Henderson County Schools identified five schools as low-performing under state accountability rules and the board took initial actions Oct. 13 to accept staff recommendations to retain the schools’ principals while improvement plans are prepared for public review.

Superintendent Garrett and central-office staff told the board the five schools and their 2024–25 accountability status are: Dana Elementary (D, not met), Edneyville Elementary (D, not met), Flat Rock Middle (D, not met), Hillandale Elementary (D, met), and Upward Elementary (D, met). Under state rules, each identified school must receive a written remediation plan and the local board must vote to approve, modify or reject the initial plan within 30 days of the designation.

Garrett recommended retaining each principal and developing targeted improvement plans; board members asked for detailed evidence and trend data, and requested copies of each school’s NCSTAR improvement plan as soon as they are finalized. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marlowe said school improvement plans are “living documents” and must be posted publicly in NCSTAR; she said the plans will be completed by Oct. 31 and made available for community feedback ahead of the board’s November vote to approve final plans.

Board members asked for comparative context, including recent leadership tenure and the local impact of events such as Hurricane Helene on school operations. Administration noted some schools have improved in recent years while others experienced declines and that central-office liaisons will visit and support each school monthly. The board voted to accept the superintendent’s recommendation to retain the principals while improvement plans are completed and posted for public comment.