During Thursday’s meeting of the Clinton City Schools Board of Education, Sampson Middle School Principal Dr. Tony Faison and his development team delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the school’s steady progress and renewed strategies aimed at improving student performance.
Though Sampson Middle has carried a “low-performing” label for the past three years, Dr. Faison said this past school year marked their most significant academic gain to date, momentum he credits to stronger accountability, targeted instruction, and a shared focus among staff.
“We have been low performing for the last three years, but we made the greatest gain this past school year,” Faison said. “That came from being intentional; checking lesson plans, using the pacing guide to our advantage, and aligning instruction with what’s actually being tested.”
Faison explained that his team now places greater emphasis on test specifications, which identify the exact standards evaluated on end-of-grade assessments. Teachers integrate these standards into their daily lessons, from warm-up exercises to exit tickets, ensuring students are consistently exposed to the expectations they’ll face at year’s end.
“Some students are a little behind on certain standards,” he said. “So we use those standards as bell ringers, exit tickets, and blend them into regular lessons. The goal is to make sure they’re familiar with what’s going to be tested.”
Another focus has been vocabulary development and higher-order questioning — teaching students to analyze, evaluate, and interpret, rather than simply recall information.
The board members commended Faison and his staff for their commitment and collaboration, with several members noting the positive shift in school culture. Faison said the support felt different this year; warmer and more affirming than in the past.
“They’ve always supported us,” Faison told The Sampson Independent on Friday. “But last night was different. It was more verbal, more complimentary. It was a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
That encouragement, he added, reflects not only administrative support but also the dedication of his teachers, many of whom attended the meeting outside of regular work hours to represent their school.
“That shows the buy-in from not just one or two teachers, but the whole staff,” he said. “We hold each other accountable — even me. If I forget something we said we’d do, they remind me. That’s the kind of team we’ve built.”
Dr. Faison, who confirmed this will be his final year as principal, said he wants to leave Sampson Middle in a strong position for whoever follows.
“Now that we’ve found what works at Sampson Middle, I just want whoever comes next to keep it going,” he said. “Keep the teachers engaged, keep the students engaged, and let the staff know they matter. That’s how you sustain growth.”
He credited his participation in the district’s leadership program with helping him better understand data-driven decision-making and communication strategies.
“I was mad when they first signed me up,” he laughed. “But I’m grateful now. I learned so much about the data and how to communicate with my staff. It’s really made a difference.”
Dr. William Vann, executive director of student services and special programs, also praised the progress at Sampson Middle and emphasized how the school is making the most of its federal Title I funding — a key resource for schools identified as needing additional academic support.
“As a Title I school, Sampson Middle is required to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment,” Vann explained. “Dr. Faison and his team reviewed that data, identified their goals, and are using their federal dollars efficiently and appropriately to meet the specific needs of their students.”
Vann also noted that Sampson Middle is classified as a Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school, focusing on improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
“He has worked closely with his exceptional children’s team to ensure those funds are being spent with fidelity,” Vann said. “He’s targeting the right areas and using the resources in ways that truly benefit the students.”
Looking ahead, Vann believes the initiatives underway at the middle school level will have a ripple effect across the district.
“Anything we do well at the elementary or middle school levels will ultimately impact the high school,” Vann said. “We want to make sure students are fully prepared for that next step. By being proactive rather than reactive, we can help reduce dropout risks and improve graduation outcomes in the long run.”
Sampson Middle will host its Title I Night and report card pickup on Oct. 28, where parents will have a chance to hear about upcoming goals and programs directly from school leadership.
For Dr. Faison, the progress made so far is a reflection of hard work—and a reminder that sustainable success comes from a shared vision.
“We’ve found what works,” he said. “Now it’s about keeping that culture strong and continuing to grow.”