The legal backbone of North Carolina's education system is witnessing a major shift as Allison Schafer prepares for retirement, setting the stage for Tiffany Lucas to step in as the new general counsel, a transition announced by both the North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) and Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green. Schafer has been an anchor for over 40 years, lending her expertise to the SBE and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Her retirement will commence on January 31, 2026, as reported by the NCDPI.
Having served as a dual general counsel for five years, Schafer has undoubtedly left a mark through her dedication, celebrated by Eric Davis, the State Board of Education Chair, who acknowledged her "steady, trusted and wise legal voice" that has significantly bolstered North Carolina's educational framework. Superintendent Green praised Schafer's passion and professionalism, her leadership and how she has been pivotal in steering the board and department toward educational excellence, harping on education law, and policy, thus vital for the scholastic community's continuous improvement, as per the NCDPI.
Schafer, on reflecting her career trajectory and decision, acknowledged the privilege of her journey, the numerous stakeholders she collaborated with, and expressed a desire to redirect her life towards personal endeavors. Meanwhile, Tiffany Lucas, well-acquainted with the internal workings of the agency, is all set to take on her role effective February 1, 2026; Lucas's appointment comes after a decade-long tenure at the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) and recent responsibilities as chief deputy general counsel for Governor Josh Stein which she began in January 2025, according to the same NCDPI announcement.
Lucas brings more than 20 years of legal experience, specializing in education law and state government affairs. She has worked in Atlanta law firms, served the state of Georgia, and, since returning to North Carolina in 2011, has contributed to the state through advisory roles and her work at the N.C. Department of Justice, representing educational interests in litigation and policy matters.
A North Carolina native, Lucas is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard Law School. She is set to take on legal and policy matters affecting the state’s education system.
