Why do educators need active and engaged business leaders? Why do business leaders need excellent educators and strong public schools? These questions were at the center of discussion during the annual Education Network Reception held on September 18th. Nearly 300 Pitt County Schools educators and business leaders gathered for this event, which has been a collaborative effort between the Pitt-Greenville Chamber, Pitt County Educational Foundation, and Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County for over a decade.
The purpose of the annual event is to foster relationships between local educators and businesses. This year’s keynote speaker was Tom Oxholm, a business leader and public school advocate from Wake County. Tom led a panel discussion with four Pitt County educators, who explored two main questions:
- Can you describe a program requiring collaboration between educators and business leaders? What benefits did it bring to your school or students?
- When was the last time you invited a business leader to shadow a teacher or principal? If not recently, why?
After the panel, attendees had 25 minutes to mingle and were encouraged to meet four people from the opposite profession and discuss major challenges in education or business. They were also asked: If you could request one thing from a business leader to support public schools, what would it be?
In his closing remarks, Tom emphasized the connection between education and workforce development. The future success of businesses depends heavily on the availability of skilled employees, and public schools are central to developing that talent. He encouraged business leaders to reach out to school administrators to shadow educators or tutor students. These experiences provide direct insight into the challenges schools face, particularly underfunding and resource shortages.
Many business leaders are surprised by what they see when they spend time in public schools. North Carolina has not fully restored education funding since budget cuts made during the 2010 recession. The state also ranks 43rd in the nation for teacher pay and last among southeastern states. Unlike most states North Carolina sets the teacher pay scale, which includes incremental raises for the first 14 years, then flatlines starting in year 15. Additionally, private school vouchers now divert hundreds of millions of dollars from public school budgets annually.
Business leaders who engage with schools gain a better understanding of these challenges and are often inspired to become advocates for change. Their engagement can drive efforts to improve school funding, teacher support, and student resources. Ultimately, thriving public schools benefit not just students and teachers, but also businesses and communities that rely on a strong, well-educated workforce.
Despite the obstacles, there are remarkable things happening every day in Pitt County schools, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators. With continued collaboration, business and education leaders have the potential to make lasting, positive change. By working together, they can help ensure that public schools have the support they need to reach their full potential and prepare the next generation for success.
