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Hampton City Schools superintendent touts Forbes honor and credits academies for jump in graduation rates on district podcast
Summary
On an episode of the district's HCS Talks podcast, Superintendent Raymond Haynes highlighted a Forbes honor for Hampton City Schools, described the district's academy model and cited a reported 98.88% on-time graduation rate and a roughly 0.2% dropout rate; he also discussed AI guidance and the portrait of a Hampton graduate.
Raymond Haynes, superintendent of Hampton City Schools, used an episode of the district's HCS Talks podcast to spotlight a Forbes recognition and describe why the division moved to an academy model, which he said has driven gains in attendance and academic outcomes.
Haynes opened the episode by noting that Forbes named Hampton City Schools one of Virginia's best in-state employers for 2025, citing competitive pay, benefits and an on-site employee health and wellness center and pharmacy. "We're serious about supporting our employees," he said.
Haynes framed the district's strategic work around what he called the portrait of a Hampton graduate and argued the academy structure creates belonging and relevance for students. He described an evolution from "pocket academies" to a system-wide model after reviewing research and programs including work with Ford Next Generation Learning. "If this is good for some students, then why not have it for all?" he said.
On outcomes, Haynes said the district saw increases in attendance and student performance and a decline in negative behaviors after expanding academies. He said Hampton now has a 98.88% on-time graduation rate and a dropout rate "I believe it's at 0.2." The numbers were presented by Haynes as district-reported results on the podcast.
Haynes also discussed technology and classroom practice, saying the division is developing policies for artificial intelligence and emphasizing "responsible" uses. He described a teacher who uses ChatGPT to adapt assignments and lesson objectives for students learning below grade level, and said the district wants students to learn to use AI ethically.
The episode mixed policy and personal reflection: Haynes spoke about starting in the system as a counselor and social worker, later becoming a principal and central-office leader, and ultimately returning to lead the district he graduated from. He urged students to surround themselves with positive peers and trusted adults and listed communication, collaboration and leadership among the skills he relies on most.
Student voices were included: eighth-grader Samaya O'Neal, a member of the Spartan Times student newspaper, asked many of the episode's questions, and Alyssa White, a Syms Middle School eighth-grade English teacher, joined as a guest and described her three years with HCS.
Haynes closed by connecting the district's mission—"whatever it takes"—to practical supports for students and by encouraging community partnerships to expand opportunities for graduates. HCS Talks is produced by Hampton City Schools and releases new episodes on Thursdays.
