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State of the Schools: Halifax County highlights math gains, CTE credentials and nearly $1 million in scholarships
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Huskin presented the annual State of the Schools, citing improved math proficiency, hundreds of CTE certifications, college credit and nearly $1 million in scholarships; CTE leaders and a student speaker described classroom-to-career programs and a teacher recruitment initiative.
Dr. Huskin, the district superintendent, delivered the Halifax County Public Schools’ annual State of the Schools report, citing increases in student achievement metrics, career and technical education outcomes and community support for scholarships.
The report matters because academic performance, workforce credentials and scholarship access affect students’ post‑graduation options and the district’s workforce development goals.
Dr. Huskin highlighted operational and student‑outcome figures: transportation drivers logged about 4,000,000 miles last year across 24 bus routes; school food services served 881,725 meals; seniors were awarded nearly $1,000,000 in scholarships; 50 students earned an associate’s degree before graduating high school; 569 students earned career and technical (CTE) certifications; and 93 students earned an advanced diploma. "If anyone knows a senior, that money's out there," Dr. Huskin said, urging students to apply for scholarships.
On state tests, Huskin said the division’s math proficiency rose to about 70 percent, up from 61 percent two years earlier. Writing scores improved by seven points; science and STEM initiatives at elementary and middle schools were also highlighted. The superintendent credited common instructional language across grades and targeted skill development for the gains, while acknowledging continued areas for improvement.
Career and technical education featured prominently. Miss Hastings and Miss Melanie Saunders, CTE leaders, reviewed partnerships with local industry — including Presto and other employers — and described manufacturing-day visits and industry support for student projects. Saunders introduced a teacher‑preparation pathway in which high‑school students serve as paraprofessionals and teacher cadets; student Bryson, introduced by Saunders, described his experience as a paraprofessional at South Boston Elementary and as a teacher cadet. "It always brightens my day to see all the smiling faces and interacting with them in all sorts of ways," Bryson said, describing hands‑on classroom work and his pathway into education.
Huskin emphasized attendance and licensure goals for staff, noting the district is trying to place more licensed teachers in classrooms and supporting staff to obtain licensure. He also reiterated that the new high school is scheduled to open next fall, which he said will expand career and technical spaces alongside core academic classrooms.
CTE leaders described a planned trip to Longwood University on Feb. 24 for young men interested in teaching and mentorship programs such as Call Me Mister; the program aims to encourage male educators. Saunders said the trip grew from an expected small group to eight students.
Board members did not take formal action on the report; Dr. Huskin directed listeners to the district website for the full school report card and school‑level details.
