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Articles by Ashton Clemmons
“Our students. Our state. Our future.” 06/10/26
Last year, together we collectively coped with two disruptions at once: the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene in western NC, and changes in DC that had extraordinary ripple effects across our state. At the same time, the NC ed ecosystem weathered an unprecedented amount of transition: from the governor’s office and N.C. DPI; to the N.C. Community College System; to the Public School Forum, NCASA, LatinxEd, and TFA; to turnover locally in districts and at community colleges.
Perspective | A new UNC System framework for preparing elementary math teachers
A few weeks ago, as I was driving my fifth grade son and his friends to school, I overheard a familiar complaint being shared in the backseat: Math class is boring. If North Carolina’s End-of-Grade assessments are anything to go by, that sensibility is widely shared among our students. In 2024-25, nearly 57% of third through eighth grade students scored as proficient in math. Far too few students are mastering the core math skills they need to be successful in college, in work, and in life.
Perspective | Building trust across the aisle
Editor’s Note: This article was initially written as part of the National Week of Conversation, which invites Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs to find their place in community with people willing to talk across their differences to solve important problems. We hope you’ll read the story and consider how you can be part of the solution. In early March, we were part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers who proposed five bills together to address early childhood care in North Carolina.
“Renters Choice” legislation could provide more affordable housing | Raleigh News & Observer Original
Adopting “renters choice” legislation in North Carolina would eliminate the cost of up-front deposits, two Democratic state lawmakers say. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File) Paul Sakuma AP We are in the midst of a housing crisis in North Carolina. Over the last decade, rent costs have skyrocketed in our state, dramatically outpacing the national average, leaving many of our residents unsure of how they will afford a roof over their head.
We’re NC Lawmakers. There Are No Perfect Options for Reopening Schools.
Options for reopening NC schools after coronavirus are limited by inadequate state funding for North Carolina’s public school systems. (Editor’s Note: Cardinal & Pine has reached out to North Carolina lawmakers from both parties to talk about the challenges associated with reopening schools.
The toughest question: What should schools do?
The question that seems to be on everyone’s mind is, “what should schools do?” Honest answer: There are no perfect options for how to return to traditional schooling during the pandemic. We are two members of the General Assembly who became Representatives while working in schools. Our thoughts these days are very much with our educator colleagues who are trying to find the best solution to safely reopen schools during COVID.
Perspective | NC educators offer hope during coronavirus crisis
In the fog of a pandemic, look no further than your local educators who are spreading hope and light through the valley of this crisis. Our educational leaders continue to make an impact in the midst of these uncertain times. Whether it is parading by a student’s home in their car to feel connected or coordinating online meetings so students can interact with classmates, they’re leading the charge to stay connected while being physically apart.
Counterpoint: North Carolina needs universal pre-K
Where does a story of success start? Maybe it’s during college, when a student is studying to earn their degree. Or it could be in the last years of high school, when students are preparing their applications for college. Perhaps it’s even earlier, in middle school, as placement decisions are made for high school. Of course, it might happen when the basics of learning are being taught at the elementary level.
Ashton Clemmons and Jon Hardister: Helping diabetes patients with prescription access
We routinely hear from our constituents about how hard it is to afford their prescription drugs and still pay their other bills. Staying healthy can be expensive, but many diseases such as diabetes can turn into killers if you have one and can’t pay for your medication. That’s why we wanted to point out two great programs that provide prescription medication help.
Innovative program helps diabetic patients save money
FILE- This April 26, 2017, file photo shows the Eli Lilly & Co. corporate headquarters in Indianapolis. Preliminary research published Dec. 21, 2017, in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, suggesting that some diabetes patients may be injecting medicine that has partially disintegrated is causing concern even as serious questions are raised about the research itself.
Our military families rely on public schools
The Marine opened the door to his white Ford truck. He adjusted his uniform and gingerly placed his preschool daughter down while he freed his infant son from his car seat. His son in one arm and his daughter’s hand in the other, he walked into the public preschool center where families from throughout Onslow County bring their 4-year-olds each day.
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