In a significant effort to boost educational outcomes in North Carolina, 15 middle schools have been chosen to take part in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative. This five-year, $25 million program, funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, focuses on enhancing mathematics education and career development. The initiative is a collaborative effort with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and Marzano Resources.
“The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a powerful first step toward our goal of ensuring that North Carolina’s public schools are the best in the nation,” stated North Carolina State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. The initiative is particularly aimed at advancing math education in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, providing a strong foundation for students’ future academic and career success.
Schools participating in the initiative are divided into two groups: the Transformative Schools Cohort (TS) and the Personalized, Competency-Based Education Cohort (PCBE). Collaboration within these cohorts is a key component, designed to foster sustained improvements in education and workforce development across North Carolina.
The TS Cohort is supported by the Marzano High Reliability Schools (HRS) Framework and the Open Up Resources Problem-Based Math Curriculum. This cohort includes the following schools:
- Bertie Middle School, Bertie County Schools
- Carver Middle School, Scotland County Schools
- Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School, Lenoir County Public Schools
- East Alexander Middle School, Alexander County Schools
- East Rutherford Middle School, Rutherford County Schools
- Harnett Central Middle School, Harnett County Schools
- Northern Middle School, Person County Schools
- Union Middle School, Sampson County Schools
- Warren County Middle School, Warren County Schools
- West Lee Middle School, Lee County Schools
The PCBE Cohort focuses on transforming instruction and is tailored for schools ready to transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE). Schools in this cohort are:
- Dunn Middle School, Harnett County Schools
- Hayesville Middle School, Clay County Schools
- Swain County Middle School, Swain County Schools
- SanLee Middle School, Lee County Schools
- Waynesville Middle School, Haywood County Schools
Selection for the program involved a detailed application and evaluation process, including interviews with key stakeholders such as district superintendents and school principals.
Scott T. Hamilton, president and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation, expressed pride in funding this significant educational initiative. “Golden LEAF is proud to fund this bold, collaborative effort to improve student outcomes and build a stronger future for our state,” he said. The program’s comprehensive support is aimed at boosting academic performance, particularly in math, and preparing students for future careers, thereby enhancing the economic prospects of North Carolina’s rural communities.
The initiative employs the research-based Marzano HRS model, which helps schools create a conducive learning environment, improve operational efficiency, provide quality instruction, and foster a culture of growth and innovation. Participating schools receive intensive coaching, resources, and support to enhance both student learning experiences and the professional capacity of school staff. They also benefit from math resources, career readiness tools, and funding for travel and staff incentives.
About the Golden LEAF Foundation
The Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1999, received a portion of North Carolina’s funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. Over the past 25 years, the foundation has focused on increasing economic opportunities in rural and tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina through strategic grantmaking, collaboration, and innovation.
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