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Fayetteville Observer

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein visited Ferguson-Easley Elementary School in Fayetteville this week to highlight his proposed budget’s investment in public education.

Stein emphasized the need to prioritize funding for schools, teachers and student resources despite budget constraints and said he seeks to reestablish North Carolina as a leader in education in the Southeast.

His visit happened the same day President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The White House has used words that imply a shutdown to refer to Trump’s action but claims the DOE will continue to fund critical programs.

In response to a question about Trump's executive order, Stein said it is important funding does not stop.

"They help us with free and reduced lunches, so we need the federal government's partnership to help us succeed," he said. "It should be, predominantly, a matter of the Cumberland County School Board, but the state has to be a partner, and the federal government has to be a part. I'm very concerned, gravely concerned about his destruction of the Department of Education."

Prior to the governor's speech to local leaders and community members March 20, Stein toured the school and noted that the word of the day was “scarcity.”

"Just yesterday, I rolled out my budget for the state of North Carolina, and I have to admit, I was having to deal with the same lessons — how to allocate not enough resources to meet the needs," Stein said. "But I will say this: When it comes to what should be the highest priority in the state of North Carolina, we have to invest in our children."

Investing in teachers to invest in students

Stein underscored the importance of recruiting and retaining high-quality educators, noting that North Carolina ranks among the lowest in teacher pay in the Southeast.

“It is an embarrassment, and it does not need to be," he said.

He said his budget proposal seeks to make North Carolina’s starting teacher pay the highest in the Southeast, while also rewarding experienced teachers with higher salaries.

In addition to salary increases, Stein highlighted an initiative for experienced educators to mentor and coach their colleagues while remaining in the classroom.

He also proposed a $300 annual stipend for teachers to help cover the cost of classroom supplies, acknowledging that many educators currently spend an average of $600 out-of-pocket each year.

Safe and focused schools

Stein said that student success hinges on more than just academic instruction — it also requires a safe and healthy learning environment.

He proposed providing free breakfast for all North Carolina students, citing the fact that one in five children in the state experience food insecurity, with even higher rates in rural communities.

"If you have an empty belly, you cannot sit in that classroom all day and pay attention to what your teacher says," Stein said.

To minimize distractions in the classroom, Stein also said he wants to make schools cellphone-free zones.

“Real learning happens when a teacher doesn't have to compete with Tiktok for student attention, or when students don't have to choose between social studies and social media,” he said.

Additionally, he called for security improvements in school buildings, including better cameras, fencing and secure entry points.

Mental health and infrastructure improvements

Stein said there are growing mental health challenges among students, and that he wants to increase the number of school nurses and social workers to provide necessary support.

"If a child is dealing with issues at home, it comes up in the classroom,” he said. “The teacher has to deal with that, and that takes away from teaching the rest of the class. We need professionals who can help those students so that teachers can focus on educating."

He also pointed to the need for major infrastructure upgrades in public schools, noting that many North Carolina schools are overcrowded, rely on trailers or have failing heating and air conditioning systems.

"We've had schools in Wake County, one of the wealthiest counties in the state, close because the heating is broken. This is 2025, we should have good school buildings for our children," Stein said.

To address this, he said, he proposed a $4 billion public school bond that would allow voters to decide on funding improvements for safer, modernized school facilities.

“Put it to the voters. Like I said, our students are the most important investment. It takes all of us to do right by our students,” Stein said. “The teachers, the leaders I met here today at Ferguson Easley are pouring everything they've got into their students to give them every chance to succeed, we have to do the exact same thing. It's time for us to join them.”

Stein concluded his visit by stating he is, again, committed to working with the General Assembly to direct resources where they are needed most — benefitting North Carolina children.

Local, state leaders react

After Stein’s speech, Cumberland County Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere told The Fayetteville Observer that he welcomes any state support for improving school infrastructure.

“It’s great to hear Gov. Stein propose $4 billion towards new school construction or infrastructure. I think that's important. I look forward to any support that we can get from the state here in Cumberland County, but we know ultimately, it's our responsibility," he said.

The county commissioners previously asked the legislative delegation for $65 million for a new school to replace E. E. Smith High School, a small step in addressing the more than $800 million need to resolve school infrastructure issues in Cumberland County Schools.

State Sen. Val Applewhite, who was also in attendance, told The Fayetteville Observer it's important to address school maintenance needs in Cumberland County schools before focusing on new construction.

“A new school is one thing, but I really feel that our priority needs to be getting our schools, the existing schools, up to a standard that is conducive to learning,” she said.

Applewhite said she supports restricting cellphone use in classrooms, a measure backed by the Senate.

She acknowledged parents' concerns about reaching their children but said that established emergency procedures should take precedence.

“Teachers shouldn’t have to compete with social media for students’ attention,” she said.

On teacher pay, Applewhite criticized North Carolina’s drop in national education rankings and the state’s allocation of funds to private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program.

The program provides state-funded vouchers to help eligible families pay for private school tuition, diverting public education funds to private institutions.

“If we want to attract and retain the best educators, we must invest in them properly,” she said.

Cumberland County, she noted, has lost $17 million in public school funding due to the program.

Government Watchdog Reporter Claire C. Carter can be reached at [email protected].

Homeowners and workers at the Cumberland County courthouse say there's been a steady stream of people coming in to appeal their property valuations from the county.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- People in Cumberland County only have until Monday to submit informal appeals on their property valuations from the county. The unprecedented spike in property valuations in the area--more than 60 percent--has had some worried about how they'll afford their tax bills in the future.

Homeowners and workers at the Cumberland County courthouse say there's been a steady stream of people coming in to appeal their property valuations from the county.

"The taxes went up like over $100,000 in one year," said Emma Williams of Fayetteville, one of the homeowners appealing. "I'm saying, 'Oh my goodness. This house is not worth all that.'"

Rob Stewart, also of Fayetteville, says his home's valuation went up almost 30 percent since the county's last valuation in 2017.

"It's kind of par for the course, I guess because home prices have gone up. But I didn't think ours had gone up that much."

The county doesn't set the new tax rate until June, and homeowners can still file formal appeals to a special board starting Tuesday. But after this year's valuations went up almost 65 percent from the county's last valuations in 2017--many homeowners are objecting. That's especially the case for some homeowners ABC11 spoke to from Gray's Creek. Cumberland County is suing DuPont and Chemours for polluting the community with forever chemicals--or PFAS.

"It's unreasonable, especially since my property has been devalued because of the contamination, so it's unfair that I've got to pay," Arthur Bell said.

Lisa Taylor, who also lives in Gray's Creek says her home's valuation went up about two times as much.

"I know that my property is not valued. I cannot sell my property for that amount."

"I bought that house 10 years ago for $200,000 and now they want $448,000 in taxes on it," said Richard Young, also of Gray's Creek. "I don't know where they get that from. A house just down the road just sold for $390,000 and it's a lot bigger than mine."

Stewart says he's appealing by referencing other similar homes in his Fayetteville neighborhood that have recently sold for less money.

"Being retired and you know, on a fixed income so to speak, every dollar counts."

As of Thursday evening, the county says it received 4,400 informal appeals; those are the ones only circulated between property owners and the county's tax office. In 2017, it received a total of almost 4,600 appeals--including formal ones that are evaluated by the Cumberland County Board of Equalization and Review.

The county will start accepting those formal appeals on Tuesday.

Homeowners at the courthouse tell ABC11 they've been leaning on their neighbors for support and advice in the appeals process.

"We're putting a plan together and hopefully the tax assessor will review it with an open mind and make adjustments that's necessary," Bell said.

County officials say new property values don't immediately translate to higher taxes. They say that tax rate--plus homeowner's property values--will dictate the ultimate cost of their new annual tax bill.

SEE ALSO | Cumberland County to build safe drinking water system for Gray's Creek community

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Amid the chatter of young voices and the everyday bustle of classroom life, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein stepped into the halls of Ferguson-Easley Elementary School in Fayetteville as teachers and students went about their learning routines; the Governor was there to talk about the future, and namely about his plans for it as outlined in his newly unveiled budget proposal, as reported by the official Governor's website. Through this visit, the details of a plan promoting educational investment became not just political points on paper, but tangible realities discussed amidst the very demographic they aimed to impact: the young minds of North Carolina’s public schools.

"North Carolina’s children are our most important investment, and our state’s budget must reflect our commitment to them," Governor Stein expressed, emphasizing the significance of a well-compensated teaching staff, robust school infrastructure, and student wellness as a keystone to his budget design, with this vision being put forth during his engagement at the elementary school, the governor’s office detailed. Dr. Marvin Connely, Jr., the Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, held Stein's visit as emblematic of the governor’s commitment to students and educators alike, stating "Across Cumberland County Schools, our dedicated educators are making a difference in the lives of students every day, and it is critical that we continue to invest in them." Connely also highlighted the need for learning spaces that bolster student achievement by being modern, safe, and conducive to innovation.

This gesture of gubernatorial presence within the educational ecosystem parallels Stein’s substantial policy proposals; his 2025-2027 budget proposition captures attention with hikes in starting salaries for teachers—vying for the highest in the southeast region—and advocates for the retention of quality educators through pay raises, progressing career paths for teachers, and deeper pockets allocated to their professional development, as the Governor's announcement outlined. Further, the Governor has shown a strong stance on the aspect of student safety and welfare, pushing for more school nurses and social workers, complimentary breakfast programs, enhanced security measures within schools, and a notable policy looking to mitigate classroom distractions by limiting cell phone use.

A particularly ambitious element of Governor Stein's budget plans involves a proposed $4 billion bond, dedicated to the renovation and modernization of aging educational buildings—a stark bid, indeed, to lay new groundwork for the literal and figurative architecture supporting North Carolina's scholars. As per Principal Eric McLaurin, the educational leader at Ferguson-Easley Elementary, such attention to resources is crucial; McLaurin told the governor's office, "I am passionate about supporting the whole child—helping them reach their maximum potential academically, socially, and emotionally," adding that McLaurin advocates for a strong bond between home, school, and community to empower students to achieve their aspirations and stand as global leaders in an ever-evolving world, and he welcomed Stein’s acknowledgment of these necessities through his proposed investments.

Raleigh-Durham-Politics & Govt

A manufacturer of dome structures for events has chosen Fayetteville for its new manufacturing facility.

Yeadon Fabric Domes specializes in designing, manufacturing and installing air domes for various facilities and will invest $4.6 million into building its new location, according to a news release from North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein's office.

Yeadon will bring 72 new jobs to Cumberland County, and while salaries for the new positions will vary, the average annual salary will be $47,734, exceeding the county average of $47,175, according to the news release.

These new jobs could create a potential annual payroll impact of more than $3.4 million.

CEO Matt Meija said in the news release that Yeadon is excited about the opportunity in Fayetteville.

“Throughout the process, it has become clear that Fayetteville is the perfect place to build our manufacturing facility and continue to produce world-class air-supported domes,” he said. “We’re grateful for the support of Governor Stein and our many partners throughout North Carolina. We look forward to joining the community and expanding Yeadon’s 55-year legacy in Cumberland County.”

The move was facilitated by local government support, with Cumberland County and the city of Fayetteville approving a combined incentive package of $152,118, distributed over five years.

The project has also received backing from the state, with Stein announcing a OneNC grant of $225,000 to support the company’s expansion.

Thoughts from local and state leadership

“We are delighted to welcome Yeadon Fabric Domes to Cumberland County,” Stein said in the release. “Our manufacturing leadership and textile legacy, woven with our strategic location and excellent quality of life, will continue to attract innovative, global companies to our great state.”

The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and create jobs.

Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment.

All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

State Sen. Val Applewhite, who represents Cumberland County, said in the release she welcomes Yeadon and its investment, noting the advantages for the community.

“They will greatly benefit from our transitioning military families, which offer a uniquely skilled and prepared workforce that a company of this impact will need,” she said.

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a $88,107 grant for the company at its March 17 regular meeting.

Chairman Kirk deViere expressed enthusiasm for the project in a news release from Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation.

“This project will not only create high-quality jobs for our residents but also strengthen our position as a hub for innovative manufacturing. We are proud to support this project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local economy, workforce and future growth,” he said.

The Fayetteville City Council approved a $63,948 grant at its Feb. 24 regular meeting.

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin echoed deViere's sentiment in the FCEDC release, emphasizing the economic benefits the investment will bring.

“This investment, the jobs they are creating, and the average salary will positively impact our economic region. We will continue to emphasize and leverage our tremendous workforce and commitment towards building a Pro Business Ecosystem,” he said.

About Yeadon

Yeadon has manufactured over 14.4 million square feet of air domes across four continents.

It is one of only three manufacturers worldwide that produce such domes.

Its air-supported structures have been installed in more than 30 countries for customers including several professional football teams, the University of Pennsylvania, and Marquette University.

The company is in the process of acquiring 14 acres near Fayetteville Regional Airport, with 11 of those acres to be annexed into the city.

According to the release, Yeadon will construct a 72-foot-tall domed structure within a 50,000-square-foot production site at the Fayetteville Regional Airport, increasing its manufacturing capacity and service space.

Government Watchdog Reporter Claire C. Carter can be reached at [email protected].

A staple for homestyle meals and comfort food will permanently close its Fayetteville location this week.

K&W Cafeterias announced on social media that the company will shutter its 1758 Owen Drive location on March 25, according to a Facebook post. Since the 1980s, the restaurant has been a beloved destination for diners in Fayetteville. The brand operates 33 locations overall, with eight remaining locations spread across North Carolina, according to the company's website.

The company, headquartered in Winston-Salem, opened its first restaurant 81 years ago. It originally opened its Fayetteville location in 1973, and relocated to 3187 Village Drive in 1986, before moving to its final location at the Bordeaux Center. The Owen Drive location offered an additional 3,200 square feet of space, The Fayetteville Observer reported ahead of its move there in 2018.

"We’ve made the tough decision to permanently close our Fayetteville location, but we want to assure you — we’re still going strong!" the post said.

Other K&W Cafeterias locations in NC

Here is a list of the remaining K&W Cafeteria locations in North Carolina, according to its website:

"We appreciate your continued support and look forward to serving you at our remaining locations," the post said.

Reporter Lizmary Evans covers dining, retail, entertainment and culture for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at [email protected].