SUMMARY: The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announced a $25 million initiative to improve student achievement in rural and economically distressed communities. Funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, the program will focus on school culture, teaching practices, math instruction, and career readiness. It will involve 20 middle schools, divided into two cohorts: 10 low-performing schools and 10 with strong programs aiming for student-centered learning. The initiative uses the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework for step-by-step improvement. Schools in rural counties with persistent Tier 1 or Tier 2 economic status can apply beginning January 13, 2025.

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SUMMARY: Senate Democrats expressed concerns over a scheduled hearing for Governor Doug Burgum, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Interior, before he completed essential paperwork and an FBI background check. Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Martin Heinrich, criticized this precedent, highlighting that nominees typically need to submit a questionnaire, financial disclosures, and ethics reviews before hearings. Chairman Mike Lee defended the decision, asserting that Burgum’s paperwork was in order and emphasizing the need to advance Trump’s energy agenda. Other nomination hearings are planned, but the Senate cannot vote on nominees until Trump is inaugurated on January 20.

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SUMMARY: The North Carolina Local Government Commission approved $1 billion in debt for local governments, marking the first decision under newly-elected state treasurer Brad Briner. Included in this approval were $387 million for Mecklenburg County’s public safety, education, and recreation projects. The commission also greenlighted $252 million in bonds for county building renovations, $45 million for waste facilities, and $90 million in bond refinancing, saving $1.8 million. Additionally, $200 million in bonds were approved for Durham’s infrastructure projects, including roads and parks. The commission’s role is to approve and sell local government debt, enhancing the state’s favorable credit status.

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