State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green was officially sworn in as the next leader of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction on Jan. 1, stating, “After more than 20 years of working in education, I am humbled and honored that North Carolinians have chosen me to lead our public schools.”
 
During his swearing-in ceremony and throughout his first State Board of Education meeting the following week, Supt. Green reiterated his vision for the state’s public schools — “Achieving Educational Excellence” — which he states can be accomplished “by combining high academic achievement and strong character development with a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
 
Shortly after being sworn-in, Green and his team quickly shared a comprehensive “Entry Plan” outlining his proposed transition steps for NCDPI/SBE through June 2025. Many of these steps focus on “listening and learning sessions,” including an initiative entitled “Mo Wants to Know,” which will gather feedback from educators and members of the public to be used in drafting a new strategic plan for North Carolina schools.
 
In addition to sharing his Entry Plan, Green also shared news of initial hires to his Government Relations Team, who will advocate for legislative priorities to be determined by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and State Board of Education in the days ahead. According to a press release shared on Jan. 2, Governor Roy Cooper’s former Senior Education Advisor, Geoff Coltrane, will serve as the Senior Director of Government Affairs and Strategy, and NCASA’s Legal Affairs and Policy Manager, Elizabeth Yelverton, will serve as Legislative Liaison. Both will officially begin working in their new positions on Jan. 21.
 
“While I am honored to join Superintendent Green’s administration and support his exciting vision for our public schools, I am sad to be leaving NCASA and the wonderful team I have worked with over the past six years.” Yelverton said, “I am especially grateful to NCASA Executive Director Katherine Joyce for her mentorship and support, and I look forward to continuing to work with her and our school administrators in my new role.”
 
Joyce, who attended the new State Superintendent’s swearing-in ceremony Jan. 1, commended him for his thoughtful approach to the work ahead he will lead for North Carolina public schools and the impressive team he is assembling.
 
“NCASA members have been fortunate to have Elizabeth Yelverton working to advocate on their behalf for the past six years,” Joyce said. “It has been an honor and privilege to have her as an integral part of our organization. We are thrilled that she will continue to work daily for strong public schools in her new capacity at the Department of Public Instruction, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration with her and other members of Mo Green’s team.”
 
Green told the State Board of Education Jan. 9 that additional hiring announcements are forthcoming soon as part of his reorganization plan at DPI.