The State Board of Education is charged with supervising and administering the public schools, including charter schools and the educational funds provided for their support. Its agendas are driven by many factors, including General Assembly and Congressional action, interests of Board members and constituents, and requests and needs of local public schools, educators, parents and students. Locally elected boards of education set policy for and administer each local school district. While they operate under state and federal laws, as well as under State Board of Education policy, many decisions affecting public schools are local. Local school boards set student discipline policies, school calendars, local graduation requirements, student attendance patterns and provide school buildings.
Local boards hire a superintendent to administer their schools and guide operations.
There are 117 local school districts and local school boards. North Carolina s Governor appoints the 13-member State Board of Education, with the exception of the State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor who serve by virtue of their elected positions. The Governor s appointments are subject to confirmation by the General Assembly in joint session. The Department of Public Instruction implements the policy and direction of the State Board of Education. With approximately 500 employees, this state agency develops the N.C. Standard Course of Study for K-12 schools and provides testing, reporting, financial and other services to local school districts.