All public education is local

“All politics is local.” Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Tip O’Neill did not coin that phrase, but he was well-known for using it to describe the work of the House. As one source puts it, “Ultimately, constituents and voters are concerned most about issues that affect their personal lives and home communities, and they vote accordingly.” Thus, the idea behind “All politics is local.”

In a similar way, we might say, “All public education is local.” The North Carolina State Board of Education oversees public education and sets educational standards and policies for the entire state. However, the Duplin County Board of Education has the responsibility for implementing those standards and policies and for the day-to-day operations of our schools. The members of our county school board make important decisions that affect not only the students and teachers in our schools, but the fabric of our community and the quality of our lives.

School let out for the summer about a month ago. We hope all of our students will have a fun and safe summer and our teachers will enjoy some relaxation before they begin planning for the 2025-2026 school year. However, just because the halls of our thirteen schools aren’t filled with children and young people, that doesn’t mean education has stopped in Duplin County for the summer.

According to the 2024-2025 Duplin County Schools Organizational Chart, our schools have almost 9,900 students enrolled. Under the direction of the school board’s five members and our Superintendent Austin Obasohan, thirty-three professionals who are committed to educational excellence work tirelessly to achieve the vision “to become an exemplary school system where all students and staff excel in a globally competitive society” and to fulfill the mission “to work collaboratively with the community to prepare all students for career, college, and life success.”

That is why public education is local. An organizational chart and staff directory are helpful, but they don’t give you the full sense of the people involved in educating our students. The 600+ teachers, along with the administrative staff, are our neighbors. We go to church with them on Sundays. You may coach their children in youth sports programs. Perhaps they coach your children. Many of our teachers and staff are graduates of our local schools, as are so many members of our community. Maybe you taught them when they were in school. There is a good chance they are teaching your children and grandchildren now.

All of this is to say, “All public education is local” because the folks who have accepted the awesome responsibility of educating our students are local. They are concerned about the very same issues that affect our lives and communities. They work year-round guided by the Duplin County Schools motto, “A Unified Approach to Academic Excellence.” So, don’t forget to thank these good local folks and let them know how much you appreciate their commitment to public education in Duplin County.
Philip Gladden lives in Wallace and writes on behalf of Duplin County Schools.