NC's rural school funding challenges

NC's rural school funding challenges

Author: WUNC News June 19, 2026 Duration: 30:01
The long delays in the state budget process are hurting teacher retention in rural districts like Halifax County, and it’s just one of the many funding challenges these districts are facing amid uncertain funding. To better understand how the funding challenges are playing out in rural schools, WUNC News' Colin Campbell took a trip to Halifax County – about 80 miles northeast of Raleigh and seemingly a world away economically. Halifax County Schools Superintendent Eric Cunningham explained how the state budget affects its schools, its teacher retention and its ability to afford new school buildings and programs.

Tune in for the conversations happening behind the headlines across the state. WUNC Politics, from the journalists at WUNC News, moves beyond the official statements and press conferences to bring you the context and candid insights shaping North Carolina. Each episode feels like catching up with a well-informed friend who just left the floor of the General Assembly or a key campaign stop, translating the day’s political maneuvers into something relatable and clear. You’ll hear directly from reporters about the whispers in the legislative hallways, the shifting dynamics on the trail, and the real-world impacts of policy debates. This isn't about partisan scoring; it's about understanding the how and why of Tar Heel politics. The podcast delivers a grounded, weekly perspective that helps make sense of the rapid changes in our state's government and elections. For anyone curious about the forces driving decisions in Raleigh and beyond, this is an essential listen. The analysis is sharp, the reporting is trustworthy, and the discussion always points toward what it all means for the people who live here. Dive into the nuanced and often surprising stories that define political life in North Carolina.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

WUNC Politics
Podcast Episodes
Why NC's prisons can't pay bills or keep staff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
North Carolina’s prison system is struggling with hundreds of vacant positions as the starting pay remains stuck around $18 an hour. Correctional officers are leaving in droves for better pay elsewhere. There’s not enoug…
Small-town accountant defeats a veteran swing-vote legislator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:43
Williamston accountant and minister Patricia Smith pulled off an upset in this month’s primary over a six-term incumbent known for crossing party lines. Rep. Shelly Willingham, D-Edgecombe, was one of three moderate Demo…
What we learned from NC's primary -- and what's next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:02
North Carolina's primary brought rebukes to incumbent legislators in both parties, including a razor-thin margin in the closely watched GOP primary challenge to Senate leader Phil Berger. Why did voters reject some longt…
Four races to watch in Tuesday's NC primary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:34
The 2026 North Carolina primary is almost here, and so for this week’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at four of the biggest races on the ballot, from the U.S. Senate to a legislative primary with major stakes. WUNC…
Main Street NC: East Durham's contaminated parks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
This is the sixth and final episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the issues and challenges they're facing. Soil contamination…
Main Street NC: Buxton's disappearing beach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:58
This is the fifth episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the issues and challenges they're facing. About 20 beach houses have re…
Main Street NC: Hot Springs rebuilds from Helene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:54
This is the third episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the issues and challenges they're facing. The floodwaters of Helene in…
Main Street NC: Williamston's 'crisis of healthcare' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:18
This is the second episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the issues and challenges they're facing. For more than two years, Wil…