintendent mentioned how he will support schools across the state by adding things such as double entries, metal detectors, and bulletproof glass. 

The last big topic in the interview was about cell phone rules in schools, which is a major concern for students across the state. Important leaders, like North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein, have supported banning cell phones in schools statewide. Green acknowledged how he has not yet determined if a full phone ban would be recommended.  He also expressed his understanding of the importance of mobile phones in classroom settings and how they can be used both as educational aids and additional safety measures. 

Mo Green was sworn in as North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction on January 1, 2025.  The ceremony took place at Haynes-Inman Education Center near Greensboro, a school which serves disabled students. The school itself was chosen to honor Green’s late mother who served as a special education teacher herself. 

“I look forward to working with educators, parents, community leaders and members, government officials, the team at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education and students to make that vision a reality across our state,” said Green.

Superintendent Mo Green is promising for all students across the state, hopefully building North Carolina’s educational system to excellence.