Anson County superintendent says district is off state low-performing list; board hears strategic-planning and middle school construction updates

Anson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Ratliff told the school board on Sept. 29 that the district is off the state low-performing list based on recently released scores.

"It is with great pleasure that we are able to say at this moment in time on 09/29/2025, that we are officially with our scores and that we're off the low performing list," Dr. Ratliff said, adding that the improvement reflected student effort and district focus.

Dr. Ratliff described a coming strategic-planning process intended to narrow district priorities and improve student learning and leadership. He said the district will coordinate data collection and work in alignment with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and other partners.

The board also received an update on the new middle school construction. Board leaders conducted a site tour and operations staff reported the project "seems to be on track." When asked about completion timing the timeline in the discussion was imprecise: a board member asked whether completion was expected in January, and Dr. Stegall, director of operations, responded that the project "by August, ready to go" but acknowledged "we have a lot of work between January." The board is reviewing furniture quotes and preparing to equip the building as it nears completion.

Dr. Ratliff and other board members stressed continued focus on daily instructional improvement. He said state officials from the Department of Public Instruction had offered congratulatory remarks to the district. No formal board action was taken on the strategic plan or the construction update at the meeting.