About Us

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Three elementary school students working together in a classroom

Mission Statement

Increase Student Learning (Also referenced as “Increasing Student Learning and Doing” or #ISLanD)

Vision

Purposeful, Specific, Targeted

Core Value Statement

Do what is best for students!

District Strategic Planning

The focus of our District’s Strategic Planning process was to take the elements we are currently working with, combined with the things we are doing well, and add in improvement for the future. We believe Dare County Schools is a good school system, but we do not want to be just good; we want to be “the best” school system for our students, staff, and community. We developed our Strategic Plan around six key areas of focus to enhance learning for our students in our schools. Our guiding star will always be to “Do What is Best for Students!”

Areas of Focus

Increase Student Outcomes
Recruitment and Retention
Safety and Security
High Quality Professional Development
Facility Maintenance
Improve Central Services

District Strategic Goals

Goal #1: Increase Student Learning and Doing

Goal #1 Explanation:

This goal centers on enhancing academic achievement and student engagement. We will strive to not only meet the academic needs for our students, but also provide specific workforce related opportunities, as well as paths to military careers all tailored to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s “Enroll, Enlist, Employ” objective. The district aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for real-world applications. By increasing both traditional academic learning and experiential, locally-focused job-related skills and training, Dare County Schools seek to ensure students will have unlimited possibilities for their futures.

Goal #2: Recruit and Retain Quality Professionals

Goal #2 Explanation:

Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff is essential for maintaining high educational standards. This goal focuses on creating a supportive, competitive, and rewarding professional environment that encourages educators to stay in the district long-term. Rebuilding trust, offering incentives, professional development opportunities, and fostering a positive work culture are some strategies to achieve this.

Goal #3: Increase School Safety and Security

Goal #3 Explanation:

Ensuring a safe and secure learning environment is a top priority for the district. This goal focuses on enhancing safety measures, such as improving building security, implementing comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, and providing training for staff and students. By prioritizing safety, Dare County Schools aim to create an environment where students and staff feel safe and supported, allowing them to focus on teaching and learning.

Goal #4: Increase Quality Professional Learning Opportunities

Goal #4 Explanation:

Continuous professional growth is key to improving educational outcomes from the classroom to the Board of Education. This goal emphasizes providing teachers and staff with access to high-quality, relevant professional development that equips them with the skills, strategies, and knowledge needed to deliver effective instruction and leadership. It highlights the district's commitment to investing in its workforce to promote excellence in teaching and learning.

Goal #5: Maintenance, Repairs, and/or Upgrades to Facilities

Goal #5 Explanation:

Well-maintained facilities are vital to creating a conducive learning environment. This goal focuses on ensuring that all school buildings and infrastructures are safe, modern, and up to date. Regular maintenance, necessary repairs, and strategic upgrades are prioritized to ensure facilities support both current and future educational needs, enhancing the overall school experience for our students, staff and communities.

Goal #6: District Support Throughout Dare County Schools

Goal #6 Explanation:

The effectiveness of schools depends on strong district-level support. This goal emphasizes improving central services, such as administrative support, technology, transportation, and curriculum oversight, ensuring that schools have the necessary resources and guidance to operate smoothly. The district aims to optimize its support systems to foster excellence and efficiency across all schools. This goal also incorporates engendering and increasing community support through our public information officer to increase the flow of factual information and celebrating successes related to Dare County Schools. These areas of focus and strategic goals guide Dare County Schools in delivering the highest-quality education experience while ensuring the well-being of students and staff.

Continuous School Improvement Process

Each school will align its School Improvement Goals with these six District Goals, which are in turn aligned to the N. C. Department of Public Instruction’s goals. Building Administrators and staff will connect their Professional Development Plans to their school’s improvement goals. By aligning these efforts from the State, across the district, from the classroom to the Board of Education, we ensure that everyone is working toward a common Mission and Vision. This unified approach fosters consistent progress and a shared sense of purpose as we move our District forward together.

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