Johnston County Schools report record low vacancy and rising student achievement rates

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss critical funding and operational updates for the Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). The meeting highlighted the district's impressive recovery from the pandemic, with a significant reduction in teacher vacancies and improved academic performance metrics.

During the meeting, JCPS officials reported that the district has successfully filled 98% of its teaching positions, a notable improvement from previous years when vacancies were much higher. This achievement is crucial as the district prepares to serve approximately 41,430 students next year, including those in charter schools, which receive funding from local sources.

The district's academic performance has also shown marked improvement, with JCPS now ranking 35th in the state, up from 83rd in 2019. Six schools have exited low-performing status, and 23 schools are in the top 20% for growth among North Carolina's 2,484 schools. These advancements reflect the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the meeting also addressed significant uncertainties regarding future funding. JCPS officials expressed concerns about potential cuts to federal and state funding, which complicates budget planning. The district is currently requesting an additional $10.08 million to cover anticipated expenses, including teacher pay raises and curriculum costs. The officials emphasized that while they are not seeking an increase in teacher supplements this year, the financial landscape remains volatile, particularly concerning low wealth funding, which amounts to $17 million critical for teacher salaries.

The discussion included details about the allocation of local funds, which are divided among all students, including those in charter schools. JCPS clarified that local funding is supplemented by fines and forfeitures, which contribute to the overall budget. The district's financial strategy aims to maintain a stable fund balance while addressing the rising costs of educational resources, including a new English Language Arts and science curriculum projected to cost $9 million.

In conclusion, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners meeting underscored the district's progress in filling teaching vacancies and improving student performance. However, it also highlighted the ongoing challenges related to funding uncertainties and the need for careful financial planning to sustain educational quality in the face of potential budget cuts. The board's next steps will involve continued discussions on funding strategies and monitoring state legislative developments that could impact local education financing.