Recent data shows a 7.2-percent increase in graduation rates for Sampson County Schools from 2022 to 2025, bringing the system to its highest rate in recent years and above the state target.
A series of data shown at the school system’s most recent board meeting shows that the graduation rates have climbed from 79.2 percent in 2022 to 87.9 in 2025. This marks the system’s highest graduation rate in its recent history and puts them above the state’s target threshold. SCS Superintendent Dr. Jamie King called the increase a joint effort of staff and community.
“This is one of the statistics I am most proud of because it represents the collective effort of everyone in our district,” said King. “Most of our graduates have been in Sampson County Schools for 13 years, and their success reflects the dedication of our teachers, bus drivers, custodians, teacher assistants, principals, and central office staff. Everyone contributes. This rise also shows our community’s commitment to public education and to preparing a strong local workforce.”
In addition to the rise in graduation rates, the data also shows steady improvements in third and fourth grade math, fifth and eighth grade science, and high school English test scores between 2021 and 2025.
Though the increase in scores and graduation rates is certainly a cause for celebration in the system, the data also showed plenty of room for improvement. According to a data packet provided by SCS, reading scores in grades 5-8 continue to trail the state, with gaps of 6-10 points in several years. Similarly, grades 6-8 show uneven performance and larger gaps to the state average in math. Biology has also steadily declined in the system overall since 2023, dropping below both the district’s average and the state’s in 2025. However, Dr. King and Sampson County Schools are taking it to heart and working hard to remedy the situation.
“This remains one of our top priorities,” said Dr. King. “We are investing in literacy training for teachers across all subjects so that reading strategies are embedded in science, math, and social studies not just English classes.”
In addition, Dr King stated that he is working toward maintaining the improvements shown by the data as well as spreading it throughout the system to make improvement more consistent. This will be achieved by making improvements to teaching strategies and overall instruction.
“We are working toward instructional consistency through stronger professional learning communities, regular coaching and walk-throughs and shared district pacing guides, said Dr. King. “These ensure that every student, no matter which school they attend, has access to high-quality instruction. Additionally, we use data reviews each quarter to identify where support is needed most and deploy district teams to assist those schools.”
Dr. King also expressed interest in improving and maintaining student engagement through the student’s education so that once they graduate they are better prepared to join the workforce.
”To continue improving, we will strengthen career-pathway options, early interventions for at-risk students, and partnerships that keep students engaged through graduation,” said Dr. King.