Brianna's Bulletin: April 2026

Hey y’all,

I spent years in a public school classroom as a student and later as an educator. I know what it looks and feels like when a student finally gets it, when something clicks. I also know how much work it takes from teachers to make that moment possible. Now, I carry the perspective as a public school parent.

I want to be honest. The April 2nd Leandro decision was not the news we hoped for, and it is not what our children deserve.

While students were on spring break, the latest Leandro decision dealt a significant blow to public education in North Carolina, disrupting years of hard-fought progress. For decades, advocates, educators, and families pushed our state closer to meeting its constitutional obligation to fully fund public schools. That commitment now feels uncertain. At the same time, North Carolina remains without a finalized budget, while policies continue to shift resources away from public schools.

It would be easy to feel discouraged.

But as a former teacher, I have seen what is possible when public schools are supported. As a parent, I know what is at stake when they are not. Our community has never stopped showing up for public education, and this moment does not change that.

Our students deserve more. They deserve consistent support, strong advocacy, and a community willing to stand with them, especially now.

So take that frustration and turn it into action. We highlight ways you can volunteer below, and this week, we launched our recurring donor spring campaign.

Sustaining our public schools will take all of us. Today, I invite you to use your time, your talents, and your treasures to join our work as ecosystem anchors. 

Durham, we’re in this together. 

‘Til More,

Brianna Kennedy

Interim Executive Director, DPS Foundation