On Oct. 8, 2024, on Zoom, we took an important look at the state of public education in North Carolina. View the recording on our YouTube. 

Our guest speaker was Alexandra Forter Sirota, Director of the NC Budget & Tax Center.

This event featured an insightful discussion on the critical role public education plays in shaping North Carolina’s economy. We explored how investments in our public schools directly influence state and local economic growth, workforce development, and community well-being. Our speaker delved into the long-term economic benefits of a strong public education system and the challenges it faces. 

This session is a perfect watch for educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community members who are invested in the future of our state.

Guest Speaker Bio: 

Alexandra Forter Sirota is the Director of the NC Budget & Tax Center, where she leads efforts to advance economic opportunity and shared prosperity in our state. Alexandra works to connect the dots across policy areas and identify opportunities for building the base of support for policies that will deliver better outcomes for all North Carolinians.

Before joining the Budget & Tax Center, Alexandra worked at Action for Children NC (now NC Child) on economic security policy and at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the community affairs department. Alexandra has experience at community-based and international non-governmental organizations in the areas of community development, asset-building, and family economic security.

Alexandra received a joint Master's degree in International Relations and Public Policy from the University of Chicago and studied anthropology at Haverford College.