'Hopefully hundreds of new Leandros.' Namesake of historic education lawsuit talks what's next

April 3, 2026 - 20:48

Robb Leandro was a Hoke County ninth grader in 1994 when his parents became plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state of North Carolina, arguing it failed to provide adequate educational resources. That case, bearing his name, would stretch for decades and become a cornerstone of the state's education funding debates.

Now, reflecting on the experience, Leandro emphasizes the profound personal impact. The lawsuit was not an abstract policy fight for his family, but a direct effort to secure the sound, basic education promised in the state constitution. He credits the support of dedicated teachers for his own success, despite the resource limitations his case highlighted.

Looking ahead, Leandro sees the ongoing implementation of the court-approved remedial plan as critical. His hope extends beyond funding formulas, focusing on the students themselves. He envisions a system where every child has the opportunity to thrive, stating a desire to see "hundreds of new Leandros"—future generations empowered by a robust and equitable public education system that no longer requires litigation to fulfill its fundamental obligations. He believes the state must build a sustainable foundation that consistently meets the needs of all its students.