In a recent meeting of the Board of Education, the focus was on the adoption of school improvement plans for six schools identified as low performing by the state of North Carolina. Superintendent Don Hall emphasized the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through effective leadership and targeted support for these schools.

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda, followed by a presentation detailing the improvement strategies for the schools in question. Hall noted a significant reduction in the number of low-performing schools, down from nine to six over the past two years, attributing this progress to the introduction of new principals and ongoing leadership development.

Key initiatives discussed included enhanced principal supervision, where central office staff are assigned to support individual principals, and the implementation of mentorship programs. Hall highlighted the importance of effective teaching, mentioning the addition of interventionists and counselors to reduce class sizes and improve student support.

The district is also pursuing a grant aimed at creating advanced teaching roles, which would provide career advancement opportunities for experienced teachers without requiring them to move into administrative positions. Additionally, the establishment of tutoring programs and the promotion of a positive school culture through initiatives like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) were outlined as critical components of the improvement plans.

Hall concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration among schools within feeder patterns, ensuring that elementary, middle, and high schools work together to address educational challenges. The board's commitment to these improvement strategies reflects a proactive approach to enhancing the quality of education in the district's most vulnerable schools.