Community Conversation Aims to Educate, Empower Parents and Residents on Landmark Leandro Case and Education Funding of the Plan

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Parents, educators, and community members across Iredell County are invited to take part in an important community conversation focused on the future of public education in North Carolina.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the #IAmLeandro Community Conversation will be held at the South Iredell High School Performing Arts Center, offering a live presentation, panel discussion, and interactive workshop centered on the landmark Leandro v. North Carolina court case and its impact on students, schools, and communities statewide.

The Leandro case, which has been in the courts for more than three decades, affirms every child’s constitutional right to a sound, basic education. The court-approved Leandro Plan outlines steps and investments needed to address long-standing gaps in educational opportunity. Despite its significance, many parents and community members remain unfamiliar with what the case means—or how it affects classrooms today.

“This event is about helping people understand how education funding decisions made at the state level directly affect local schools, students, and families,” explained Superintendent Dr. Jeff James. “When parents and community members have clear, factual information, they are better equipped to engage in meaningful conversations and advocate for students.”

The #IAmLeandro Community Conversation is designed to be accessible and informative for those with no prior knowledge of the case. Participants will learn:

  • The history and current status of the Leandro case
  • How the Leandro Plan supports students, educators, and school systems
  • Why community awareness and engagement matter
  • How individuals can stay informed and involved in education-related discussions

 

This event is not partisan, but educational in nature, focused on providing context, clarity, and tools for understanding one of the most significant education rulings in North Carolina history.

“At a time when North Carolina ranks last in the nation in public school funding, it’s critical to remember that we already have a path forward: the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan,” stated Rebecca Trammel, Founder and Lead Advocate, Community Conversations Developer of the statewide #IAmLeandro Campaign. “Chronic underfunding and the denial of our children’s
constitutional rights affect all of us. The purpose of the #IAmLeandro Campaign is to help people across North Carolina realize that we are all stakeholders in public education—because no one wins when kids lose. I’m encouraged by Dr. James’ leadership, and we appreciate the opportunity to help cultivate productive dialogue in support of public education for the students of Iredell-Statesville and children across our state.”

Learn more about the Leandro Plan here. 

Local media are encouraged to help share information about the event to ensure parents and community members are aware of this opportunity to learn and engage.

Event Details:
#IAmLeandro Advocate Training and Community Conversation
Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
South Iredell High School Performing Arts Center
Register Here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/iamleandro-iredell-statesville-community-conversation

Contacts:
Rebecca Trammel
Lead Advocate, #IAmLeandro Campaign
info@communityconversationsilm.com
910.685.0209

Jada Jonas
Public Information Officer, Iredell-Statesville Schools
jada_jonas@iss.k12.nc.us
704.924.2044

About Iredell-Statesville Schools:
Iredell-Statesville Schools is a public school district in North Carolina that serves approximately
20,000 students, pre-kindergarten through early college. Our teachers represent a wealth of knowledge, with the average teacher in our district having 15 years of teaching experience. As a nationally recognized school system, Iredell-Statesville Schools is committed to innovation and continuous improvement, building on strong relationships within the community to support the whole child. In addition to traditional school settings, the district provides a wide range of exciting educational opportunities throughout choice programs specially designed for unique student needs.