Press Releases
Read news directly from Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina.
Departure of Executive Vice President Brian Jodice
Mike Long Speaks on President Trump's Executive Order Regarding Educational Freedom and School Choice
January 30th, 2025 (Raleigh, NC) - Mike Long, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (PEFNC), on President Donald Trump's executive order regarding educational freedom and school choice:
"With the eyes of the nation watching during this National School Choice Week, President Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to school choice with yesterday’s executive order. Following the historic expansion in our home state—thanks to the North Carolina General Assembly—Congress now has the opportunity to follow suit by supporting the President’s pro-school choice agenda, including passing the Educational Choice for Children Act and expanding parental and family empowerment across America.
State Legislators to Participate in School Tours and Read-Alouds for National School Choice Week
January 24th, 2025 (Raleigh, NC) – Parents for Educational Freedom North Carolina (PEFNC) is excited to announce a series of celebratory events in honor of National School Choice Week. These events, taking place on January 27th and January 28th, will occur at two schools to highlight the diverse educational opportunities available to families in the state.
As part of the celebration, state legislators will visit schools, read a book to the students, and participate in guided tours. During these visits, legislators will meet students who benefit from North Carolina’s educational options, gaining first-hand insights into the transformative impact of school choice programs. Representative Erin Paré will visit RISE Charter School in Raleigh, Senator Brad Overcash will visit Gaston Christian School in Gastonia, and Senator Val Applewhite will visit Grace Community School in Fayetteville.
Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina Celebrates with Families and Students as General Assembly Expands Access to School Choice Scholarships
Raleigh, NC (November 20, 2024) – Mike Long, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, released the following statement regarding the veto override of HB10 from the North Carolina General Assembly.
"A historic expansion of parental school choice is now a reality in North Carolina. By overriding Governor Cooper’s veto of HB10, the legislature sends a clear message that our state will continue to invest in students over systems.
Earlier this year, a record number of families applied for Opportunity Scholarships, creating a waitlist of over 50,000 students. Today, students and families need to wait no further, and while we know that thousands of families in our state will benefit from this historic expansion, we have more work to do to ensure that everyone in North Carolina can send their child to the school of their choice.
Governor Cooper Vetos Bill for Additional Funding for North Carolina School Choice Programs
Raleigh, NC (September 20, 2024) -- Mike Long, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, released the following statement to respond to Governor Cooper's veto of a bill that would fully fund the Opportunity Scholarship Program waitlist and add funds to the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program.
Make no mistake about it, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has been opposed to the Opportunity Scholarship Program since day one, calling it an “expense we should stop in our state,” and today following through by vetoing House Bill 10, pointing to the Opportunity Scholarship Program is his reason why.
NC House Passes Bill to Expand Funding For North Carolina School Choice Programs
Raleigh, NC (September 11, 2024) -- Mike Long, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, released the following statement to celebrate the state House passing a bill that would fully fund the Opportunity Scholarship Program waitlist and add funds to the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program.
We are thrilled that our state legislature has passed a conference report that would expand funding for North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program and Special Needs Scholarship. The conference report now heads to Governor Cooper, and we encourage him to sign it into law as soon as possible, although we know the Governor is no fan of Opportunity Scholarships.
NC Senate Passes Bill to Expand Funding For North Carolina School Choice Programs
Raleigh, NC (September 9, 2024) -- Mike Long, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, released the following statement to celebrate the state Senate passing a conference report that would fully fund the Opportunity Scholarship Program waitlist and add funds to the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program.
We are thrilled that our state's Senate has passed a conference report that would expand funding for North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program and Special Needs Scholarship. We now await its passage through the state House.
Agreement Reached to Expand Funding for Crucial North Carolina School Choice Programs
Raleigh, NC (September 6, 2024) -- Mike Long, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, released the following statement in celebration of an agreed conference report that would fully fund the Opportunity Scholarship Program waitlist and add funds to the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program.
We are thrilled to see that an agreement has been reached between the House and Senate that would expand funding for North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship Program and Special Needs scholarship.
Last year, the General Assembly expanded eligibility for the Opportunity Scholarship Program and families submitted a record number of new applications, but a gap in funding meant 55,000+ were on the outside looking in to start this school year.
Historic Parental School Choice Expansion in North Carolina
Raleigh, NC (September 22, 2023) -- Mike Long, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, released the following statement in celebration of historic parental school choice expansion in North Carolina, upon the passage of a state budget that, among other features, will expand access to the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program.
“North Carolina is leading the way on education reform and parental school choice! The newly passed bi-partisan budget ensures our state takes the next step forward for parental school choice options while funding students over systems,” said Long.
North Carolina Budget Prioritizes Students and Families
Raleigh, NC (September 20, 2023) -- Mike Long, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, released the following statement regarding the North Carolina General Assembly’s budget proposal:
"Once again, leadership in the North Carolina General Assembly is prioritizing school choice expansion, and once again sending a message that North Carolina is leading the way on education reform and parental school choice. This budget will be a huge win for students, parents and families in our state. The proposed budget will; increase teacher pay, provide access to free school meals for more students, and expand the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program which last school year served over 25,000 students across our state,” said Mike Long.