5 Major Updates Rocking Johnston County Schools: New Leadership, $129M Construction, And Grading Overhaul For 2026

Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is undergoing a transformative period, marked by significant leadership changes, massive infrastructure investments, and a bold new academic strategy. As of December 15, 2025, the district is actively implementing changes that will redefine the educational experience for its over 37,000 students across 48 schools.

The most immediate and impactful news centers on the installation of a new Superintendent and the final approval of a multi-million-dollar high school construction project, signaling a clear commitment to modernizing facilities and enhancing academic performance across the entire North Carolina county.

Dr. David Pearce: The New Superintendent's Profile and Vision

The Johnston County Public Schools system officially welcomed its new leader, Dr. David Pearce, who was sworn in as Superintendent on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, during a ceremony held at the Evander S. Simpson building. His appointment marks a new era for the rapidly growing district, replacing the former Superintendent.

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Dr. David Pearce Biography & Profile:

• Current Role: Superintendent, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS).
• Start Date: July 1, 2025.
• Appointment: Appointed unanimously by the Johnston County Board of Education.
• Experience: Dr. Pearce has served in public education for over 23 years, all within the JCPS system.
• Previous Roles within JCPS:
  • Teacher and Coach.
  • Elementary School Principal.
  • High School Principal.
  • Area Assistant Superintendent.
  • Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Auxiliary Services (most recent prior role).
• Vision: His leadership is credited with contributing to the district’s continued upward trajectory in student achievement.

Dr. Pearce’s promotion from within the district—specifically from his role as Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Auxiliary Services—highlights the Board of Education’s desire for continuity and deep institutional knowledge. His extensive background as a teacher, coach, and principal at both elementary and high school levels provides a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs across the JCPS student body.

The new superintendent steps into the role during a period of significant growth and financial planning, immediately tackling issues of overcrowding and facility modernization. His focus is expected to be on maintaining the momentum of academic improvements while overseeing the largest construction projects in the district’s history.

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Massive Infrastructure Overhaul: The $129 Million Clayton High Rebuild

One of the most significant pieces of news for the county is the massive investment into school infrastructure. In November 2025, the Johnston County Commissioners agreed to borrow $129 million to fully fund the rebuild of Clayton High School (CHS).

This decision, strongly supported by the Board of Education, addresses critical facility needs and the pressing issue of student capacity in the rapidly expanding community of Clayton, NC. The current campus on Fayetteville Street will be transformed through a two-phased construction project.

Key Details of the Clayton High School Project

• Total Funding: $129 million loan approved by County Commissioners.
• Project Start: Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025.
• New Building Completion: The new school building is anticipated to be completed by December 2027.
• Entire Campus Completion: The full project, including site work and demolition of the old structure, is slated for completion by Fall 2028.

The Clayton High rebuild is not an isolated project. It is part of a broader, multi-year strategy to manage the explosive population growth in Johnston County. The district has also moved forward with the construction of a brand-new facility, Wilson's Mills High School, for which a groundbreaking ceremony was held in August 2024. These projects are crucial to easing overcrowding and ensuring that the district's facilities can support its ambitious academic goals.

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Academic Triumphs and The 2025-2026 Grading System Revolution

Despite the challenges posed by rapid growth and the lingering effects of the pandemic, JCPS has demonstrated significant academic success. The 2024-2025 school year performance data, released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI), confirms that the district is on an upward trajectory.

The 37,000-student district has successfully exceeded its overall pre-pandemic achievement levels, a major milestone that few districts in the state have accomplished. This success is a testament to the dedication of educators, staff, and students across the system. Furthermore, only one of the district's 48 schools was classified as low-performing, demonstrating broad-based academic health.

The Shift to Standards-Based Grading (SBG)

To further solidify student achievement and provide clearer communication of student progress, the Johnston County Board of Education has approved a major change to elementary grading practices for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year.

The new policy will move Kindergarten through second grade (K–2) to a 1–4 standards-based grading (SBG) system. This shift away from traditional letter grades in the early years is a philosophical move designed to focus on mastery of specific learning objectives rather than simply accumulating points.

Key Principles of Standards-Based Grading:

• Focus on Mastery: Students are assessed on their proficiency in academic performance indicators that are observable and objective.
• Clear Communication: The 1-4 scale (likely corresponding to "Does Not Meet," "Partially Meets," "Meets," and "Exceeds" standards) offers parents a more detailed understanding of where their child is succeeding and where they need support.
• Early Intervention: By identifying specific standards that haven't been met, teachers can implement targeted interventions much earlier in a student's educational journey.

This new system is a significant policy update that will require extensive professional development for teachers and clear communication with parents across elementary schools like Thanksgiving Elementary School and others throughout the county.

Financial Planning and Future Outlook

The financial health of JCPS is central to its ability to manage growth and implement these new initiatives. The Superintendent’s proposed FY 2025–2026 budget was presented to the County Commissioners, requesting a local budget of approximately $114 million. This budget is critical for funding the day-to-day operations, staffing, and initial phases of the new construction projects.

Beyond the operational budget, the district continues to leverage capital funding strategies, including the $120 million Bond Referendum, which is intended to assist with facility needs and address overcrowding across the entire district. The financial commitment from the county, including the $129 million loan for Clayton High, demonstrates a strong community-wide investment in the future of Johnston County’s public education system.

The combination of new, experienced leadership in Dr. David Pearce, the commitment of the Johnston County Board of Education members such as Kay Carroll and Jeff Sullivan, and the tangible results in student achievement create a powerful narrative for the district. With major construction underway and a revolutionary grading policy set for implementation, JCPS is actively working to ensure its educational infrastructure and academic programs are prepared for the next decade of growth and success in North Carolina.