School Funding: Educators Must Be Ambassadors for Public Education

School Funding: Educators Must Be Ambassadors for Public Education

In this episode of Lead, Lift, Inspire, we explore the realities of public school funding in North Carolina and why educators must serve as informed ambassadors for the profession. This conversation takes a closer look at how federal, state, and local funding systems shape the day-to-day experiences of students, educators, and schools. Together, we discuss common misconceptions, the impact of current funding challenges, and the importance of advocacy grounded in understanding and collaboration. Whether you work in education or simply care about the future of public schools, this episode offers insight into one of the most important conversations facing our communities today. Joining the conversation is Dr. Jan King, sister of Alpha Lambda Chapter and founder of NC Peak. Dr. King is a retired Assistant Superintendent for Henderson County Public Schools and was recognized as the 2010 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. She currently serves as an adjunct instructor and Principal Fellows Leadership Coach at Western Carolina University and remains deeply engaged in educational and community leadership across North Carolina. With decades of experience spanning PreK–12 leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, Dr. King brings both insight and passion to this important discussion.

Stronger Students, Stronger Communities: The Behavioral Health Connection

In this episode of Lead, Lift, Inspire, we explore the growing importance of behavioral health in supporting students and strengthening communities. From classrooms to career pathways, schools are often the first place needs emerge—but lasting impact requires strong partnerships beyond the school walls.  Mrs. Greta Metcalf holds a Master’s degree in Education in Community Counseling and became co-owner of Jackson County Psychological Services in 2004, leading community-based programs including psychiatry, school-based therapy, and community-based services In 2004, she became co-owner of Jackson County Psychological Services, leading school and community-based programs across western NC counties, and was later appointed to the Governor’s Task Force on Safer Schools and the Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use, contributing to statewide policy improvements. She also helped develop a regional continuum of care for schools, social services, and juvenile justice, expanding her expertise in cross-system collaboration and evidence-based treatment models. Since 2018, as Clinical Director of HIGHTS, she has led the expansion of youth mental health and substance use services and built a multidisciplinary internship and workforce development program to strengthen the behavioral health system in Western North Carolina. Dr. Angela Hill is a passionate and results-driven school leader with more than 20+ years of experience in curriculum and program design, staff development, and coaching educators to implement high-quality instruction. When not at school, she enjoys reading/ listening to fiction novels (the world is too real for non-fiction at this time), spending time with her family and friends, and watching true crime shows.

School + Community Partnerships = Powerhouse; Part 4 of 4

In this special four-part series of Lead, Lift, Inspire, Dr. Tracie J. Metz explores how school and community partnerships create powerful impact across North Carolina. From elevating student voice to reaching across sectors and taking bold, sometimes unconventional risks, these conversations highlight what happens when educators and partners build trust, stretch beyond the familiar, and work together for lasting change. This episode features Crystal Folger-Hawks. Crystal Folger-Hawks serves as the Executive Director of Surry-Yadkin Works, bringing extensive experience in workforce and career development. Nationally Board-Certified in Career & Technical Education, she previously taught work-based learning and Family & Consumer Sciences courses and served as both a College Liaison and Career Coach within Surry County Schools and Surry Community College. Since 2021, she has led Surry-Yadkin Works, overseeing its continued growth and regional impact. Crystal holds degrees from Virginia Tech and UNC Greensboro and has participated in prestigious leadership programs including the Kenan Fellows Program and ElevateNC. In her role, she partners with businesses and Surry Community College to expand pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentialing opportunities for students across Surry and Yadkin counties.

School + Community Partnerships = Powerhouse; Part 3 of 4

In this special four-part series of Lead, Lift, Inspire, Dr. Tracie J. Metz explores how school and community partnerships create powerful impact across North Carolina. From elevating student voice to reaching across sectors and taking bold, sometimes unconventional risks, these conversations highlight what happens when educators and partners build trust, stretch beyond the familiar, and work together for lasting change. This episode features Megan Phillips. Megan Phillips has taught high school English for 19 years and has been an active member of NC DKG since 2012. She is currently serving her second year as President of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter. Passionate about professional growth and leadership development, Megan is also contributing at the state level through her involvement with the Emerging Leadership Initiative. She remains committed to deepening her engagement with NC DKG and supporting the advancement of women educators across North Carolina.

School + Community Partnerships = Powerhouse; Part 2 of 4

In this special four-part series of Lead, Lift, Inspire, Dr. Tracie J. Metz explores how school and community partnerships create powerful impact across North Carolina. From elevating student voice to reaching across sectors and taking bold, sometimes unconventional risks, these conversations highlight what happens when educators and partners build trust, stretch beyond the familiar, and work together for lasting change. This episode features Emily Nicholson. Emily Nicholson is the Executive Director for the Land of Sky P20 Council, serving the Counties of Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania in Western NC. Formed in 2021, the Land of Sky P20 Council facilitates collaboration between stakeholders in education, community, government, and business to ensure Western North Carolina’s students and jobseekers are getting the knowledge, skills, credentials, and support they need to be successful in the region’s most high-demand jobs. Emily’s creed parallels with one quote from Benjamin Franklin in that “Well done is better than well said.” With three daughters of ages 13, 9 and 6, she’s a mom who treats solo grocery trips like tropical vacations and her hobbies include pretending to fold laundry so she can listen to podcasts in peace. Emily is a former Workforce board director, high school teacher and NC legislative candidate.