North Carolina would fund learning wallets at one high school

The proposal would keep student-identifying information in public college and community college discipline records from public release. This covers records of complaints, investigations, decisions, or resolutions about alleged student rule violations at the University of North Carolina System Office, UNC institutions, the Community Colleges System Office, and community colleges. Records without personally identifying information, including combined data, guidelines, and summaries, could still be released. This section would take effect when the act becomes law and apply to record requests submitted on or after that date.

The proposal would have an education research office form a work group to develop a plan for changing how public schools receive state funds. The group would include public education finance experts, the Department of Public Instruction, BEST NC, and other relevant stakeholders. The group would study options such as more flexible per-student funding, changes to how teacher pay funds are allocated, and ways to report on state spending. It would also consider whether a different state office should distribute funds. The group would report its strategy to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by July 15, 2027.

The proposal would have the State Education Assistance Authority run a student education wallet pilot for one school year. One selected public school unit would choose one high school. Students enrolled there could apply for approved activities outside regular classes, such as career programs, arts, and instructional sports. Students would need to apply, be admitted, and have a parent sign an agreement. If funds are insufficient for all eligible applicants, the Authority could use a lottery. Funds could pay only for approved education activities, and the school unit would decide whether an activity earns credit. The Authority would make applications available by February 2, 2027, admit students by April 15, 2027, and provide funds for the 2027–28 school year. The $445,000 would remain available through that school year.