Wayne Week — Sept. 7, 2025 by Wayne Week

SPETEMBER 7, 202 5

A HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT

Significant academic improvement was demonstrated on nearly every single Wayne County public school campus during the 2024-25 school year — in nearly every single measured discipline.

BY KEN FINE / p 12

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Volume 3, Issue 4 NEWOLDNORTH.COM

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Ken Fine

EDITOR Renee Carey

DESIGN DIRECTOR Shan Stumpf

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Casey Mozingo

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WAYNE WEEK (ISSN 2993-9666) is published weekly — except the week of Christmas, Easter, and July 4 — for $125 per year by New Old North Media, LLC, 219 N. John Street, Goldsboro, NC, 27530. Periodicals postage paid at at Goldsboro, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to WAYNE WEEK, 219 N. John Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

4 City Hall beefs up security

In response to incidents that unfolded at a recent Goldsboro City Council meeting, video cameras have been added to the City Hall parking lot, Goldsboro police will escort council members to their cars after meetings, and metal detectors could come next.

6 Wayne County loses two icons

Both former state Sen. Louis Pate and military advocate Jimmie Edmundson were among a small group of Wayne County leaders that ensured Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was protected when a planned wind farm threatened to impede F-15E Strike Eagle training routes.

7 Barbecue legend passes

Steve Grady became a national celebrity for dishing out some of the best barbecue in the nation.

10 Hope after the blaze

Within hours of a massive fire displacing dozens of Goldsboro residents, a group of Rosewood churches began a drive that raised goods for — and the spirits of — the victims and their families.

12 Cover story

Wayne County Public Schools

Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard promised the community that he would get the struggling district back on track. The N.C. Department of Public Instruction's latest data drop shows he lived up to his pledge.

18 Spectator

A new Freedom Tree was planted — and Blue and Gold Star markers were erected — in "Freedom Circle" in downtown Goldsboro.

20 Public Notices

COVER DESIGN BY SHAN STUMPF

NEWS + VIEWS

Security measures added at City Hall to keep council members safe

Security cameras and increased police presence are a done deal. Metals detectors could come next.

BY KEN FINE

Aweek after a member of the Goldsboro City Council was followed to the bathroom and berated in the hallway — and Mayor Charles Gaylor had death wished upon him by a local resident — during the board’s Aug. 18 meeting, City Manager Matthew Livingston sent a letter to the county seat’s elected officials.

And the note, which was obtained by Wayne Week, spelled out a series of “actions” that have been taken to “enhance the security during City Council meetings.”

They include:

• Security cameras have been installed in the City Hall parking lot to “provide increased surveillance and monitoring.”

• Reserved Parking signs have been ordered and will be installed to “designate reserved parking spaces specifically for City Council members.” Those spaces will be strategically located so that they are close to the City Hall exit near “the back elevators.”

• A Goldsboro police officer will be stationed in the City Hall parking lot “prior to and immediately following” council meetings “to provide visibility and ensure safety.”

• Two officers will be assigned to council chambers “during all meetings” and will also “be charged with escorting City Council members to their vehicles.”

But Livingston said other measures could be implemented, too, should staff find funding to do so.

They include installing metal detectors at City Hall and potentially hiring a private security firm to manage them.

Should that step be taken, it would be consistent with screening that takes place at the Wayne County Courthouse where the Board of Commissioners holds its meetings.

The letter, which was dated Aug. 25, was delivered to council members the day before Gaylor told Wayne Wee k he felt it was necessary to take an opportunity to remind the public that the city has a standard for behavior during council meetings, and that he has the authority to act should lines be crossed.

That authority is afforded to him by NCGS §160A81.1, which allows for boards to establish rules “for the maintenance of order and decorum in the conduct of the hearing.”

Goldsboro’s policy, which demands speakers remain civil, courteous, and refrain from making personal attacks and/or threats directed toward members of the board and public, gives the mayor — or presiding officer — the power to remove people from meetings.

If they refuse, and willfully “interrupt, disturb, or disrupt” an official meeting, they could be found guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor (NCGS §143-318.17).

“My top priority is for council meetings to be candid, thoughtful, and safe for all involved. We expect everyone who chooses to participate in a City Council meeting to conduct themselves professionally in their interactions with one another,” Gaylor said Aug. 26. “In my role as mayor, I have the responsibility of ensuring that discourse is civil and the process of debate is respected. I never desire to gavel down conversation or remove participants from our meeting. However, I must ensure that reasonable restrictions are enforced, that meetings are efficient, participants are professional, and everyone goes home safely.” n

IN MEMORIAM

Two Wayne County champions pass

Were it not for the efforts of men like Jimmie Edmundson and Louis Pate, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base as we know it today might not exist.

BY RENEE CAREY

You probably didn’t even realize they were heroes. The work they did was not exactly in front of cameras or touted in interviews in the newspaper. That is, not until they had saved the day.

The threat was one of those decisions that could have significantly impacted the future of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. But to us, it looked innocent — wind turbines that represented the future.

Forget the potential damage to wildlife and the other problematic concerns surrounding wind energy.

The new construction would have been right in the path of the training routes that the Air Force uses for pilots.

And it could have, according to people in “the know,” meant the end of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base as we know it.

If you don’t believe us, ask Rep. John Bell.

We really were one decision away from catastrophe.

Jimmie Edmundson and former state Sen. Louis Pate are among the ones who made sure it did not happen.

Again, don’t take our word for it.

Ask anyone and they will tell you — the base might very well not be here today were it not for their quiet and determined advocacy for the people of Wayne County.

And while it is “the big one,” that was only one example of the love both of these men had for their community and the impact their lives had on its future.

But they were two different men, really.

Pate was more reserved and worked tirelessly, not in an inyour-face kind of way, but as a champion for the constituents he served.

You saw him around the county supporting many important causes and speaking to Wayne County residents about their needs, their concerns, and their futures.

He represented us in Raleigh for many years — speaking up for a part of the state that often did not get the attention it deserved.

His dedication — combined with that of the others who served with him — gave this county a voice and a vote.

There was no way Raleigh would run over eastern North Carolina so long as he and other members of our legislative contingent had something to say about it.

They were formidable, and Wayne County benefitted greatly from their efforts.

Quiet dignity for sure.

A servant leader absolutely.

And a man who gave much of his life to us, the public.

The same could apply to Edmundson — a man who understood that his calling was to serve in whatever manner he could.

And serve he did.

There is an adage that says that if you want something done right, give it to a busy person.

And a lot of very important roles were given to this former bank executive and businessman because he was, well, busy.

There was rarely a board or an important post that did not earn the attention of Edmundson.

And he gave until he had no more time to give — his engaging personality and financial acumen helping smooth the way for many initiatives and important decisions across many fields.

He was very active in support of Seymour Johnson Air

Force Base and was a critical team member and leader in many aspects of economic development and planning for this county’s future.

He served as an advisor to many important institutions in Wayne County — and influenced everything from health care to higher education.

He was an advocate for common-sense financial decisionmaking and accountability yet always tried to remember those who needed help.

His impact on Wayne County was immeasurable.

And, frankly, there are many local leaders today who can say that they learned the ropes from their association with Edmundson.

We lost both Pate and Edmundson this past week — two memorable community leaders who left indelible marks on this community.

Their impact can be seen in every plaque, every project marker, and even in legislation and organizations that they helped build, grow, and protect.

But we will think about them every time we hear the roar of a fighter jet making its rounds over Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

We believe those Strike Eagles would not still be here without them.

So, our thoughts and prayers go the Pate and Edmundson families.

And knowing that our county has lost two more leaders of significance, we will look to those who were inspired by them to carry on their work. n

Jimmie Edmundson

Louis Pate

Barbecue legend passes

Steve Grady is being mourned far beyond the Wayne County lines.

BY RENEE CAREY

The impact of a person’s life is not always measured in the number of awards they receive or the notoriety they garner.

Sometimes, a person is so beloved and so well-known not only because of what he or she created, but how they represented their community.

We lost just such an icon the last week of August.

Steve Grady was not one of those people whose name appeared in the news every day — and he did not seek the spotlight, although he earned plenty of time in it.

He did not invent the latest technological marvel or win an election in a landslide.

He made barbecue — from an old family recipe that he guarded with the solemnity and pomp and circumstance it deserved.

You see, you did not just get the family barbecue secret. You earned it.

It was that good.

And Steve Grady wanted to make sure it stayed that way.

Well, word got around — his humble cashonly restaurant featured in articles in national, state, and local publications, and his expertise sought at many a pig-picking.

Grady was a maestro, and a talent at a time when so many people are nothing but hobbyists.

Even his friendly rivals in the business would tell you that.

And that is why there will be many people across eastern North Carolina — and in the barbecue world — who might not have any idea where Dudley is — or be aware of any of our politicians or famous hometown heroes, but they sure as heck knew Steve Grady.

He was barbecue royalty at a time when fast food and fancy cuisine seemed to be the only place

where the culinary world’s attention was focused.

He made a meal that could be shared — among family, at a fundraiser, or just as a time for a reunion between old friends.

If you are a little bit older, you likely have a story about the barbecue wars in this county — and about how often Steve Grady came out on top.

He made his mark in a field that was all about serving others, and he made a name for himself because of his determination that quality would be the hallmark of Grady’s Barbecue.

And he did more than cook whole hogs.

Grady supported his community any way he could — always there when someone needed help.

But he never bragged or clamored for attention.

He had the quiet confidence of someone who worked hard, maintained standards, and succeeded.

He is a role model for anyone who is deciding right now that no matter what obstacles they face, they are going to make it.

And yes, his name will always be synonymous with the best in barbecue.

We suspect he would smile to hear that — because that is a big part of the legacy Steve Grady would have been proud to leave, to be a part of family dinners and reunions in perpetuity.

It was, after all, all about the ‘cue — and the lessons that are taught along with it about hard work, family, attention to detail, and remembering what really matters.

Our condolences to the Grady family.

We can only imagine just how larger than life he was in your eyes. n

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRADY'S BBQ

WHICHARD DELIVERED

Get ready for some good news. Some really good news. The state test results are in, and Wayne County Public Schools has made significant strides.

That’s right, we said “significant.”

So much so, in fact, that the news is already beginning to have an effect on the housing market — and, we suspect, will go a long way toward showing the bosses at the Pentagon as well as the commander and top brass at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base that this community is listening and is serious about improving its educational system.

And while there is still a great deal of work to do, there is ample evidence that our schools are on the right track.

The vast majority of WCPS schools showed significant improvement — with some previously failing schools pulling their “grades” up one or two places.

That is a major step forward.

And there also were significant gains in reading comprehension and math — two of the core subjects that are important factors in determining whether students have the skills they need to succeed, and the statistics that play a significant role in judging the quality of the education students receive.

There are still some deficiencies — career and college readiness scores need some serious work — but that is to be expected.

We did not get here in a day, and we won’t get out in a day either.

But all of the scores that have come in so far suggest that Wayne County schools have turned a corner.

They call it growth, these improvements, and while it doesn’t mean student achievement levels are exactly where they need to be, it shows progress forward.

And two of the schools, Eastern Wayne Middle School and Spring Creek High School, were ranked among the top four mostimproved schools in the entire state.

That’s right, two of the four most-improved schools statewide are right here in Wayne County. Who would have really thought we would hear that news at this time a few years ago?

The trick, of course, will be making sure that streak continues.

It took more than just making a promise in a public meeting to get to this point.

It took changing the atmosphere in the schools — to make accountability the watchword and to hold teachers and students to a higher standard.

It took getting rid of the dead weight of teachers and administrators who simply were not performing and shining a light on those who have been working hard all along.

It did not come without bumps and bruises — and it took a personnel sea change.

Gone were the days of simply hiring someone’s son-in-law or wife just because of their family name.

And the consequences for not doing your job up to par were no longer getting a cushy job at the district’s Central Office.

Speaking of Central Office, personnel there got the message, too.

No more throwing money at expensive programs rather than digging down deep to see why the scores were not improving.

Oh, and the standard of leadership not being seen in local schools?

Well, that went away, too.

This superintendent was always around, and you never knew when he would appear in your school, your classroom, or your office.

And when you set that kind of example, it can’t help but rub off.

That brings us to whom we can thank for this move forward.

While he will point to the hard work of the teachers, administrators, and the students, the credit for this achievement goes to Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard and the school board that recruited and hired him.

He took a district that was struggling with poor performance — so much so that it had been labeled low-performing, a designation that came with serious consequences — and set a standard that held teachers and students accountable.

Discipline became more than just a buzz word.

It became an expectation.

No one had the superintendent’s ear when it

came to the rules or exceptions.

Years of hires that looked more like favors than well-researched measurements of achievement merely to check a box or to placate a community big shot were no longer the norm.

And while there are still some hangers-on, they are being slowly replaced by administrators and teachers — as well as Central Office staff — who are worthy of the jobs.

And yes, it has made a big difference.

You see, when you set that kind of example for your staff, they set the same standard of responsibility and accountability for the students in their classrooms.

That is why the results you will see in this week’s cover story were realized.

The achievement that Wayne County schools earned this year was the result of a student body that not only listened to instruction but also followed the rules.

It was the performance of a group of young people with tremendous potential — and a new-found determination to take their education seriously.

It’s not perfect yet, as we keep saying, but we have confidence that their hard work and great results will continue.

There has been a lot of trouble in schools across the country since the pandemic. Lost classroom time and the inefficacy of online learning took its toll.

But Wayne County was lucky. It had a Board of Education that sent the children back to the classroom before most other districts did.

They took their lumps for doing it, but it seems quite likely that the board’s bold move paid off.

Hindsight is 20/20, of course, but it turns out they made the right decision.

So, what’s next?

You guessed it. More work.

We need to continue to increase performance levels across the district and to address areas where there is still concern — particularly in our inner-city schools.

And if that means that we need to redistrict and shuffle student bodies around, it’s something to consider.

Because here’s the bottom line.

If we want Wayne County Public Schools to be a beacon for what small school districts can do when there is the right framework in place — and the right personnel — we need to keep tweaking the model and reaching for big, hairy, audacious goals.

We have to be bold and unafraid.

We cannot afford the luxury of the arguments that are slowing down other districts — or the advocacy that simply does not belong in a classroom.

This is not about agendas.

And our schools are not there to instruct the

students on social mores or political positions.

They are there to make sure that every Wayne County graduate has the skills he or she needs to build a life for him or herself — here at home or wherever their dreams take them.

But the hard work will not just be the job of the school district.

We have to step up, too.

And so do our county leaders.

This past budget season, county commissioners kept a promise and did just that.

Significant steps forward would be rewarded with additional funding, they pledged — a show of good faith.

Well, they delivered in a major way.

And while the amount might not have been all the district and school board might have hoped for, it was a huge step.

But there is so much more to do.

Facilities and student safety are top concerns, and there is a limited pool of money to draw from, especially as school buildings age and costs go up.

So, the commissioners will be joining with the school district to push for a sales tax increase — with the money, in part, designated for school resource officers.

Yes, we need to look seriously at the costs.

But we also have to acknowledge the benefits.

Nobody wants to pay more for anything — not with eggs at $5 or more a dozen and with the continuing stress on the economy.

Things might be getting better, but we are not comfortable quite yet.

A sales tax spreads the responsibility for providing a quality education across the board, with even those who might not live in our county contributing to the kitty.

And you can bet that every time you spend a dollar in Wake or Johnston counties, you are contributing to their schools.

In our view, a quarter-cent hike — an amount most people won’t even notice — is the right thing to do as we continue to work to get the infrastructure and other factors in place to make a continued push to not only grow our community and economy, but as we fight to make sure Seymour Johnson Air Force Base stays right where it is.

That benefits everybody.

It’s time we, as a community, recognize that.

But today, Wayne County Public Schools and those who support them should take a well-deserved bow.

We are proud of every single student, teacher, administrator, and parent who did the work and put education first.

And we count ourselves lucky that our Board of Education sold Whichard and his family on a future with WCPS.

But tomorrow, it is back to work.

We need a few more of these good report cards. n

WALKING THROUGH FIRE

You have seen stories like this before.

Families whose lives changed in an instant.

Who are left with nothing.

Who had to sit and helplessly watch as their memories, their homes, and their possessions went up in flames.

Nothing they could do — except be thankful that their loved ones, the only thing that really matters, were safe.

But many of those who lost their homes in a fire this weekend could not hold back their tears.

Starting over is daunting.

And the loss, well it was catastrophic for some.

They literally had nothing left.

They described, to television news reporters, their feeling of devastation — and unwrapped the uncertainty they were facing after what has since been deemed an accidental fire ripped through Adair Place Apartments Sunday afternoon.

There was no way to replace those things that were irreplaceable — no way to salvage the photos, the precious gifts, or the

items whose value is measured in memories of those who are no longer with us.

No one could fix that for them.

Many of those fire victims likely felt lost and alone — not sure where to turn for help.

But this is Wayne County.

And what the dozens of Goldsboro residents who lost their homes Labor Day weekend did not know was that the city, county, and volunteer first responders who converged on the complex when 911 calls started flooding in were not the only people who would come to their rescue.

Within hours, an emergency shelter was opened and Community Churches United of Rosewood called on members of its community to step up.

And boy did they.

On Tuesday, countless people from all walks of life showed up with gift cards, boxes of diapers, clothing, and other items — sending the message, yet again, that Wayne County looks after its own.

We were not at all surprised.

We have said it before, but it bears repeating that there is something special about the people who make up this community.

As journalists, we have had the privilege of seeing it time and time again when tragedy has struck.

And no, it doesn’t happen everywhere. We can assure you of that.

This place is just special.

Wayne County reach a brighter star. We investigate and report stories like the debacle in Mount Olive and, in those moments, we long for the day when it won’t be necessary to bring you pieces like those.

But then, every so often, we are reminded of a simple truth that, if we’re not careful, we might just take for granted.

Most of the people who reside in this little slice of Eastern North Carolina are living right.

So, we should not be surprised that within 48 hours of that fire, displaced families had the opportunity to stock up on everything from a new wardrobe to goods for their children.

We should never forget just how lucky we are to live in an actual community — not some fractured big city, but a place where neighbors look after one another. We should act on that strength as often as possible, whether it means volunteering to read to schoolchildren or taking on lawnmowing duties for the spouse of a deployed airman.

Giving is simply a part of their DNA — a value system learned at the knee of a parent or grandparent.

That’s why this week, you would have been hard-pressed to find someone who had not heard about what happened at Adair Place, seen the photos and videos, and dropped off a donation at a local church or business.

It didn’t matter that they were giving during uncertain economic times.

It made no difference that the men, women, and children who would be the recipients of their acts of kindness were likely strangers.

Just like those first responders who bravely took on that blaze, our neighbors answered the call — again — when it mattered.

It was powerful.

And it taught us something — well, reminded us really.

Sometimes, it feels like we get bogged down in all the work there is to do to help

And we should use this latest tragedy to teach our children and grandchildren one of life’s most valuable lessons — that one’s true character is often revealed in those moments when nobody is watching.

Because, you see, the people who lugged bags of clothing and boxes of diapers this week did not do so to get their names in a newspaper.

They did not act so they would be featured on the evening news.

They didn’t do it to get “likes” on a Tik Tok account or to have someone publicly thank them for their generosity.

Giving is simply a part of their DNA — a value system they learned at the knee of a parent or grandparent or in a Sunday school classroom.

Our hope is that members of this community never stop passing that down. We say, as often as we can, how fortunate we are to call Wayne County home. The hearts seem a little bigger here — and the kindness more genuine.

Well, we saw that on full display over these last few days, and it gave us chills. And that is just another reason we will never stop fighting for you. n

A HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT

Significant academic improvement was demonstrated on nearly every single Wayne County public school campus during the 2024-25 school year — in nearly every single measured discipline.

STORY BY KEN FINE

He said he was going to turn Wayne County Public Schools around — that the district would, after his first year, be removed from the state’s low-performing district list.

But after he motivated his staff to accomplish that feat, WCPS Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard told the public it was only the beginning — that his formula for success would result in improvement on every campus in short order.

So, he moved around administrators and accepted the resignations of those who did not seem interested in living up to his expectations.

He started showing up, frequently, on campuses — a move that dozens of teachers have told Wayne Week “keeps us on our toes” and “shows us we have real support from Central Office.”

All the while, he stressed that by adhering to his list of simple “non-negotiables” — no cellphones in classrooms, bell-to-bell instruction, a no-tolerance policy for students who disrupt learning — big things could happen.

And he told members of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners that they should trust him to deliver results worthy of the increased funding he asked for his first year on the job and then received this summer after living up to his pledge of ensuring WCPS would be a “oneand-done” on the state’s low-performing list.

Then, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released its 2024-25 accountability data and school report cards Wednesday.

The story it tells about WCPS seems to have proven Whichard right.

But perfection is not what you will find as you look through the metrics provided in the pages that follow.

Instead, you will see marked improvement — perhaps historic improvement — on nearly every WCPS campus.

You will find reading scores for grades 3 through 8

that reflect a staggering 19 of the district’s 23 qualifying schools seeing an increase in grade level proficiency.

In math, you will see that 17 of those same 23 schools saw the same result.

Meanwhile, WCPS’ Math 1 scores reflected a 10% increase in grade level proficiency — a massive show of growth that was dwarfed by Math 3 students who grew by 23%.

And speaking of growth, two Wayne County schools, Eastern Wayne Middle and Spring Creek High, were among the top four academic gainers in North Carolina during the 2024-25 school year.

As if that were not enough of an indication that Whichard’s methods are working, three high schools got As, and three earned Bs.

Said another way, that means that 66% of Wayne County high schools received report card grades of A or B when during the 2023-24 school year, 66% earned Cs or worse.

Despite being asked for comment, Whichard did not make himself available for an interview for this package until just before the paper went to press.

As as a result, we will have a complete Q&A with the superintendent — and reaction from Monday’s Board of Education meeting at which the NCDPI data will be shared with the public for the first time — in the Sept. 14 edition of Wayne Week.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WCPS READING (GRADES 3-8)

North Carolina public schools saw a 2.4 % increase in grade level proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 on the state test.

53% of N.C. students are grade level proficient.

46 % of WCPS’ 7,895 tested students are grade level proficient, a 4% increase from 2023-24.

North Carolina public schools saw a 1% increase in college and career readiness proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 4 or Level 5 on the state test.

32% of N.C. students are CCR proficient.

23% of WCPS students are CCR proficient, a more-than 1% increase from 2023-24.

GRADE LEVEL READING PROFICIENCY

of Engineering

Wayne School

of Technical Arts

WCPS MATH (GRADES 3-8)

North Carolina public schools saw a 2 % increase in grade level proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 on the state test.

57% of N.C. students are grade level proficient.

53% of WCPS’ 7,901 tested students are grade level proficient, a 3% increase from 2023-24

North Carolina public schools saw a 0.8% increase in college and career readiness proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 4, or Level 5 on the state test.

37.5 % of N.C. students are CCR proficient.

31% of WCPS students are CCR proficient, a 1.3% increase from 2023-24

GRADE LEVEL MATH PROFICIENCY

THE REPORT CARDS

Here are the letter grades for every qualifying Wayne County public school:

Brogden Middle

2023: F 2024: D 2025: D

Brogden Primary

2023: F 2024: D 2025: D

Carver Elementary

2023: D 2024: C 2025: C

Carver Heights Elementary

2023: D 2024: F 2025: F

Charles B. Aycock High

2023: C 2024: C 2025: B

Dillard Middle

2023: F 2024: F 2025: F

Eastern Wayne Elementary

2023: D 2024: D 2025: D

Eastern Wayne High

2023: D 2024: C 2025: C

Eastern Wayne Middle

2023: F 2024:F 2025: C

Fremont STARS Elementary 2023: D 2024: C 2025: C

Goldsboro High

2023: F 2024: D 2025: D

Grantham Elementary

2023: B 2024: B 2025: B

Grantham Middle

2023: F 2024: D 2025: D

Greenwood Middle

2023: C 2024: C 2025: C

Meadow Lane Elementary

2023: C 2024: C 2025: C

Mount Olive Middle

2023: D 2024: D 2025: D

North Drive Elementary

2023: D 2024: F 2025: F

Northeast Elementary

2023: D 2024:D 2025: C

Northwest Elementary 2023: C 2024: C 2025: C

Norwayne Middle 2023: C 2024: C 2025: C

Rosewood Elementary

2023: D 2024: C 2025: C

Rosewood High 2023: C 2024: C 2025: B

Rosewood Middle 2023: C 2024: C 2025: C

Southern Wayne High 2023: D 2024: D 2025: C

Spring Creek Elementary

2023: C 2024: C 2025: C

Spring Creek High

2023: C 2024: C 2025: B

Spring Creek Middle 2023: D 2024: C 2025: C

Tommy’s Road Elementary 2023: D 2024: D 2025: D

Wayne Early/ Middle College High

2023: A 2024: A 2025: A

Wayne School of Engineering

2023: B 2024: A 2025: A

Wayne School of Technical Arts

2023: B 2024: B 2025: A

Continued on page 16

BIOLOGY ENGLISH II

North Carolina public schools saw a 5% decrease in grade level proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 on the state test.

48% of N.C. students are grade level proficient.

39% of WCPS’ 1,241 tested students are grade level proficient, a 3% decrease from 2023-24

North Carolina public schools saw a more than 11% decrease in college and career readiness proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 4 or Level 5 on the state test.

33% of N.C. students are CCR proficient.

24% of WCPS students are CCR proficient, a more-than 9% decrease from 2023-24

GRADE LEVEL PROFICIENCY

North Carolina public schools saw no increase or decrease in grade level proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 on the state test.

59% of N.C. students are grade level proficient.

53% of WCPS’ 1,319 tested students are grade level proficient, a 5.5% increase from 2023-24.

North Carolina public schools saw a less-than 1% decrease in college and career readiness proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 4 or Level 5 on the state test.

35% of N.C. students are CCR proficient.

25% of WCPS students are CCR proficient, a nearly 3% increase from 2023-24.

GRADE LEVEL PROFICIENCY

MATH 1

North Carolina public schools saw a 2.5% decrease in grade level proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 on the state test.

35% of N.C. students are grade level proficient.

50% of WCPS’ 1,333 tested students are grade level proficient, a nearly 10% increase from 2023-24

North Carolina public schools saw a 1% decrease in college and career readiness proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 4 or Level 5 on the state test.

12% of N.C. students are CCR proficient.

20% of WCPS students are CCR proficient, a more than 4% increase from 2023-24

(90,646 N.C. students tested)

MATH 3

North Carolina public schools saw an 8.8% increase in grade level proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 on the state test.

66% of N.C. students are grade level proficient.

65% of WCPS’ 1,117 tested students are grade level proficient, a 23% increase from 2023-24

North Carolina public schools saw a morethan 9% increase in college and career readiness proficiency, which is defined, by the state, as earning a Level 4 or Level 5 on the state test.

44% of N.C. students are CCR proficient.

37% of WCPS students are CCR proficient, a nearly 18% increase from 2023-24

(116,387 N.C. students tested)

the SPECTATOR

A tribute to freedom

A new Freedom Tree was planted — and Blue and Gold Star markers erected — at the "Freedom Circle" in downtown Goldsboro Sept. 3, just in time for N.C. Freedom Fest.

PHOTOS BY CASEY MOZINGO

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF SAM A. JERNIGAN, III

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Sam A. Jernigan, III, late of Wayne County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the address below on or before November 17, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 7th day of August, 2025.

Eleanore Jernigan, Executor of the Estate of Sam A. Jernigan, III

c/o L.E. (Trey) Taylor III, Attorney at Law Warren, Kerr, Walston, Taylor & Smith, L.L.P. P.O. Box 1616, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1616 (919) 734-1841