As lawmakers gear up for the legislative short session beginning April 21, the NCASA Board of Directors officially approved the organization’s 2026 Legislative Priorities that the NCASA Advocacy Team will pursue on behalf of our more than 8,000 members statewide.
One of NCASA’s priorities entitled “Funding and Fiscal Operations” calls for enhanced K-12 funding, which includes school facility investments, additional support for students with disabilities, and disaster relief and recovery programs for affected public schools. NCASA also stresses the need to “identify adequate state revenues to head off all 2025 proposed cuts to public schools” that had been proposed by either the N.C. House or N.C. Senate last year before state budget talks stalled. With limited recurring revenue projected in the short session, school leaders must stress to lawmakers the importance of maintaining key allotments and programs as the budget for 2026-27 is being developed.
Along with funding priorities, the need to recruit and retain the very best leaders and educators to help restore North Carolina’s reputation as a national leader in education is another key focus for NCASA. Under the “Talent Acquisition, Development and Retention” priority, NCASA asks the General Assembly to raise principal and teacher pay to the highest in the Southeast, reinstate advanced degree supplements for teachers and principals, and provide needed raises for all school personnel. NCASA is also committed to reforming the principal pay plan by increasing stability in base pay and adding complexity factors to the current pay structure.
Other key short session legislative priorities include: improving the state’s School Performance Grades system to include multiple components of student success, expanding state support for funding services to address student mental health needs, allowing LEAs to set “student-centered calendars,” and expanding waiver options for school districts struggling to meet K-3 class size mandates.
The full listing of NCASA’s 2026 Legislative Priorities can be accessed here. Please use this document in your conversations with your local lawmakers ahead of, or early in, the short session to assist NCASA with efforts to advocate on these important needs for students and staff in our public schools.