Johnston schools share their strategies for success – Restoration NewsMedia

Johnston County Public Schools shared the secrets of their academic success during a recent meeting of the N.C. School Boards Association.

“I am extremely proud of our entire district, our recent success and all the individuals who have contributed to our growth, including students, staff and parents,” Johnston Superintendent Eric Bracy told the gathering. “This level of achievement takes 100% effort from every single person involved, and when you get that level of commitment, great results happen.”

The School Board Association’s annual conference was the latest chance for Johnston to share its success strategies with school districts elsewhere.

“We are humbled to have shared our success stories and strategies with our colleagues throughout the state,” Bracy said. “We are advocates for education and desire for school districts and students to achieve success globally.” 

For the annual conference, Johnston titled its presentation “Board Governance + Instructional Leadership = High Performing School District.” Bracy and his team shared strategies and procedures that have fueled Johnston’s recent academic success and consistent improvement.

The team talked about curriculum, the importance of relationships between the board and leadership, accountability at all levels, goal setting and follow-through, effective organizational structure, benchmarking and more.

One point of emphasis throughout the presentation was effective school-based leadership and accountability. Johnston has three area superintendents — Patty Whittington for grades K-5, Ken Byrd for 6-8 and Roderic Brewington for 9-12. They assist each of the 48 principals as liaisons, resource guides and advisers.

Sharing Johnston’s processes and strategies at the conference was a meaningful experience for him, Brewington said. “Presenting at the statewide conference is a remarkable achievement, as it reflects the incredible progress we have made as a district and highlights our dedication to excellence,” he said. “Not only was it an opportunity for the district to continue celebrating its success, but also an opportunity for us to inspire and collaborate with others.”

Byrd echoed Brewington’s sentiments. “It was a rewarding and humbling experience to share our intentional efforts to improve student outcomes with other districts across the state,” he said. 

Among the Johnston presenters were Whittington and Takicey Dunston, principal of Benson Elementary School, one of Johnston’s many success stories. Benson Elementary has improved its state report card grade from a D in 2019 to a B this past school year.

“Benson Elementary is one of several schools to have benefited from the current practices, which are ultimately focused on individual student success,” Whittington said.