President's Report from March 23, 2026

Last week, the Greater Wilmington Chamber partnered with New Hanover County Schools for a “Principal for a Day” experience, offering our business leaders a meaningful, firsthand look inside our public schools.

Every school in the district participated, pairing a principal with a member of our business community. What stood out most was the level of leadership happening in real time. Principals are not behind desks. They are in classrooms, in hallways, supporting teachers, engaging with students, and solving problems as they arise. It is thoughtful, steady leadership rooted in relationships and a shared commitment to student success.

We saw strong schools, led by dedicated principals and supported by teachers and staff who show up every day ready to make a difference. We also saw real needs, from staffing challenges to aging facilities, that require continued attention and investment.

Last year, more than $600 million in capital facility needs were originally identified across New Hanover County Schools. That list has been narrowed to approximately $320 million for the upcoming bond referendum, which the Chamber has formally supported. Recent survey data shows that 70 percent of likely voters are in favor of a bond of this size.

At the end of the day, our future workforce is sitting in these classrooms. The success of our students today will define the strength of our business community tomorrow.

Thank you to the business leaders who took time out of their day to participate, and to the principals who so warmly opened their schools and shared their work. We look forward to creating more opportunities for the business community to stay engaged and involved. We have strong schools in our region, and with continued support and advocacy from our business community, we can ensure they remain a cornerstone of our future.