Clinton schools ranked No. 2 in state for lowest teacher attrition; HR previews policy changes and staff survey results

Miss Sheila Powell Peterson, director of human capital and child nutrition, told the board on July 22 that Clinton City Schools ranked No. 2 in North Carolina for one of the lowest teacher attrition rates in the state, citing the State of the Teaching Profession report released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Peterson said the recognition reflected the district’s focus on recruitment, professional development, mentorship and leadership pipelines. She cautioned that the ranking reflects teachers remaining in the profession statewide rather than only within the district and that regional staff movement across county lines can influence local retention figures.

Peterson also alerted trustees that six policies were on the agenda for first reading and asked them to review those policies; one specifically noted was "use of wireless communication devices," which staff said had been modified to meet requirements in a recent state general statute. She announced that the district had extended the deadline for a working-conditions survey and planned to present results at the August board meeting.

Peterson described a challenge grant tied to the Dark Horse Futures program: if the district maintains 50% faculty contributions and secures contributions from 100 nonfaculty community members, an anonymous trust will release an additional $100,000. She said staff were working with the community to meet the goal.

No board action was required; policy items were on first reading and will return for further consideration.