District reports rising achievement and outlines 2026–27 calendar proposal; board to vote next month

District staff presented a broad update on student growth, proficiency, early literacy work and career-readiness programs, and then reviewed a proposed calendar for the 2026–27 school year that the board will vote on at its next meeting.

Director Miss McClenny reported that 94% of student groups showed increased achievement this year, with the district—s overall proficiency at 68% and a graduation rate of 87.5%—the highest in five years. She noted some subgroup dips (for example, a 3% decrease for students experiencing homelessness and specific grades where students with disabilities did not meet growth) and emphasized continued focus on early literacy (LETRS), interventions for middle grades, and supports for English learners and students with disabilities. McClenny also highlighted career and college offerings: more than 1,000 combined community college enrollments last school year, nearly 4,000 industry credentials earned by students, and 126 paid CAPE interns.

Calendar committee member Mike McKay outlined the local process for developing the draft 2026–27 calendar, including principal and parent advisory input and coordination with Carteret Community College to support dual enrollment. McKay referenced statutory requirements for start and end dates and minimum instructional days and hours (the transcript references the statute commonly cited as N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-84.2) and said the proposed calendar balances semesters at 85 student days each, sets student days at 170 and staff days at 215. Board members asked clarifying questions and one member said he would not support the calendar on principle because of statewide policy choices; McKay emphasized the calendar is not final and a vote will occur next month.

District staff said they will return with the calendar for formal approval after continued review and community feedback.