North Carolina is diverting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools into private school voucher programs. Over half of NC’s public education budget comes from state funding, and your State House and State Senate representatives decide that funding.
In 2023, the NC General Assembly voted to expand the Opportunity Scholarship Program (taxpayer-funded private school vouchers) by removing income limits and significantly increasing funding.
Voucher programs don’t create new funding; they redirect existing public dollars. Wealthy families do not need taxpayers to fund private school education. It’s time for us to speak up and remind our legislators that public schools are required to serve ALL students!
Underwire loves public schools—not vouchers!
What You Can Do:
Your legislators vote on how much financial support your local public schools receive. It’s time to make your voice heard! Let’s take action together:
Talk to your Representatives:
Over half of NC’s public education funding is determined at the state level. Your State House and State Senate members vote on:
Public school funding levels
Voucher expansion
Teacher pay
Classroom investments
Talk to your legislators! Ask them where they stand on voucher expansion and public school funding. All 120 state house representatives and 50 state senators will be on your ballot this fall.
Need a script? Here’s one provided by our friends at Public Ed Works.
Release the Funds!
NC currently has $114Million in unused voucher funds.
Tell the general assembly to:
Transfer the $114,721,409 in unused fund balance from the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Fund Reserve to the state’s General Fund and appropriate to public schools for infrastructure repairs.
$200M in HVAC deferred maintenance in Wake County alone.
1 in 3 Wake County schools have an HVAC issue.
$1.3B in deferred maintenance in public schools statewide
Source: North Carolina Session Law 2026-41, Section 8A.1(i)
VOTE and Amplify the Message:
Policy changes when pressure builds. What can you do to amplify the message?
Re-share our posts and the posts of content creators you see on the topic
Start conversations in your networks! Personal chats have the biggest impact. Talk to fellow parents about what you’ve learned about our schools.
Early voting in North Carolina begins on October 15, 2026 and Election Day is November 3.
Check your voter registration to ensure accuracy of information. Changes can be made during the early voting window.
Information on voting in North Carolina from the NC State Board of Elections.