Johnston County Schools report significant academic improvements and budget needs to board

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 2, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in local education, particularly the performance of Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). With an enrollment of over 37,000 students, JCPS has made notable strides in academic achievement, reducing the number of low-performing schools from 16 in 2020 to just one currently. The district now boasts that 89% of its schools are rated A, B, or C, and it ranks 35th out of 115 districts in North Carolina, a significant improvement from 83rd in 2019.

During the meeting, school officials emphasized the importance of local funding in supporting these achievements. With a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees, including nearly 2,500 teachers, JCPS has successfully filled 98% of its teaching vacancies, a marked improvement from previous years. The district's performance has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with 23 schools in the top 20% for growth among North Carolina schools.

However, the meeting also addressed ongoing challenges, particularly uncertainties surrounding federal and state funding. School officials expressed concerns about potential cuts to low wealth funding, which currently supports $17 million in teacher salaries. The district is requesting an additional $10 million in funding for the upcoming year, primarily to cover potential pay raises for teachers and staff, as well as to address curriculum costs for English Language Arts and science.

The discussion underscored the complexities of budgeting in education, particularly the need to plan without knowing exact funding amounts from the state. Officials reiterated that local funding not only supports JCPS but also extends to charter schools, emphasizing the collaborative nature of educational funding in the county.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of continued support from local government to maintain and enhance educational outcomes in Johnston County. The next steps will involve further discussions on budget allocations and strategies to ensure the district's growth and stability in the face of financial uncertainties.