By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Raleigh, NC - In his second annual State of the Schools address, Superintendent Dr. Robert P. Taylor delivered a message that was equal parts celebratory and sobering. Speaking to a room filled with educators, students, business leaders, families, and elected officials, Dr. Taylor painted a picture of a district leading North Carolina in academic growth and innovation, while simultaneously bracing for the "difficult choices" posed by rising costs and shifting funding landscapes. Dr. Taylor leaned heavily into the district’s data-driven successes, noting that academic proficiency has increased for the third consecutive year.
Key Highlights & Success Metrics
- Graduation Rate for Class of 2025, 90.6% (Over 12,600 graduates).
- 5-Year Graduation Rate, 93.1% A district record!
- Math Proficiency, High School Math 3 scores rose by 7+ points
- National Certifications | 3,250+ National Board Certified teachers, among the highest in the U.S.
- Magnet Excellence: 54 WCPSS schools received National Merit Awards this year, with five being named "Top Schools of Excellence" in the nation.
The Superintendent spotlighted Molly Todd, the 2026 North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year from Panther Creek High School, as a symbol of the district’s high-caliber workforce. A central theme of the address was the evolution of the classroom. Dr. Taylor emphasized that education in Wake County is moving beyond rote memorization toward problem-solving in a world shaped by AI. Career and Technical Education (CTE) in WCPSS helps students explore interests, develop real-world skills, and prepare for high-demand careers. The school system is focused on hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and career exploration, so students graduate ready for the next step.
Innovation and Career Readiness
- With 56,000 middle and high school students enrolled in CTE, the district is proving to be an economic engine.
- Over 33,000 industry-recognized CTE credentials earned last year.
- Real-World Partnerships: The speech featured a testimonial from Roseville High senior Cal Piotrovski, who is transitioning directly into a pre-apprenticeship with a local electric company, highlighting the "direct connection" between school and the local workforce.
Dr. Taylor reaffirmed that "learning becomes hard" when students carry the burdens of mental health or safety concerns. The district has expanded its mental health program to 150 schools, with a goal of reaching every campus. The address detailed safety measures, including a clear bag policy for events, a new visitor management system, and the "Say Something" anonymous reporting tool. This “Say Something” tool has already proven useful. Officer Marcus Kirk was recognized for his role at Millbrook High School, where his relationship with students led to the successful reporting and intervention of a potential threat.
Despite the accolades, Dr. Taylor did not shy away from the financial "reality we must face together." He noted that the cost of maintaining current service levels is outpacing available funding. Many school buildings are aging and require major renovations or replacement to keep up with population growth. With federal funding projected to adjust and the state budget finalized, the district has already made $17 million in strategic reductions. With no true ability to impact the funds allocated to the school system, Dr. Taylor called on the community and the North Carolina General Assembly to sustain the investments that have made WCPSS a "trusted voice" in public education.
"Strong schools build strong communities... Excellence doesn't maintain itself; it must be sustained year after year." Dr. Robert P. Taylor emphasized. The 2026 State of the Schools Address served as both a victory lap for a district performing at historic levels and a rallying cry for continued community investment. Dr. Taylor concluded with a standing ovation, urging the audience to remain united in the belief that the "best days for the Wake County Public School System are ahead of us."
Duke University plans for its HomeGrown initiative to last until 2029. Klein, Duke's economic development VP, said his team will be coming back to the community annually with updates on how it is progressing.
