John Neill Dornan

John N. Dornan, a notable figure in North Carolina’s public education landscape and the founding executive director of the Public School Forum of North Carolina, passed away on March 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to equity, quality, and innovation in public education.

Born in Pennsylvania, Dornan dedicated nearly fifty years of his life to advancing educational opportunities, including a 25-year tenure at the helm of the Public School Forum from its inception in 1986 until his retirement in 2011. His career began as an English teacher in his home state, followed by leadership roles with teacher associations in California, Illinois, New York, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. John came to North Carolina as the Executive Director for the North Carolina Association of Educators.

Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, he helped shape the Public School Forum into a respected “think and do tank” that influenced landmark educational legislation and launched groundbreaking initiatives. Among these were the creation of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, which produced over 8,000 teachers who served in all 100 counties of the state. His relentless focus on public school funding inequities led to the establishment of the Low Wealth Schools Supplemental Fund and laid critical groundwork for the landmark Leandro case, advocating for every child’s constitutional right to a sound basic education.

In 2012 he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Bev Perdue for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina. His contributions were also celebrated in 2016 when he received the Jay Robinson Education Leadership Award alongside former Governor James G. Martin and his longtime colleague and dear friend, Jo Ann Norris.

In his later years, he expanded his vision globally, leading delegations of legislators, foundation officials, and educators to study innovative education systems in countries like Finland and Singapore. While his native hills of western Pennsylvania and the dunes of Cape Cod where he spent many summers vacationing with his family would always remain among his favorite places, in his retirement he took great pleasure in joining the Travelers’ Century Club after having visited more than 100 countries.

He is survived by his longtime partner and compatriot, Patricia Orrange; his sister and daily phone pal, Donna Brown; daughter, Jodie (Joe) Hinge and son, John (Debra) Dornan, Jr.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Raleigh. Burial will be alongside generations of his family at Pigeon Creek Cemetery in Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania.

John enjoyed few things more than watching native birds on his expansive porch and treasuring the many pets over the years that chased squirrels away from their feeders. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Audobon Society of North Carolina or an area animal shelter or pet adoption agency.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.