Amendment to elect State Board of Education members moves forward in NC House

May 20, 2026 - 01:17

A proposed constitutional amendment that would remove the governor's authority to appoint members of the North Carolina State Board of Education moved forward in the state House on Tuesday. The Republican-backed measure, if approved by voters, would shift appointment power from the governor to the General Assembly.

Under the current system, the governor appoints 11 of the board's 13 members, with the lieutenant governor and state treasurer serving as ex-officio members. The amendment would instead give the legislature the power to select all appointed members, effectively reshaping control of the state's education policy.

Supporters argue the change would create a more balanced and accountable board, reflecting the will of the people through their elected representatives. They say the governor, regardless of party, should not hold sole authority over education governance.

Opponents counter that the move is a political power grab that would inject partisan interests into education decisions. They warn it could destabilize the board and undermine the nonpartisan mission of overseeing public schools.

The proposal now heads to the House floor for a full vote. If it passes both chambers with a three-fifths majority, it would appear on the ballot for voters to decide. The debate comes amid ongoing tensions between Republican lawmakers and Democratic Governor Roy Cooper over education funding and policy.