LEANDRO 101

Leandro v. The State of NC began in 1994 when five rural counties sued on the basis that not all students are receiving their constitutional right to a sound, basic education. Since 1997, the courts have consistently ruled in favor of Leandro. The Leandro Plan is a report of corrective actions deemed necessary to remediate the deficiencies and disparities in the NC public education system over eight years. The Leandro Plan offers universal accessibility to early childhood education, invest in educators and principals, create well resourced schools and support career and college readiness for children in communities that have been historically left behind.

We recommend watching the following three videos: 1) A mini documentary by WRAL to understand the back story of the case 2) A presentation on the legal timeline with Dean Boger and Dean Wettach 3)The launch of I Am Leandro from NCCU to gain perspective on the social impacts of Leandro, current challenges and opportunities to get Leandro out of the courtroom and into the classroom.

Watch the story of Leandro unfold in this compelling, 23 minute documentary released in 2022. Unfortunately, the saga continues.

View a thorough legal history of Leandro by Dean Emeritus of UNC Boger and Dean Emerita Wettach.

Bring it home!

So what could it mean for the students and schools of New Hanover County if the Leandro Plan was fully funded?

I’m so glad you asked! Our friends at Every Child NC broke it down by the numbers!

Look up how other counties in NC could be impacted!

What’s Happening Now?

In a January 2020 court order, State Superior Court Judge David Lee, stated, “…the state is further behind in providing a “sound basic education” than it was even in the 1990s, and that the state must “work expeditiously and without delay to take all necessary actions.”

Unfortunately, the words of the NC Supreme Court Justices was met with resistance. The General Assembly challenged the courts authority to make them fund the Leandro Plan during late summer of 2022.

November 4, 2022 was a decisive victory for “Leandro” and the people of NC. The courts determined North Carolina was required to invest $1.7B to fund years two and three of the Leandro Plan and ordered the controller to release the funds. Instead, the Controller waited until after the new NCSC bench was seated and filed a motion. In the budget that passed in September of 2023, the General Assembly funded about 11% of the plan while taking $203M away from public education and funneling the resources towards private schools via the voucher expansion that removed income restrictions for recipients. In December, the NCSC announced that it would hear Leandro v. NC February 22, 2024.

The people sued and the people decisively won on November 4, 2022. With each passing day, our state violates the constitutional rights of the children of our state. The battle has been won in the court of law and should not be in jeopardy today. The future of our children will remain in the balance until THE PEOPLE are aware and demand JUSTICE!

Sign Our Petition!

NC OWES $5.54B AND A SOUND BASIC EDUCATION TO EVERY CHILD!

Community Conversations started this petition addressed to NC State Level Government Officials

#Education #Justice #iamleandro

For the last 30 years, the people of NC have successfully contended for every child’s constitutional right  to have access to a sound basic education. Experts did a survey and developed an eight-year strategic remediation plan called “The Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan” to address systemic challenges. On November 4, 2022, the courts ruled that the state must no longer deny justice due to NC’s children and required the state to release the funds to implement “The Leandro Plan.”  They alarmingly refused to comply once again and filed motions in 2023 to oppose the verdict. As arguments are set to be heard on February 22, 2024, there's a risk of restricting the plan's application, excluding numerous school districts and violating the constitutional rights of tens of thousands of children to a sound basic education. 

The $5.54 billion is an investment in our future  NC cannot afford to neglect.

  • Universal Access to Early Childhood Education: Every child in the state would have access to quality early childhood education programs. Early childhood education has been shown to be crucial for setting children on a path to success in school and life. 

  • Cradle-to-career model of education: The school system would be prepared to provide seamless transitions for students from early childhood through post-secondary education or career pathways.

  • Effective School Leadership: Every school would be led by a well-trained, competent, and supported principal. Strong school leadership is essential for creating a positive school culture, supporting teachers, and driving student success.

  • Quality Teaching Staff: With adequate funding, every classroom would be staffed by well-trained, competent and supported teachers. Investing in teacher training, professional development, and competitive salaries would attract and retain top talent in the teaching profession.

  • Safe and Conducive Learning Spaces: Adequate funding would ensure that every school building is structurally safe and provides a conducive environment for learning. This includes addressing maintenance needs, updating facilities, and ensuring access to essential resources like libraries, labs, and recreational areas.

Overall, allocating $5.54 billion to public education in North Carolina would not only address immediate needs but could also lay the foundation for long-term educational success and societal prosperity.

I Am Leandro. You are Leandro. WE ARE LEANDRO!

Whether you are an educator or a student, an employer, a parent or a concerned citizen, we are all impacted by the state of public education and democracy. We encourage you to sign this petition and make a statement as to why you support “Leandro” and equitable access to a sound basic education. Thank you for your consideration.  #IAmLeandro

THE PETITION

Invest In Our Future. Fund Education.

We, the undersigned citizens of North Carolina, urgently petition the General Assembly and the Executive branch and Judicial Branch to act expeditiously in compliance with the November 2022 verdict in the Leandro v. NC case. This landmark ruling affirmed and defended the constitutional right of every child in our state to access a sound basic education. Despite this decisive victory, justice has yet to be realized, and the promise of equitable education remains elusive for many of our children.

The reopening of the Leandro case on February 22, 2024, challenges the court's commitment to justice, raising concerns about adherence to precedent and the state's resolve to defend and support the constitutional rights of our children. It is imperative that all branches of government act responsibly, upholding our NC Constitution and the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. We prioritize the well-being and future of North Carolina’s youth and urge you to do the same immediately. It is decades overdue to invest in our future and fund public education.

“Children are the bellwethers of our society,” (Irwin Redlener) and their success is paramount to our collective prosperity. In 1848, Horace Mann famously wrote, “Education is the great equalizer.” The failure to prioritize education not only undermines their opportunities but also hampers our state's economic progress and equity initiatives. We call upon our elected officials to fulfill their oath of office with integrity and to honor their constitutional duty to provide every child in North Carolina with access to a sound basic education. Given the great wealth of our state, it is the least we can do.


We urge the General Assembly and the Executive branch to fully fund and implement the $5.54B Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan without delay, prioritize public schools over private interests, and invest in our educators and school infrastructure. We are united in our resolve and commitment to champion the constitutional right of “a sound basic education for every child” and the future of our great state.


We, the undersigned, call upon the NC Supreme Court, the NC State Executive Office and the NC General Assembly to use the full extent of their authority as elected officials to:

  • Invest the designated amount required to fully fund and support the effective implementation of the eight-year, Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan so that every child and young person actually receives at least a "sound basic education."

  • Stop all legislative, governmental or court actions that would delay, diminish or defeat the NC constitutional right of each child and young person across North Carolina to be provided with, and fully benefit from, at least a "sound basic education."