Education Sunday at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church was both a celebration of learning and a call to action. The day began with an in-service worship experience and continued with a powerful program centered on the current state— and future — of public education in North Carolina.
A Sermon Grounded in Data and Vision
We were honored to welcome Maurice “Mo” Green, Superintendent of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, as our guest speaker. Superintendent Green delivered a thoughtful, data-driven speech that examined education “by the numbers,” offering clarity on where North Carolina stands and where it may be headed.
He highlighted four key areas:
1. Student Outcomes Across the State
Superintendent Green reviewed statewide enrollment figures and North Carolina’s standing among other states in graduation rates, ACT performance, and Advanced Placement (AP) participation and success. The ACT, used by 17 states, is a college readiness exam scored from 1 to 36. Last year, North Carolina’s average ACT score was 18.5, while Utah led with 20.0. Meanwhile, he also spotlighted Advanced Placement (AP) exams, which help students earn college credit. Last year, 21.2% of North Carolina students took AP courses, placing us 15th.
Washington, D.C., had the highest participation rate with 29%. North Carolina placed 31st with an AP performance rate of 65.4%. Montana led with a rate of 74.3%.
These metrics, he noted, offer important insight into both progress and persistent gaps.
2. Headwinds Facing Public Education
A major theme of his address was the rapid expansion of school choice — schools, public schools, public charter schools, private school and homeschooling. He expressed concern about the scale of private school vouchers, noting that more than $700 million was distributed last year alone. If current trends continue, that figure could reach the billions within the next decade, raising serious questions about long-term investment in public education.
3. Federal Funding Challenges
Superintendent Green also addressed the impact of federal funding decisions. Last year, $165 million in federal funds were withheld, leading to the loss of approximately 900 positions and 2,000 employees across the state. North Carolina has since taken legal action to release these funds. He further cautioned that federal support for the community schools model is temporary and that broader national discussions about dismantling the U.S. Department of Education could place public education at further risk.
4. The Power of Community— and Faith
Perhaps most resonant was Superintendent Green’s call to community involvement. He urged faith communities to demand excellence from public schools, advocate for strong investment, and offer their time, expertise, and resources. He specifically thanked St. Ambrose for its ongoing partnership with Fuller Magnet Elementary School, lifting it up as an example of what meaningful collaboration can look like.
He closed with a challenge: North Carolina appears to be on a path toward disinvestment and privatization – but communities still have a choice. We can instead choose innovation, excellence, and inclusion for our schools and our children.
Spotlight on the F.O.R.E. Program
Following Superintendent Green’s remarks, Jayla Smith, the Instructional Facilitator/Literacy Coach from Fuller Magnet Elementary School, shared an update on the F.O.R.E. Program (Fuller Organized Respect and Education). Now in its second year, this program supports at-risk fourth and fifth grade students through leadership development, study and organizational skills, classroom engagement, etiquette training, and exposure to motivational and career-focused speakers.
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