In a recent government meeting, Union County Public Schools (UCPS) officials highlighted significant achievements in educational performance for the 2022-2023 school year. Notably, the district reported a remarkable 31% increase in Career and Technical Education (CTE) credentials earned, totaling 13,161. This growth reflects a broader commitment to enhancing vocational education opportunities for students.

The meeting also showcased a substantial rise in Advanced Placement (AP) exam participation, with 72,100 exams administered—up from 53,104 the previous year. Impressively, the passing rate for these exams remained stable at 74%, defying the typical trend where increased participation often leads to lower pass rates.

Early literacy assessments indicated strong performance in reading proficiency among K-2 students, with 76% to 80% achieving proficiency by the end of the year, consistently outperforming state averages. Furthermore, 84% of schools received performance grades of A, B, or C, and 88% met or exceeded expected growth, marking an improvement from the previous year.

UCPS ranked highest among the 12 largest districts in the state for various academic metrics, including reading, math, and science assessments across grades 3 through 8. The district also achieved the second-highest overall proficiency in the state for End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments, trailing only Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools by a narrow margin.

Looking ahead, UCPS aims to build on these successes by further improving grade-level proficiency and reducing the number of schools identified as low-performing. The district plans to continue its turnaround strategy for schools designated as focused for the 2024-2025 school year.

In closing remarks, officials expressed gratitude to educators, leaders, and students for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing the importance of continued progress in the district's educational initiatives.