Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

WINTON – Hertford County Public Schools (HCPS) is no longer classified as a low-performing district, according to local education officials.

HCPS officials say the 2023-2024 school year was marked by exceptional academic achievements and significant milestones, showcasing their steadfast commitment to excellence. Those accomplishments, they say, align with their 2023-2028 Strategic Plan: “Pursuit of Excellence: Unleashing Our Potential,” and reaffirms their dedication to delivering the highest quality education for every student.

Among the advancements made during the 2023-24 academic year, Grade 3 reading proficiency increased 11 percent, while Grades 3-8 reading and math proficiencies improved by 10 percent.

Additionally, early literacy in PK-2 rose by 3 percent and science proficiency in Grades 5 and 8 increased by 5 percent.

At the high school level, Math I proficiency increased by 11 percent, Math III proficiency improved 22 percent, Biology proficiency was up by 9 percent, and English II proficiency improved by 17 percent.

HCPS officials say the district celebrated other notable successes, to include:

Grade Level Proficiency: Increased by 6.1 percent in one year, reflecting a significant improvement in students achieving grade-level proficiency across the district.

Career and College Readiness (CCR): Improved from 17.1 percent to 19.2 percent, showcasing progress in preparing students for post-secondary education and career opportunities.

Growth: The number of schools exceeding or meeting growth increased from 57.14 percent in 2022-2023 to 85 percent in 2023-2024.

ACT/WorkKeys Combined: Saw a 3.0 percent increase to 28.1 percent, indicating enhanced efforts to equip students with the necessary skills for workplace readiness and college preparedness.

4-Year Graduation Rate: Maintained at 82 percent, demonstrating consistent success in helping students graduate on time.

Chronic Absenteeism Rate: Decreased by eight percentage points district-wide, underscoring HCPS efforts to ensure students are present and engaged in learning.

Dr. Jesse Pratt, Superintendent of Hertford County Public Schools, noted these achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the district’s educators, staff, students, and community. He added they also reflect the district’s focus on creating an environment where every student can thrive academically and socially.

“As we continue on this path of excellence, HCPS remains committed to driving forward with innovative teaching strategies, rigorous academic standards, and a supportive learning environment. This success results from our collective effort; we should all take pride in it,” Dr. Pratt stated in a news release from the county’s school system.

“As I reflect on my first full year, I am incredibly proud of the progress our educators and students have made,” he added. “I am thrilled to share that HCPS is one of only two districts in North Carolina to exit low-performance status this year. We will continue to build on this momentum as we pursue even greater success in the future. Our strategic plan will guide us as we move forward.”

The Hertford County Board of Education and district leadership say they recognize and appreciate the vital role that the local community plays in their journey toward excellence.

North Carolina education officials deemed HCPS as a low performing district for two consecutive academic years (2021-22 and 2022-23).