Study: South’s native talent needs better schools

DURHAM, N.C. — The South’s increasingly diverse homegrown talent won’t share in the region’s economic growth unless state leaders commit to spending more on public schools and higher education, according to a study released this week.

The State of the South 2018 report found that 13 states across the region rely heavily on an influx of newcomers with college degrees to fill higher-paying jobs. At the same time, the report finds that state leaders have failed to adequately invest in public schools, higher education and other resources to prepare the next generation of workers.