CCS reports outstanding academic growth and achievement in 2025-26

Staff Reports | Cleveland County Schools Board of Education press release

EDUCATION — The Cleveland County Board of Education is proud to share the outstanding academic progress achieved during the 2025–26 school year, following the official release of accountability data by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

District-wide Grade Level Proficiency rose by 7% compared to the previous 2024-25 school year, with Cleveland County Schools outperforming the North Carolina state average across nearly every evaluated category. Notably, over 96% of schools within the district earned a School Performance Grade of A, B, or C. An incredible 85% of our schools met or exceeded growth. Additionally, our low performing schools decreased from 34.6% to a mere 3.8%.

Among these accomplishments, Casar Elementary School achieved an exemplary School Performance Grade of A, distinguishing itself as one of only six Title I elementary schools statewide to earn the top designation. Also, special acknowledgement to Cleveland Early College High School for maintaining a School Performance Grade of A. Cleveland County Board of Education is extremely proud of all of our schools and their accomplishments.

“I would like to thank and congratulate all Cleveland County School employees, parents, and community supporters for the unique role you played in the success of our schools and students!” said Board of Education Member Gloria Sherman. “This level of achievement is a direct result of focused instruction, and hard work. I am honored and proud to be a part of Team CCS and looking forward to continued growth and success.”

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CCS Board Chairman Joel Shores shared his enthusiasm for this accomplishment, stating, “We are deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our teachers, administrators, and staff whose hard work made these results possible. Congratulations to our students for their incredible effort, growth, and commitment to learning. Cleveland County Schools remain dedicated to cultivating excellence and empowering every student to succeed as a life-long learner. We are truly blessed to have amazing teachers and awesome students. Keep up the great work!”

School Board member Ron Humphries added, “I am extremely proud of the performance grades our schools have achieved for the 2025-26 school year. This recognition reflects Team CCS’s unwavering commitment to excellence, as well as the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our students, educators, and community. A special shout-out to Casar Elementary for being one of only three Title I schools statewide to earn an A, and to CECHS, which achieved its highest state performance grade in history with an outstanding score of 93. These accomplishments underscore Cleveland County Schools’ dedication to delivering a high-quality education for all students. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our children and our community.”

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This is a press release of the Cleveland County Schools Board of Education.

The Shelby Independent.