McDowell County Schools superintendent: Welcome to a new school year
As summer begins to wind down, there are already unmistakable signs that a new school year is underway in McDowell County.
Tracy Grit
Last Thursday, you may have noticed a few more school buses on the road as McDowell Early College and McDowell Academy for Innovation welcomed students back to classes on the campus of McDowell Technical Community College. By Friday evening, the lights were shining once again at McDowell Titan Stadium as the Titans hosted their first football scrimmage of the season. The excitement of a new school year has officially begun.
Those attending Friday night's scrimmage also experienced several new safety enhancements designed to make our athletic events even more secure. This year, McDowell County Schools has implemented clear bag procedures and walk-through metal detectors at Titan Stadium, joining many of our conference schools in adopting these additional safety measures.
Through a strong partnership with the McDowell County Sheriff's Office and funding provided through a School Safety Grant, we have been able to purchase equipment that will enhance security at many of our athletic events. As fans attend games this season, we ask everyone to read the posted signs, follow the directions of staff at the entrances, and allow a little extra time as we continue to fine-tune these new procedures. Our goal is simple: to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for every student, family and community member who comes to cheer on the Titans. The safety of our students, staff and spectators will always remain our highest priority.
While fall athletics are already in full swing, students at our traditional schools will begin classes on Monday, Aug. 24. The anticipation surrounding this school year is especially exciting because this year's senior class has an opportunity to build on one of the most successful years in the history of McDowell County Schools.
Last year's graduating class achieved the highest graduation rate our district has ever recorded — more than 88% and above the North Carolina state average. They also set new marks in college coursework, workforce credentials and student achievement. It was truly a historic class.
As proud as we are of those accomplishments, we hope those records don't last very long.
The class of 2027 has the talent, determination and support to raise the bar even higher. We believe this group has the potential to push our graduation rate beyond 90% while continuing to increase the number of students graduating with college credit, industry credentials and even associate degrees already in hand. Those accomplishments don't just prepare students for graduation day; they prepare them for successful futures.
Our vision extends well beyond a single graduating class. As a district, we have set our sights on becoming one of the top-performing school systems in North Carolina. That is an ambitious goal, but it is one we believe is within reach because of the dedication of our students, the commitment of our teachers and staff, the leadership of our principals, and the unwavering support of our families and community.
Education has always been a team effort. Parents, grandparents, businesses, faith leaders and community members all play a role in encouraging students to attend school, work hard, dream big and persevere when challenges arise. Every encouraging conversation, every homework assignment completed, every attendance milestone, and every graduation celebration moves our community forward.
As another school year begins, I invite our community to come along for the journey. Celebrate our students' successes, cheer them on from the sidelines, encourage them in the classroom, and watch as they continue to raise the standard for what is possible in McDowell County Schools.
The buses are rolling, the stadium lights are on, and the excitement is building. Here's to another year of breaking records, creating opportunities and proving that the best days for McDowell County Schools are still ahead.
Tracy Grit is superintendent of McDowell County Schools.
