Superintendent cites record scholarship haul and expanding workforce partnerships

Superintendent Williams opened the board’s report by honoring a recently deceased longtime educator and then highlighted academic and workforce achievements for the 2025–26 school year.

Williams said preliminary data indicate the district’s four‑year graduation rate will be "above 90%" and staff reported a combined scholarship total of roughly $37.4 million for the class of 2026. A presenter broke the scholarships down by school: Lenoir County Early College about $2.4 million; Kinston High about $7.5 million; South High about $11 million; and North High about $16.5 million.

The superintendent and staff also underscored workforce development progress. Dr. Jones described a signing‑day celebration for internships and apprenticeships in which 47 students participated and noted employer partners — including Crown Equipment Corporation, Smithfield Foods and Lenior County Public Schools operations — had praised student preparedness. Williams and staff said several apprentices transitioned into employment; they said Crown’s program has moved 25 apprentices through the pipeline with 18 becoming full‑time employees and that six graduating seniors signed employment agreements at the most recent Crown signing.

Williams also referenced economic development outreach, saying district leaders have engaged Airbus and FRC East (Fleet Readiness Center East) about opportunities that could bring additional jobs to Kinston.

Board members praised the reported outcomes and thanked staff and employer partners for the programs that create pathways from school to career.