Long Mill News and Events

 

Lion Pride at Long Mill Elementary: School Exceeds Academic Growth Expectations and Surges 10 Points in State Rating

 

Long Mill Elementary Delivers 61.3% Overall Proficiency Composite and 67.3% Math Proficiency Under "Rooted in Purpose" District Framework

 

LOUISBURG, N.C. (September 16, 2026) — Franklin County Schools (FCS) proudly celebrates Long Mill Elementary School (LMES) for achieving extraordinary academic growth and proficiency gains following the release of the 2025–2026 state accountability results by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Aligned with the district’s 2026–2027 theme, "Rooted in Purpose," and the strategic priorities of Blueprint 2030, Long Mill Elementary officially Exceeded State Academic Growth Expectations and delivered a 10-point surge in its overall school performance score.

 

2026 Accountability & Academic Highlights

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction accountability data showcases significant multi-year momentum and subject-area excellence across Long Mill Elementary School:

• Exceeded State Academic Growth: Officially achieved "Exceeded Growth" status with an EVAAS Growth Index of 3.53.
• 10-Point Performance Score Jump: Elevated its School Performance Score from 57 to 67 ('C'), marking a full 10-point increase year-over-year.
• Composite Proficiency Gain: Reached an overall Grade Level Proficiency (GLP) composite of 61.3%, reflecting a 7.5 percentage-point increase from 2025 (53.8%).
• Mathematics Mastery: Recorded an impressive 67.3% GLP across Grades 3–5 Mathematics assessments.
• Reading Achievement: Achieved 61.6% GLP across Grades 3–5 Reading EOG exams.
• Science Success: Reached 59.4% GLP on the Grade 5 Science EOG assessment.

Roaring Forward Together

"When educators, scholars, and families align around a shared commitment to student success, remarkable growth follows," said Dr. Nakia Hardy, Superintendent of Franklin County Schools. "For Long Mill Elementary to exceed state growth standards while jumping ten points in performance score is a powerful testament to the hard work taking place in their classrooms every day. The Lion family has shown what it truly means to stay rooted in purpose and roar forward together."

Meghan Jordan, Chair of the Franklin County Board of Education, added: "Blueprint 2030 was established to ensure every elementary school in Franklin County provides a rigorous, supportive environment where students thrive. Long Mill Elementary’s outstanding performance validates our strategic focus on academic progress and continuous improvement across all grade levels."

 

About Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools (FCS) serves more than 7,900 students across 16 schools in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing counties. Guided by its strategic plan, Blueprint 2030, and the district vision of "Building a stronger community one life-long learner at a time," FCS is committed to academic excellence, career readiness, and strong community partnerships. To learn more, visit www.fcschools.net.

 

News Release: State Superintendent Catherine Truitt Visits Long Mill Elementary School

January 18th, 2024

Louisburg, NC - In a visit to Long Mill Elementary School, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt had the opportunity to further explore the important literacy development work taking place in Franklin County Schools.  Accompanied by other educational leaders, including NCDPI Regional Director Dr. Kendra King, Special Advisor for Principal Engagement Tabari Wallace, Special Advisor for Educator Engagement Julie Pittman and Senator Lisa Barnes, Superintendent Truitt engaged in a thorough exploration of the school's literacy instruction.

During her visit, Superintendent Truitt and her team observed various classrooms and connected with students, focusing on the implementation and effectiveness of literacy education at the elementary level. The visit provided valuable insights into students' daily educational experiences and the innovative teaching methods employed by the educators at Long Mill Elementary.

Following the classroom visits, an interactive teacher panel discussion was held, with time for questions and answers from the Superintendent Truitt. This discussion allowed for an in-depth conversation about the resources, programs, and surveys shaping education today. The teachers also gave feedback on key initiatives and strategies that will be valuable in guiding future educational strategies and policies at the state level.

The participation of Franklin County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, Chief of Academics Dr. Lela Nichols, and Executive Director of Elementary Education Dr. Geoffrey Hawthorne further enriched the panel discussion. Their contributions highlighted the district's dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting its educators.

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt and Senator Lisa Barnes expressed their profound impressions of the visit, commending the dedication, culture, and passion evident in Long Mill Elementary. "On behalf of Franklin County Schools, I would like to thank State Superintendent Truitt and her team, along with Senator Barnes, for visiting today. We have passionate, dedicated, effective educators in FCS, and their visit provided a great opportunity to experience this important work firsthand.”, says Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Schuhler.

Franklin County Schools continues to strive for excellence in education while cultivating a dynamic learning environment focused on success beyond the classroom, preparing, inspiring, and illuminating the path so that all students will reach their full potential.
 

**Contact:**

Dawayne McIntosh

dawaynemcintosh@fcschools.net

 

Long Mill Elementary held its annual winter concert last night. Violin students performed, and a special visitor greeted students.

This morning, Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Schuhler experienced the magic happening at Long Mill Elementary School. Cool and fun were the words on students' lips as they dived into their learning.

But there's more to celebrate at Long Mill! The school not only fosters a fantastic and enjoyable learning environment but it also achieved remarkable growth during the past school year.

Long Mill Elementary Career Day: Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders Today!