The Buncombe County Schools Board of Education meeting on October 2, 2025, highlighted significant academic achievements and improvements across the district. The meeting focused on various metrics of student progress, showcasing the district's commitment to educational excellence.

Superintendent Dr. X reported that Buncombe County Schools is "leading the climb" in academic performance, with 93 elementary and intermediate schools meeting or exceeding growth in reading. Overall, 31 schools demonstrated growth, and 19 schools improved their grade-level proficiency. These achievements reflect a positive trend in student learning outcomes.

A key highlight was the cohort graduation rate, which reached 91.4 percent for the previous year, marking the second highest rate in the district's history. This figure is notably above the state average, indicating a strong commitment to student success from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The meeting also addressed the district's performance on the ACT, a standardized test used for college admissions. Buncombe County Schools achieved an average composite score of 19.1 for high school juniors, matching the highest score recorded in the district. This score exceeds the minimum requirement set by the University of North Carolina system, further demonstrating the district's focus on college readiness.

In terms of college credit opportunities, students earned 1,199 credits through Advanced Placement courses and completed 6,307 college courses through AB Tech dual enrollment, both with satisfactory grades. These partnerships are crucial for preparing students for future educational and career paths.

The discussion also included the importance of industry-recognized credentials, which enhance students' employability. The district reported a significant increase in credential attainment, with numbers rising from 1,760 to approximately 3,700 when including ACT WorkKeys scores from previous years. This growth underscores the district's efforts to equip students with the skills needed in the job market.

Additionally, four schools—Lester Elementary, Hawk Creek Elementary, North Buncombe Elementary, and Johnston Elementary—improved by an entire letter grade, with Lester Elementary exiting low-performing status. These accomplishments reflect the district's ongoing dedication to improving educational outcomes for all students.

Overall, the meeting underscored Buncombe County Schools' commitment to academic excellence and student success, with plans to continue building on these achievements in the future.