US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Raleigh this week to deliver the keynote address at the 20th anniversary celebration of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (PEFNC). McMahon’s visit puts a national spotlight on North Carolina’s school choice movement.
Founded two decades ago, PEFNC has played a key role in shaping education policy across North Carolina. The organization has consistently championed school choice through legislative advocacy and direct support for families—especially in expanding access to nontraditional educational options.
The anniversary event also featured video greetings from US Senator Thom Tillis and former US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, both longtime supporters of school choice initiatives.
PEFNC’s mission is centered on ensuring families have access to a range of quality educational opportunities – particularly those with limited financial means. The group supports public charter schools, private schools, and home education as alternatives to traditional public schools.
A legacy of legislative wins
Tillis credited PEFNC with helping drive major education reforms during his tenure.
“I am proud that when I served as Speaker of the House, we were able to eliminate the public charter school cap and pass the Opportunity Scholarship Program,” Tillis said in the video address.
“PEFNC was an important partner in that endeavor, ensuring our legislative intent becomes real world opportunities for so many young people in North Carolina.”
The Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), established in 2013, provides state-funded scholarships to eligible families to offset the cost of private school tuition. More than 90,000 families in North Carolina now benefit from the program, and over $625 million has been allocated by the state for universal school choice initiatives.
“We have to continue navigating through the politics of it all,” said Mike Long, president of PEFNC.
Long referenced those who oppose programs like the Opportunity Scholarship, citing claims that it adversely affects public school funding.
“We have to reach out to the other side, and we’re making every attempt to do that,” he said. We have to change the narrative regarding the opposition’s argument that Opportunity Scholarship money is being taken away from the public schools. That could not be any further from the truth.”
A growing shift towards school choice
Recent data highlights an increased interest in educational choice in North Carolina. According to a January 2025 Carolina Journal poll, 55% of respondents were dissatisfied with the quality of local K-12 education. In that same poll, 41% of respondents chose a private school as their school of choice if money were not involved.
The shift in public sentiment is also reflected in enrollment patterns. Over the past five years, the number of students attending schools of choice – including charter, private, and home schools – has increased by 7%.
“We have to start asking parents why they’re leaving public schools,” said Long.
He explained that PEFNC believes that alternative schools are just as important as reforming the existing public school system.
“Once you understand why they’re leaving, then you address those issues to make public schools better – so that all schools rise up.”
The financial impact of school choice is also gaining attention. According to a recent report from the NC Department of Public Instruction, the Opportunity Scholarship Program saved North Carolina $10 million during the last school year alone.
“The money follows the child, not the system,” said Long.
Federal Attention and Broader Implications
Former US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos offered additional remarks highlighting PEFNC’s work.
“Your efforts have made it possible for nearly 100,000 North Carolina students to benefit from opportunity scholarships,” she said.
She also referenced pending federal legislation – the Educational Choice for Children Act – which proposes a federal tax credit to support educational freedom efforts nationwide. PEFNC is expected to play a key role in implementing such programs if the legislation is passed.
In March, President Trump signed an executive order directing Sec. McMahon to begin taking steps to dismantle the Department of Education. The order, entitled “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States and Communities,” aims to return the functions of the Department of Education to the States.
“Closing the Department of Education would provide children and their families the opportunity to escape a system that is failing them,” the order reads.
McMahon has publicly defended Trump’s decision, and she reiterated her support at Wednesday’s event.
“There are so many particular aspects of the Department of Education that can be handled by other agencies,” said McMahon.
She called on the history of the Department of Education, which was created 45 years ago during President Jimmy Carter’s administration.
“The Department of Education has only been here since 1980, and since that time, we have spent over $3 trillion on education to watch our nation’s scorecard come down. We spend more money for less results,” she said.
Personal accounts
Several members of the audience praised OSP, citing their own experiences. One mother shared that her son struggled in the public school system, even facing bullying by students and teachers. He was awarded a scholarship through OSP and is now a college senior and will soon be attending graduate school.
Another mother gave her testimony, thanking the Opportunity Scholarship Program and PEFNC for helping families like hers. She concluded her remarks by referencing her hispanic heritage, emphasizing the importance of educational freedom.
“That, my friends, is my American Dream,” she said.
Long presented McMahon with a “key to unlock opportunities” to express his thanks for her attending tonight’s event.
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Author: Kerri Carswell
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