Central to the Public School Forum of North Carolina's mission is the imperative to ensure that all students in North Carolina have equitable access to a meaningful, high quality education through a strong system of public schools. It is important to note that equitable does not mean equal. Achieving equitable access to high quality education for all requires that every child has what they need to be successful, and that oppressive systems are dismantled and structural inequities are redressed. Equity is at the core of the Forum's policy and programmatic work and is both the overarching umbrella and the common thread throughout each of our Top Education Issues. The 2021 Top Education Issues outline the Forum's priorities on what should be at the forefront of education policy decision-making in the coming year, as we work toward eliminating the systemic racism and inequities that exist and are reflected in our educational system. The issues are informed by engagement with the board and advisory board members, educators and students across the state, and key partners and stakeholders, and provide evidence-based analysis and recommendations to help guide discussions and consideration by state and local policymakers of the most critical needs facing public school students across the state. The following top ten education issues are presented in this report: (1) Broadband Access; (2) Teacher & Principal Recruitment, Retention and Diversity; (3) Social and Emotional Learning; (4) Inclusive, Culturally Responsive Curriculum and Pedagogy; (5) Flexibility for Local School Districts; (6) Assessment and Accountability; (7) Afterschool Programs and Expanded Learning; (8) Early Childhood Education & Literacy; (9) Post-Secondary Attainment; and (10) Adequate and Equitable State Funding to Support Public Education. [For "Top Education Issues 2020," see ED613356.]