On this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, Don Curtis speaks with Brenda Berg, President and CEO of Best North Carolina, about the critical intersection of education and economic growth in the state. Berg provides insights into current challenges, innovative solutions, and the advocacy work her organization is doing to advance education from K-12 through higher education.
Berg emphasizes that education is a cornerstone for attracting businesses to North Carolina, noting that a strong education system not only prepares a competitive workforce but also supports the families of incoming professionals. Best North Carolina’s mission is to improve education by using data-driven strategies and fostering collaboration between business leaders and policymakers.
A key highlight of the conversation is Berg’s analysis of school spending in North Carolina. She explains that the state has achieved a relatively equitable distribution of funds between rural and urban areas, a unique achievement considering North Carolina’s large rural population. Berg underscores the importance of transparency in education funding and invites listeners to explore Best North Carolina’s school spending dashboard, which provides insights into per-pupil expenditures at the district and school levels.
The discussion shifts to the topic of private school vouchers. Berg details how the state has expanded its voucher program to include families across various income levels, enabling more students to access private education. However, she also raises the issue of accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency to ensure that public funds support high-quality educational outcomes in private schools.
Berg addresses shifts in student enrollment trends, pointing out that while overall K-12 enrollment has stabilized, traditional public schools have seen a decline in favor of charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling. Homeschooling, in particular, has grown by 74% over the past decade, making it the second-largest “district” in the state. While acknowledging the benefits of school choice, Berg highlights the importance of gathering data to understand the long-term outcomes for students educated outside traditional public schools.
Community colleges also take center stage in the conversation. Berg praises North Carolina’s community college system as a national leader in accessibility and workforce alignment. She explains how programs like dual enrollment allow high school students to earn college credit or complete associate degrees before graduation, preparing them for high-demand careers or further education. This model, Berg says, is a testament to the state’s commitment to creating pathways for success at all levels of education.
When discussing the role of technology in education, Berg shares lessons learned from the pandemic. While online resources can supplement classroom instruction, she stresses that human interaction remains irreplaceable, particularly for younger students. She also highlights emerging initiatives like Spark NC, a program that equips high school students with workplace-ready credentials through flexible, portfolio-based learning.
Berg dedicates a significant portion of the discussion to the challenges surrounding teacher pay and recruitment. She critiques the outdated pay model that ties salaries strictly to years of experience and credentials, arguing that it fails to incentivize excellence or address shortages in critical areas like STEM. She advocates for higher starting salaries, faster salary growth during the first decade of teaching, and the expansion of advanced teaching roles that reward educators who take on leadership responsibilities.
The conversation also touches on the importance of school leadership. Berg outlines the innovative North Carolina Principal Fellows program, which recruits and rigorously trains aspiring principals. By pairing candidates with experienced mentors, the program has become a national model for preparing school leaders. Berg notes that principals play a pivotal role in creating effective learning environments and retaining high-performing teachers, particularly in high-poverty schools.
Looking ahead, Berg discusses the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. While AI won’t replace teachers, it can enhance instruction by helping educators tailor lessons to individual students’ needs. Berg emphasizes the importance of equipping students with skills to use AI responsibly while ensuring that foundational skills like writing are still taught and assessed effectively.
As the episode concludes, Berg underscores the value of parental involvement in student success. She calls for greater collaboration between parents and educators, encouraging open communication and shared accountability. Finally, Berg highlights Best North Carolina’s ongoing legislative advocacy, with a focus on talent development, teacher pay, and school leadership initiatives that will shape the future of education in the state.
