The claim that N.C. Opportunity Scholarships are about "parental choice" is misleading. Yes, parents should have the ability to choose to send their … - Val Applewhite

I recognize the concerns that some have about how this program might affect public schools. As senator, I will work to close any gaps within the Opportunity Scholarship program, because I know it’s not a perfect system. I believe we can support both public and private education, and I’m committed to finding solutions that improve the program while ensuring our public schools remain strong. This doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. Competition can drive improvement, and at the end of the day, it’s about making sure every child — no matter their background — has access to a quality education.

The Republican legislature is perpetuating a slow death for our public schools by systematically underfunding them while failing to meet the North Carolina Constitution’s requirement for a sound, basic education for every child. Their efforts align with Trump’s Project 2025, a national agenda aimed at dismantling public education. Our children deserve better — they deserve a world-class public education that equips them to compete globally, not one sacrificed to political agendas and the privileged few.

I want to be clear — supporting Opportunity Scholarships doesn’t mean I’m against public schools. I’m in favor of both. I fully support the N.C. Opportunity Scholarship program, also known as school vouchers, because it gives families the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children. What I prioritize is the student and their individual needs. Every child deserves the chance to succeed, whether in a public, private or charter school.