Sen. Lee files bill in North Carolina Senate to redesign high school education

A new bill filed by State Sen. Lee seeks to explore education policy changes and create programs that better prepare students for college and careers, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 579 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Transforming the High School Experience.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes the North Carolina High School Redesign Commission, aiming to explore and recommend changes to education policies to better prepare students for higher education or the workforce. It introduces the Competency-Based High School and Healthcare and High-Tech Pathways Program, set in collaboration with Mooresville Graded School District and Mitchell Community College, allowing students to pursue industry-recognized credentials or associate degrees. The Lighthouse Math Project, partnering Wake Tech with Wake County Public School System, aims to enhance math readiness for college students through AI tutoring and dual enrollment courses. Additionally, the Community College Seamless Skills Initiative seeks to integrate high school and community college curricula, focusing on high-demand technology sectors. The bill also creates a competency-based education network and appropriates funds for these initiatives, subject to the passing of the Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2025. The bill’s effective date is contingent upon the appropriation of funds as outlined.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Lee proposed the most bills (34) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lee graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991 with a BA and again in 1997 from Wake Forest University Law School with a JD.

Lee, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 7th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Jim Perry.