The Hoke County Schools Board of Education received the district's 2024'15 accountability results on Oct. 14 and approved school improvement plans for the district's low-performing schools.

Results summary: The presenter reported the district performance composite at 46.3 for 2024'15. Elementary and middle school achievement and growth components were reviewed; the presenter noted some gains (for example, Sandy Grove Elementary and McLaughlin Elementary increased their composite scores) and declines tied to a new state science test.

High-school measures: The presentation noted increases in ACT and WorkKeys measures, and that Sandhope Early College High School had a cohort graduation rate above 95%.

Low-performing schools and state process: The presenter explained that a "low-performing" designation applies to schools with a D or F school performance grade and growth that does not meet expectations. For 2024'15, two schools (Hawkeye Elementary and McLaughlin Elementary) exited the low-performing list; two others (Sandy Grove Middle and Scarlach Elementary) were added, keeping the district total at five low-performing schools.

State-mandated next steps and board action: District staff described the required timeline: the superintendent completed a statewide survey, schools submitted improvement plans and presented them to the local board (presentations occurred Sept. 24), and the board must, within 30 days of plan receipt, vote to approve, modify or reject plans. Staff said the letters to parents required by the state were prepared in English and Spanish and would be sent the day after the Oct. 14 meeting. The board approved the school improvement plans and authorized the district to proceed with state review in NCSTAR.

Why it matters: The designation triggers required notifications, state monitoring, and targeted technical assistance. Approved plans will guide interventions, monitoring, and resource allocation for the 2025'16 school year.

Ending: Staff said school improvement plans are living documents and that monitoring will be data-driven, with updates to the board and public dashboard postings.