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Halifax County Public Schools reports steady achievement in reading and math, highlights safety investments and teacher recruitment efforts
Summary
Halifax County Public Schools presented a six-year comprehensive plan update showing steady reading and math performance, progress in writing and steps taken on safety and teacher recruitment.
Halifax County Public Schools presented its ongoing six-year comprehensive plan and a summary of academic and operational metrics, emphasizing safety investments, career and technical education (CTE) expansion, and local efforts to recruit and retain staff.
A division official reported that reading scores have held at roughly 68% across recent years, writing has shown notable growth (from 54% two years ago to 68% now), math remains an area of relative strength (above the state average), and science performance has improved to meet a 70% benchmark. "In reading, we held steady for the past 2 years at 68%..." the official said.
Enrollment trends showed a slight decline over recent years, with officials noting a one-year data lag tied to state reporting. The division highlighted efforts to monitor cohorts (tracking kindergarten into first grade, etc.) to better anticipate staffing and classroom needs. On retention, the division reported a retention rate around 95% and total turnover of 45 last year.
On safety, the division described regular crisis-plan updates, drills, cardiac readiness and availability of Narcan, and investments in weapons-detection systems across schools. The presentation said the division spent $1,330,000 on measures to ensure consistent security across schools and emphasized that the division will not single out schools for different levels of security coverage.
The presentation also covered teacher recruitment strategies including 'Grow Your Own' programs, partnerships with local colleges and an I-Teach program the division funds upfront (approximately $3,300 per participant) in exchange for a multi-year retention commitment. Officials said 27 people are currently enrolled in a local Grow Your Own pathway and 10 paraprofessionals completed a special education certification program.
Why it matters: The comprehensive plan frames resource allocation, hiring and safety priorities for the division. Enrollment, achievement and retention data feed classroom staffing decisions and budgeting.
Next steps: Staff invited board members to review the full plan on the division website and asked for continued support on safety and staffing initiatives; no formal board action on the comp plan is recorded in the captured segments.
