“A District on the Rise” - that’s the title of the new chapter in Martin County Schools’ history that is currently being written.
Data released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction on September 4 shows tremendous progress for Martin County Schools.
“The data validates the incredible work of our MCS staff, as well what we’ve known all along - our students can succeed,” explained Dr. Michelle White, Superintendent of Martin County Schools. “As a Low Performing District we still have work to do, however the progress is both undeniable and historic.”
For the first time, our district has no schools with an F letter grade.
Also, for the first time in school system history, all Kindergarten through 8th grade schools met growth standards as measured by the state accountability system.
Martin County High School (combined scores of Riverside High School and South Creek High School) increased its overall performance by five performance points and had the highest overall grade since the 2018-2019 school year.
Riverside Middle School (grades 6-8) demonstrated tremendous gains, improving its overall achievement grade by 11 points and increasing more than 104 percentage points from the previous year. In addition, Riverside Middle School increased its overall growth score from 61 for the 2022-2023 school year to 83 last year.
EJ Hayes (grades 3-5) demonstrated student achievement growth in every tested grade and subject while improving its overall performance from a 38 two years ago to a 52 last year.
Williamston Primary (grades PK-2) recorded the highest reading achievement in school history, with 80 percent of Kindergarten students reaching proficiency.
South Creek Middle School (grades 6-8) increased its performance score by 18 points over the past two years, moving from a 27 in the 2021-2022 school year to a 45 in 2023-2024. The school also increased its overall letter grade from an F to a D.
Jamesville Elementary School (grades PK-5) increased their math letter grade from a C to a B, increasing from 60 in 22-23 to 70 in 23-24.
“The increased student achievement is a testament to the outstanding work of our teachers and staff,” said White. “We will never become complacent regarding growth and will continue to better our best every day.”
The numbers for the 2023-2024 school year also show growth and achievement are widespread in the district.
Martin County Schools improved in 27 out of 30 state data points in 2023-2024 compared to the previous year.
In addition, when comparing achievement over three years, Martin County Schools improved five or more percentage points in 25 out of 30 areas compared to three years ago.
Student achievement is not the only area where the district is on the rise. Martin County Schools has also seen increased enrollment for the 24-25 school year. At the end of the 23-24 school year, we had 2,487 students in the district, and today, we have 2,587. The system serves an additional 112 pre-kindergarten students, for a total of 2,699. This is a drastic enrollment increase from previous years.
“We are creating a culture of excellence and collaboration across the district. This offers our teachers the opportunity to come together to support the needs of our students as well as one another,” said White. “The numbers demonstrate the success of those efforts, and are also a testament to our efforts to offer the absolute best educational experience for our children and the community at large.
“My son transferred to Riverside Middle School from a local charter school in January,” explained Joni Beasley. “Imagine how hard that is your last year of middle school and mid-year. He was immediately accepted by staff, students, and coaches. He had the best academic semester since elementary school. He also had the best coaches, who offered so much guidance and truly pushed on the importance of grades. He just fit in immediately. He is now at the innovative early college and loves it. I see him studying, making sure his assignments are turned in without me having to ask,” she added.
“He’s part of the football team and told me it’s like a brotherhood. His coaches push academics first. He also told me he finally has teachers that understand him as he has ADD. He’s not labeled or judged! Martin County Schools are outstanding in every way!”
Martin Offers More has become the theme for Martin County Schools. It’s not just a tagline; it’s a business plan.
The district offers the Martin Innovative Early College Program, and this year - the Martin Innovative Middle School.
Jessica Godard’s son is in the inaugural class of Martin Innovative Middle School.
“We had other options for our son, but we decided to go with the Martin Innovative Middle School Program,” said Godard. “Our son will have so many opportunities to keep him challenged and engaged. He really enjoys all of his classes and his teachers. He even joined a club at school on his own! We are so glad we chose MIMS.”
Students now benefit from increased elective opportunities, including theater, welding, and construction—taught by industry professionals—and a brand new, grant-funded greenhouse for students in the Hydroponics and Plant pathway.
The system learning opportunities outside the classroom include new clubs and after-school programs, such as Odyssey of the Mind and Robotics.
“There is continued work to be done, but that’s what we are here for,” explained White. “As a district, we will never become complacent, and our students will never be expected to settle. We are just getting started.”