School District Reports Highest Proficiency Rates in a Decade Amid Demerger Challenges

Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) Board of Education made significant strides during their meeting on August 28, 2025, approving two key initiatives that promise to enhance student engagement without incurring costs to the district. The board unanimously approved participation in both the Future Farmers of America (FFA) convention and SkillsUSA, reflecting a commitment to vocational and agricultural education.

In addition to these approvals, the meeting provided an update on student performance metrics for the 2024-2025 school year. While detailed proficiency data remains embargoed until the State Board of Education's approval next week, preliminary insights indicate a notable increase in overall student proficiency rates. The district's proficiency rose by 4.5 percentage points, reaching 48%, marking the highest level in over a decade.

The discussion highlighted the impact of recent student reassignment due to a demerger, which affected nearly half of the schools in the district. This reassignment complicates year-over-year comparisons of performance data, as schools have undergone significant changes in their student populations. For instance, Edwards Elementary transitioned from a middle school to an elementary school, making direct comparisons with previous years challenging.

Despite these hurdles, the board celebrated double-digit increases in proficiency across various grade levels and subjects, particularly in elementary and middle schools. The administration emphasized the importance of these gains, especially in light of new, more rigorous science assessments that were introduced this year.

Looking ahead, the board plans to publicly share detailed performance data following the State Board's approval, allowing for a comprehensive review of the district's academic progress. The meeting concluded with a positive outlook on the district's trajectory, underscoring the hard work of teachers, students, and administrators in achieving these results. The board expressed a desire to celebrate these successes and continue building on the momentum into the new school year.