North Carolina Constitution Article IX, Education
Here is the full text and summary of Article IX – Education of the North Carolina Constitution:
North Carolina Constitution – Article IX: Education
Section 1. Education encouraged
Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.
Section 2. Uniform system of free public schools
The General Assembly shall provide by taxation and otherwise for a general and uniform system of free public schools, which shall be maintained at least nine months in every year, and wherein equal opportunities shall be provided for all students.
Section 3. School attendance
Every child of appropriate age and of sufficient mental and physical ability shall attend the public schools, unless educated by other means as prescribed by law.
Section 4. State Board of Education
The State Board of Education shall supervise and administer the free public school system and the educational funds provided for its support. The Board shall make all needed rules and regulations in relation thereto, subject to laws enacted by the General Assembly.
Section 5. Powers and duties of the Board
The powers and duties of the State Board of Education shall be prescribed by law.
Section 6. State school fund
The State school fund shall consist of:
Public moneys dedicated to public schools by the Constitution or by law,
Revenues from estates of persons dying without a will and without heirs,
Fines, penalties, and forfeitures,
Other sources as prescribed by law.
This fund shall be used exclusively for maintaining public schools.
Section 7. County school fund
Each county must maintain a local fund to support public schools within its jurisdiction, in addition to state funding.
Section 8. Local taxes for education
Counties and local governments may levy taxes for public schools, as permitted by law.
Section 9. Benefits of public schools
All children of the state shall have equal access to the benefits and advantages of public schools.
Section 10. Higher education
The General Assembly shall maintain a public system of higher education, including The University of North Carolina and other institutions, and may authorize tuition and fees.
Section 11. Aid to religious schools, etc.
Public funds shall not be used for the benefit of any religious or other private school, except as permitted by the Constitution.
Section 12. Education of children with disabilities
The General Assembly shall provide for the education of children with physical or mental disabilities.
Section 13. Community colleges
The General Assembly shall support a system of community colleges.
Summary of Article IX – Education:
Purpose: Education is essential to good governance and must be encouraged.
Free Public Schools: A statewide, uniform, free school system must be maintained for at least 9 months annually.
Mandatory Attendance: Children must attend school unless legally exempt.
State Oversight: The State Board of Education manages the public school system.
School Funding: Both state and county-level funds support public education.
Higher Education & Community Colleges: The General Assembly is responsible for maintaining public universities and community colleges.
Equal Access: All children have the right to public education.
Religious Neutrality: Public funds cannot support religious/private schools, unless otherwise allowed by the Constitution.
Disability Inclusion: Special provisions must be made for children with disabilities.
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