Principals cite pockets of progress and persistent gaps across Harnett County Schools

School leaders told the Harnett County Schools Board that last year produced notable gains at some grade levels even as gaps persist, particularly in math and science and among students with disabilities and English learners.

"Our 6th grade ELA jumped from negative 0.79 in growth to 3.37 this past year," said the principal introduced as Miss Black, reporting that 6th-grade proficiency and growth improved after targeted supports. Across high schools, Catherine Jones said the school's report card score and graduation rate rose, while principals at Over Hills and Triton described declines in specific EOC subjects tied to teacher turnover and new standards.

Principals listed concrete strategies: weekly PLCs, after-school tutoring, targeted small groups during intervention blocks, and professional development on vocabulary and distributed summarization. Jeff Booker, principal of Over Hills High School, said the school had largely filled vacancies and was scheduling PD and classroom observations to improve instruction.

Several principals emphasized behavior and attendance as barriers to academic progress. "We expect our office referrals to decrease by 30% from 276 to 193 or fewer to maximize instructional time," Daisy McDonald, principal at Andrew Elementary, said, describing targets and planned interventions.

Board members heard that some small schools face statistical volatility because tiny cohorts can swing proficiency rates; speakers recommended focusing on core instruction and expanding coaching. The presentations were given as part of a scheduled set of individual school updates; the board did not take formal action on the academic items during the meeting but noted the district will continue monitoring progress and supporting school improvement plans.

The district's superintendent and staff will collect feedback and return with additional plans during upcoming meetings.