The Union County Public Schools curriculum committee on Nov. 19 reviewed and referred the district’s 2025–26 school improvement plans to the full school board.

Staff said each school developed an individualized improvement plan with support from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and consultant assistance; Dr. Lalwani (director of federal programs) has led work with principals and leadership teams. District staff described three districtwide goals: eliminating opportunity gaps, improving school performance, and increasing educator preparedness. Schools crafted action steps tied to those goals and will use the NCSTAR platform to monitor progress.

A committee member asked where volunteer reading buddies would fit; staff said reading buddies can be an action step under literacy improvement goals. The committee moved to forward the plans to the full board; the motion passed by voice vote (3–0).