Judge wants state to take over Halifax schools
Superior Court Judge Howard Manning calls student performance on test scores evidence of "academic genocide" that "must be stopped."
Posted — Updated"This is irrefutable evidence of a complete breakdown in academics in Halifax County Public Schools," Manning said.
At the same time, he said, the school system recognizes that 70 percent is a high number. It is taking corrective measures, which include working with the state, Hoggard said.
“We agree with major points included in Judge Manning’s order. We, too, are aware of the district’s performance and the absolutely unequivocal need to provide our students with a sound, quality education that is second to none in the state and nation," Halifax County Schools Superintendent Geraldine Middleton said in a release late Wednesday.
Middleton said the district is already taking measures to improve student performance.
“We have conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to investigate our systems, processes, procedures, and instructional practices,” Middleton said. “The results of our comprehensive needs assessments have given us the information we need to put into action a transformative and systemic plan."
Manning has long overseen the academic performance of state schools after a ruling several years ago in Leandro v. State of North Carolina, a case that sought to get more state support for school districts in low-income and rural areas.
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