001I'll never Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. watching these students this year. There's been incredible engagement um and which is fantastic. Um especially for all the years that we have offered it. It just seems that students are more excited to just figure out what this is and what what they can do and um and play around with. There was a exhibit just over at the Nova Nordis exhibit where students were using what looked like a salad spinner and they had all these beads and they were just hitting it so hard but they were they were learning about how it they can separate different sides of beads out and it was just it was just really neat to see them engage and loving how this was happening. Um, I thought it was a real
002special thing that uh, Jookco Works gives us this opportunity and to show us what we can do and how we can help our community and how important it is that we could stay home and close to our families. There's been a lot of jobs, like friendly people coming up to me and asking me if I would like to take a look at their business. I feel like it's been really good seeing other people walk around and interact with that. And it's just been really fun. It It's amazing. It I actually I really like it. I like how it show it shows you different careers you could pursue and how and the qualifications for it and what you have to do and we have seen trends of the impacts of this 8th grade event years later
003having an effect on our post-secary placement. Um, one of the things in CTE that we really care about and in Johnston County Public Schools is that students not only get to that stage at graduation, but that they walk off to that off of that stage and have the skills, knowledge, and aptitudes to make their future goals and plans a reality. So, um, I think we're definitely seeing the ripple effects of this event that happens in middle school. I think it's a really good experience for people that don't know what they want to do and for people that do also because it lets you explore more of what you think you're going to like and things you might not have thought you would have liked at all but you figure out more about and you eventually
004like Heat. Heat. Heat. And if we focus on what we can control while we have them here, we can make a difference in the lives of our students. So our purpose will be fulfilled if we can remember that we can make a difference while we have them here. I am Tea Dunston, uh, principal at Benson Elementary. I have been here for 11 years. When I walk into Benson Elementary every day, what inspires me is knowing that I have students, staff, and parents that are counting on me uh to make this the best place for learning, to make this the best place to work, to make this the best place to send students uh while you're at work as a parent. This is uh it's just one of my passions to be here. Being named principal
005of the year personally means that I have set uh the tone and provided an environment for staff and students, parents, community to come in and feel that they have a place that they can call home. Being named principal of the year allowed me to to recognize that what I'm doing here at Vincent Elementary has been seen. It is seen and that there a difference has been made in the environment. It's it's hard when I see students that uh have a difficult time separating from their parents. I so understand that nobody wants to separate from that safe space, that safe person. And so that's why it's so important that I build an environment or establish an environment that will allow students to see it as a home away from home and feel the joys of being
006here. It is just always important for me to provide that place that they want to come to. My northstar is making sure that teachers and students come to an environment that will support them in learning and in teaching. I I want students to come and feel good about being at school excited about learning. I want teachers to come in to feel the joys of being a teacher and having the opportunity to work with students day in and day out, not thinking of it as a chore or even work, but something that's fun that they enjoy doing. And if the teachers come in with that passion, then that passion is then uh transferred to our students. And our students come in with that same thrill of being at school and being excited about learning new things
007and showing what they are capable of doing. Our ultimate goal here at Benson Elementary is to be the first title one school in Johnston County to be an a performing school. It is our goal that we have set and we are working hard to achieve. So we haven't gotten there but it's coming. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where there's always something great happening. Today, we're taking you on a visual tour, giving you a major update on our exciting construction and bond projects. Our first stop is Cooper Academy, a campus that's undergone a massive renovation and revitalization. Thanks to the 2022 bond, we added 20 classrooms, new offices, resource rooms, staff workrooms, and muchneeded group restrooms. These additions have truly tied the school together, and Cooper is already getting a boost from the 2024 bond.
008The entire campus now features a brand new state-of-the-art fire alarm system. Next up is Swift Creek Elementary, a truly exciting addition to our district. This marks our 25th elementary school. A testament to Johnston County's vibrant growth. This stunning over 900 capacity school showcases vibrant colors and brilliant economic design. The construction of the new Wilson's Mills High School or WHS is progressing rapidly and remains on schedule for its fall 2026 opening. Visit the site today and you'll see significant progress outside. All spectator stands are in place and the athletic fields are either fully installed or well underway. The exterior of the building is nearing completion, giving a clear view of the finished structure. Inside, work is moving just as quickly. The first and second levels are heavily sheetrocked. Framing is nearly complete, and crews have even
009begun priming the walls. We are so pleased with the speed and quality of this construction and look forward to sharing more milestones as we head toward the 2026 school year. We had the opportunity, thanks to the county commissioners, to go ahead and reduce overcrowding and remove mobiles at Cleveland High School. This was a fast-paced project that was completed in time for students to come back to school. This addition made it possible to remove all the mobiles on campus and make a secure traversal between classes without the need to go outside or to mobile. During the October 28th, 2025 special session meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Clayton High rebuild project. This exciting, long-awaited project will provide state-of-the-art facilities for Johnston County students, including 99 total teaching spaces, 19 CTE
010classes/labs, 13 science labs, a main and auxiliary gym, athletic fields and facilities, an extraordinary auditorium with a seating capacity of 762, and so much more, providing the learning spaces Clayton area families will be proud of for many years to come. The new 278,000q ft facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st century learning, designed with a focus on safety and security, state-of-the-art learning environments, athletic and fine arts spaces, and innovative technology and learning labs. While the design embraces modern educational needs, it also preserves elements of the school's historic culture that have defined generations of Clayton Comets. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will vote on the project during their upcoming November regular scheduled meeting. JCPS plans to begin construction soon. The 2024 bond is already putting shovels in the ground across the county. Currently underway,
011we have the full buildout of Thanksgiving Elementary, adding six classrooms. Cleveland Elementary and Four Oaks Elementary are both receiving major muchneeded HVAC overhauls to bring them up to today's standards. And finally, projects in the design phase include additions at McGee Elementary to add two new four classroom wings, a new metal roof project over at East Clayton Elementary, and an exciting track and tennis court upgrade starting at North Johnston High in May of 2026. North Johnston High will also be receiving a press box for their baseball/softball field that will start in the next few weeks. Johnston County 8th. Graders have a lot to think about after a two-day event aimed at helping them find the jobs of the future. The Jookco Works Career Fair introduced those students to major companies like Novo Nordisk. WQL's Grace Holland
012found out how we can prepare future workers when the job market is changing rapidly. >> What's your dream job? >> Uh being a medical surgeon. >> My dream job, it's actually quite complex. >> Astronaut. I do want to be like an instructor or something. A sports agent. These Johnston County middle schoolers are hoping to meet the right people to make their dreams happen. >> To be a farmer. Why? >> Uh just running big heavy machine and taking care of a field every day. >> The Jooko Works Career Expo. >> So you'd start out as an apprentice and then you just work your way up. >> Inviting about 3500 eighth graders to learn about the companies in their communities. >> We're really hoping that the kids can see themselves, you know, maybe working in Nova Orortis
013one Biioarma is a is a really big industry and it's growing rapidly in eastern North Carolina and uh from all walks of life. You you have an opportunity in bioarma. >> Organizers work closely with the county school district. >> It's significantly important >> and host Johnston Community College. >> This is the best opportunity for us because we catch them just at such a young age >> to make sure students are ready for what comes after graduation. We've seen a couple of classes already who have who came through this as eighth graders have graduated and now they're into college or the workforce. >> They'll also have the option to do mock job interviews and internships through Jookco Works in high school. >> Learning about more things can really help my mind to grow and understand there's
014not just one choice out there, there's multiple of them >> in Johnston County. Grace Holland News. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where innovation meets excellence and every student is inspired to soar. With over 37,000 students and more than 5,000 dedicated professionals, we are more than just a school district. We are a family, a vibrant, growing, diverse community with one clear goal, academic excellence. Our northstar, student proficiency and academic growth. And by staying true to this vision, Johnston County Public Schools has earned district-wide recognition for excellence. As our population grows, so does our commitment. With the help of our board of commissioners and dedicated stakeholders, we're building new schools, modernizing facilities, and creating innovative learning environments designed for 21st century success. This is a communitywide effort, a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and a shared
015vision for the future. At Johnston County Public Schools, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in the classroom and in life. And every educator and employee deserves a career where they can grow and make an impact. We are Johnston County Public Schools, united in purpose and committed to excellence. Join us as we build the future, one student at a time. We are getting our first look of renderings of the new Clayton High School. >> During its meeting last week, members voted to approve a project that would rebuild Clayton High School. >> We're also getting our first look at plans for the new Clayton High School. >> Clayton High School getting a major makeover. Clayton High School is now on the books for a rebuild. >> Johnston County Board of Education voted to
016approve that project last night. It will include a new 278th uh,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art learning and athletic spaces, labs, as well. A full completion is expected to be uh in the fall of 2028, costing more than $134 million. Now, according to school leaders, this new campus will help meet the demand of their growing district. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. watching these students this year. there has been incredible engagement um and which is fantastic um especially for all the years that we have offered it. It just seems that students are more excited to just figure out what this is and what what they can do and um and play around with. There was a exhibit just over at the Nova Nordis exhibit where students were using what looked like a salad
017spinner and they had all these beads and they were just hitting it so hard but they were they were learning about how it they can separate different sides of beads out and it was just it was just really neat to see them engage and loving how this was happening. Um, I thought it was a real special thing that uh, Jookco Works gives us this opportunity and to show us what we can do and how we can help our community and how important it is that we can stay home and close to our families. There's been a lot of jobs, like friendly people coming up to me and asking me if I would like to take a look at their business. I feel like it's been really good seeing other people walk around and interact with
018that. And it's just been really fun. >> It It's amazing. It I actually I really like it. I like how it show it shows you different careers you could pursue and how and the qualifications for it and what you have to do and we have seen trends of the impacts of this 8th grade event years later having an effect on our post-secary placement. Um, one of the things in CTE that we really care about and in Johnston County Public Schools is that students not only get to that stage at graduation, but that they walk off to that off of that stage and have the skills, knowledge, and aptitudes to make their future goals and plans a reality. So, um, I think we're definitely seeing the ripple effects of this event that happens in middle school.
019I think it's a really good experience for people that don't know what they want to do and for people that do also because it lets you explore more of what you think you're going to like and things you might not have thought you would have liked at all but you figure out more about and you eventually Like hey, Heat. Heat. And if we focus on what we can control while we have them here, we can make a difference in the lives of our students. So our purpose will be fulfilled if we can remember that we can make a difference while we have them here. I am Tea Dunston, uh, principal at Benson Elementary. I have been here for 11 years. When I walk into Benson Elementary every day, what inspires me is knowing that I
020have students, staff, and parents that are counting on me uh to make this the best place for learning, to make this the best place to work, to make this the best place to send students uh while you're at work as a parent. This is uh it's just one of my passions to be here. Being named principal of the year personally means that I have set uh the tone and provided an environment for staff and students, parents, community to come in and feel that they have a place that they can call home. Being named principal of the year allowed me to to recognize that what I'm doing here at Vincent Elementary has been seen. It is seen and that there a difference has been made in the environment. It's it's hard when I see students that
021uh have a difficult time separating from their parents. I so understand that nobody wants to separate from that safe space, that safe person. And so that's why it's so important that I build an environment or establish an environment that will allow students to see it as a home away from home and feel the joys of being here. It is just always important for me to provide that place that they want to come to. My northstar is making sure that teachers and students come to an environment that will support them in learning and in teaching. I I want students to come and feel good about being at school, excited about learning. I want teachers to come in to feel the joys of being a teacher and having the opportunity to work with students day in and
022day out, not thinking of it as a chore or even work, but something that's fun that they enjoy doing. And if the teachers come in with that passion, then that passion is then uh transferred to our students. And our students come in with that same thrill of being at school and being excited about learning new things and showing what they are capable of doing. Our ultimate goal here at Benson Elementary is to be the first title one school in Johnston County to be an a performing school. It is our goal that we have set and we are working hard to achieve. So we haven't gotten there but it's coming. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where there's always something great happening. Today, we're taking you on a visual tour, giving you a major update on
023our exciting construction and bond projects. Our first stop is Cooper Academy, a campus that's undergone a massive renovation and revitalization. Thanks to the 2022 bond, we added 20 classrooms, new offices, resource rooms, staff workrooms, and muchneeded group restrooms. These additions have truly tied the school together, and Cooper is already getting a boost from the 2024 bond. The entire campus now features a brand new state-of-the-art fire alarm system. Next up is Swift Creek Elementary, a truly exciting addition to our district. This marks our 25th elementary school, a testament to Johnston County's vibrant growth. This stunning over 900 capacity school showcases vibrant colors and brilliant economic design. The construction of the new Wilson's Mills High School or WHS is progressing rapidly and remains on schedule for its fall 2026 opening. Visit the site today and you'll see
024significant progress outside. All spectator stands are in place and the athletic fields are either fully installed or well underway. The exterior of the building is nearing completion, giving a clear view of the finished structure. Inside, work is moving just as quickly. The first and second levels are heavily sheetrocked. Framing is nearly complete, and crews have even begun priming the walls. We are so pleased with the speed and quality of this construction and look forward to sharing more milestones as we head toward the 2026 school year. We had the opportunity, thanks to the county commissioners, to go ahead and reduce overcrowding and remove mobiles at Cleveland High School. This was a fast-paced project that was completed in time for students to come back to school. This addition made it possible to remove all the mobiles on
025campus and make a secure traversal between classes without the need to go outside or to mobiles. During the October 28th, 2025 special session meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Clayton High rebuild project. This exciting, long-awaited project will provide state-of-the-art facilities for Johnston County students, including 99 total teaching spaces, 19 CTE classes/labs, 13 science labs, a main and auxiliary gym, athletic fields and facilities, an extraordinary auditorium with a seating capacity of 762, and so much more, providing the learning spaces Clayton area families will be proud of for many years to come. The new 278,000q ft facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st century learning. Designed with a focus on safety and security, state-of-the-art learning environments, athletic and fine arts spaces, and innovative technology and learning labs. While the design
026embraces modern educational needs, it also preserves elements of the school's historic culture that have defined generations of Clayton Comets. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will vote on the project during their upcoming November regular scheduled meeting. JCPS plans to begin construction soon. The 2024 bond is already putting shovels in the ground across the county. Currently underway, we have the full buildout of Thanksgiving Elementary, adding six classrooms. Cleveland Elementary and Four Oaks Elementary are both receiving major muchneeded HVAC overhauls to bring them up to today's standards. And finally, projects in the design phase include additions at McGee Elementary to add two new four classroom wings, a new metal roof project over at East Clayton Elementary, and an exciting track and tennis court upgrade starting at North Johnston High in May of 2026. North Johnston High will
027also be receiving a press box for their baseball/softball field that will start in the next few weeks. Johnston County 8th. Graders have a lot to think about after a two-day event aimed at helping them find the jobs of the future. The JCO Works Career Fair introduced those students to major companies like Novo Nordisk. WL's Grace Holland found out how we can prepare future workers when the job market is changing rapidly. >> What's your dream job? >> Uh being a medical surgeon. >> My dream job, it's actually quite complex. >> Astronaut. I do want to be like an instructor or something. >> A sports agent. These Johnston County middle schoolers are hoping to meet the right people to make their dreams happen. >> To be a farmer. Why? >> Uh just running big heavy machine and
028taking care of a field every day. >> The Jooko Works Career Expo. >> So you'd start out as an apprentice and then you just work your way up. >> Inviting about 3500 eighth graders to learn about the companies in their communities. >> We're really hoping that the kids can see themselves, you know, maybe working in Novaortis one day. Biioarma is a is a really big industry and it's growing rapidly in eastern North Carolina and uh from all walks of life. You you have an opportunity in bioarma. >> Organizers work closely with the county school district. >> It's significantly important >> and host Johnston Community College. >> This is the best opportunity for us because we catch them just at such a young age >> to make sure students are ready for what comes after graduation.
029We've seen a couple of classes already who have who came through this as eighth graders have graduated and now they're into college or the workforce. >> They'll also have the option to do mock job interviews and internships through Jookco Works in high school. >> Learning about more things can really help my mind to grow and understand there's not just one twist out there, there's multiple of them >> in Johnston County. Grace Holland Wel News. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where innovation meets excellence and every student is inspired to soar. With over 37,000 students and more than 5,000 dedicated professionals, we are more than just a school district. We are a family, a vibrant, growing, diverse community with one clear goal, academic excellence. Our northstar, student proficiency and academic growth. And by staying true to
030this vision, Johnston County Public Schools has earned district-wide recognition for excellence. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, long. watching these students this year. There's been incredible engagement um and which is fantastic. Um especially for all the years that we have offered it. It just seems that students are more excited to just figure out what this is and what what they can do and um and play around with. There was a exhibit just over at the Nova Nordis exhibit where students were using what looked like a salad spinner and they had all these beads and they were just hitting it so hard but they were they were learning about how it they can separate different size of beads out and it was just it was just really neat to
031see them engage and loving how this was happening. Um, I thought it was a real special thing that uh, Jookco Works gives us this opportunity and to show us what we can do and how we can help our community and how important it is that we can stay home and close to our families. There's been a lot of jobs, like friendly people coming up to me and asking me if I would like to take a look at their business. I feel like it's been really good seeing other people walk around and interact with that. And it's just been really fun. >> It It's amazing. It I actually I really like it. I like how it show it shows you different careers you could pursue and how and the qualifications for it and what you have
032to do and we have seen trends of the impacts of this 8th grade event years later having an effect on our post-secary placement. Um, one of the things in CTE that we really care about and in Johnston County Public Schools is that students not only get to that stage at graduation, but that they walk off to that off of that stage and have the skills, knowledge, and aptitudes to make their future goals and plans a reality. So, um, I think we're definitely seeing the ripple effects of this event that happens in middle school. I think it's a really good experience for people that don't know what they want to do and for people that do also because it lets you explore more of what you think you're going to like and things you might not
033have thought you would have liked at all but you figure out more about and you eventually like And if we focus on what we can control while we have them here, we can make a difference in the lives of our students. So our purpose will be fulfilled if we can remember that we can make a difference while we have them here. I am Tea Dunston, uh, principal at Benson Elementary. I have been here for 11 years. When I walk into Benson Elementary every day, what inspires me is knowing that I have students, staff, and parents that are counting on me uh to make this the best place for learning, to make this the best place to work, to make this the best place to send students uh while you're at work as a parent. This
034is uh it's just one of my passions to be here. Being named principal of the year personally means that I have set uh the tone and provided an environment for staff and students, parents, community to come in and feel that they have a place that they can call home. Being named principal of the year allowed me to to recognize that what I'm doing here at Vincent Elementary has been seen. It is seen and that there a difference has been made in the environment. It's it's hard when I see students that uh have a difficult time separating from their parents. I so understand that nobody wants to separate from that safe space, that safe person. And so that's why it's so important that I build an environment or establish an environment that will allow students to
035see it as a home away from home and feel the joys of being here. It is just always important for me to provide that place that they want to come to. My northstar is making sure that teachers and students come to an environment that will support them in learning and in teaching. I I want students to come and feel good about being at school excited about learning. I want teachers to come in to feel the joys of being a teacher and having the opportunity to work with students day in and day out, not thinking of it as a chore or even work, but something that's fun that they enjoy doing. And if the teachers come in with that passion, then that passion is then uh transferred to our students. And our students come in with
036that same thrill of being at school and being excited about learning new things and showing what they are capable of doing. Our ultimate goal here at Benson Elementary is to be the first title one school in Johnston County to be an a performing school. It is our goal that we have set and we are working hard to achieve. So we haven't gotten there but it's coming. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where there's always something great happening. Today, we're taking you on a visual tour, giving you a major update on our exciting construction and bond projects. Our first stop is Cooper Academy, a campus that's undergone a massive renovation and revitalization. Thanks to the 2022 bond, we added 20 classrooms, new offices, resource rooms, staff workrooms, and muchneeded group restrooms. These additions have truly tied
037the school together, and Cooper is already getting a boost from the 2024 bond. The entire campus now features a brand new state-of-the-art fire alarm system. Next up is Swift Creek Elementary, a truly exciting addition to our district. This marks our 25th elementary school, a testament to Johnston County's vibrant growth. This stunning over 900 capacity school showcases vibrant colors and brilliant economic design. The construction of the new Wilson's Mills High School or WHS is progressing rapidly and remains on schedule for its fall 2026 opening. Visit the site today and you'll see significant progress outside. All spectator stands are in place and the athletic fields are either fully installed or well underway. The exterior of the building is nearing completion, giving a clear view of the finished structure. Inside, work is moving just as quickly. The first
038and second levels are heavily sheetrocked. Framing is nearly complete, and crews have even begun priming the walls. We are so pleased with the speed and quality of this construction and look forward to sharing more milestones as we head toward the 2026 school year. We had the opportunity, thanks to the county commissioners, to go ahead and reduce overcrowding and remove mobiles at Cleveland High School. This was a fast-paced project that was completed in time for students to come back to school. This addition made it possible to remove all the mobiles on campus and make a secure traversal between classes without the need to go outside or to mobiles. During the October 28th, 2025 special session meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Clayton High rebuild project. This exciting, long-awaited project will
039provide state-of-the-art facilities for Johnston County students, including 99 total teaching spaces, 19 CTE classes/labs, 13 science labs, a main and auxiliary gym, athletic fields and facilities, an extraordinary auditorium with a seating capacity of 762, and so much more, providing the learning spaces Clayton area families will be proud of for many years to come. The new 278,000q ft facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st century learning. Designed with a focus on safety and security, state-of-the-art learning environments, athletic and fine arts spaces, and innovative technology and learning labs. While the design embraces modern educational needs, it also preserves elements of the school's historic culture that have defined generations of Clayton Comets. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will vote on the project during their upcoming November regular scheduled meeting. JCPS plans to begin construction soon. The
0402024 bond is already putting shovels in the ground across the county. Currently underway, we have the full buildout of Thanksgiving Elementary, adding six classrooms. Cleveland Elementary and Four Oaks Elementary are both receiving major, muchneeded HVAC overhauls to bring them up to today's standards. And finally, projects in the design phase include additions at McGee Elementary to add two new four classroom wings, a new metal roof project over at East Clayton Elementary, and an exciting track and tennis court upgrade starting at North Johnston High in May of 2026. North Johnston High will also be receiving a press box for their baseball/softball field that will start in the next few weeks. Johnston County 8th. Graders have a lot to think about after a two-day event aimed at helping them find the jobs of the future. The JCO Works
041Career Fair introduced those students to major companies like Novo Nordisk. WL's Grace Holland found out how we can prepare future workers when the job market is changing rapidly. >> What's your dream job? >> Uh being a medical surgeon. >> My dream job, it's actually quite complex. >> Astronaut. I do want to be like an instructor or something. >> A sports agent. These Johnston County middle schoolers are hoping to meet the right people to make their dreams happen. >> To be a farmer. Why? >> Uh just running big heavy machine and taking care of a field every day. >> The Jooko Works Career Expo. >> So you'd start out as an apprentice and then you just work your way up. >> Inviting about 3500 eighth graders to learn about the companies in their communities. >> We're
042really hoping that the kids can see themselves, you know, maybe working in Novaortis one day. Biioarma is a is a really big industry and it's growing rapidly in eastern North Carolina and uh from all walks of life. You you have an opportunity in bioarma. >> Organizers work closely with the county school district. >> It's significantly important >> and host Johnston Community College. >> This is the best opportunity for us because we catch them just at such a young age >> to make sure students are ready for what comes after graduation. We've seen a couple of classes already who have who came through this as eighth graders have graduated and now they're into college or the workforce. >> They'll also have the option to do mock job interviews and internships through Jooko Works in high school.
043>> Learning about more things can really help my mind to grow and understand there's not just one twist out there, there's multiple of them. in Johnston County. Grace Holland, WL News. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where innovation meets excellence and every student is inspired to soar. With over 37,000 students and more than 5,000 dedicated professionals, we are more than just a school district. We are a family, a vibrant, growing, diverse community with one clear goal, academic excellence. Our northstar, student proficiency and academic growth. And by staying true to this vision, Johnston County Public Schools has earned district-wide recognition for excellence. As our population grows, so does our commitment. With the help of our board of commissioners and dedicated stakeholders, we're building new schools, modernizing facilities, and creating innovative learning environments designed for 21st century
044success. This is a communitywide effort, a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. At Johnston County Public Schools, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in the classroom and in life. And every educator and employee deserves a career where they can grow and make an impact. We are Johnston County Public Schools, united in purpose and committed to excellence. Join us as we build the future, one student at a time. We are getting our first look of renderings of the new Clayton High School. >> During its meeting last week, members voted to approve a project that would rebuild Clayton High School. >> We're also getting our first look at plans for the new Clayton High School. >> Clayton High School getting a major makeover. Clayton High School is
045now on the books for a rebuild. >> Johnston County Board of Education voted to approve that project last night. It will include a new 278 uh,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art learning and athletic spaces, labs, as well. A full completion is expected to be uh in the fall of 2028, costing more than $134 million. Now, according to school leaders, this new campus will help meet the demand of their growing district. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. I swear to me. watching these students this year there's been incredible engagement um and which is fantastic um especially for all the years that we have offered it. It just seems that students are more excited to just figure out what this is and what what they can do and um and play around with. There was
046a exhibit just over at the Nova Nordis exhibit where students were using what looked like a salad spinner and they had all these beads and they were just hitting it so hard but they were they were learning about how it they can separate different sides of beads out and it was just it was just really neat to see them engage and loving how this was happening. Um, I thought it was a real special thing that uh, Jookco Works gives us this opportunity and to show us what we can do and how we can help our community and how important it is that we can stay home and close to our families. There's been a lot of jobs, like friendly people coming up to me and asking me if I would like to take a look
047at their business. I feel like it's been really good seeing other people walk around and interact with that. And it's just been really fun. It It's amazing. It I actually I really like it. I like how it show it shows you different careers you could pursue and how and the qualifications for it and what you have to do and we have seen trends of the impacts of this 8th grade event years later having an effect on our post-secary placement. Um, one of the things in CTE that we really care about and in Johnston County Public Schools is that students not only get to that stage at graduation, but that they walk off to that off of that stage and have the skills, knowledge, and aptitudes to make their future goals and plans a reality. So,
048um, I think we're definitely seeing the ripple effects of this event that happens in middle school. I think it's a really good experience for people that don't know what they want to do and for people that do also because it lets you explore more of what you think you're going to like and things you might not have thought you would have liked at all but you figure out more about and you eventually Like hey, And if we focus on what we can control while we have them here, we can make a difference in the lives of our students. So our purpose will be fulfilled if we can remember that we can make a difference while we have them here. I am Tea Dunston, uh, principal at Benson Elementary. I have been here for 11 years.
049When I walk into Benson Elementary every day, what inspires me is knowing that I have students, staff, and parents that are counting on me uh to make this the best place for learning, to make this the best place to work, to make this the best place to send students uh while you're at work as a parent. This is uh it's just one of my passions to be here. Being named principal of the year personally means that I have set uh the tone and provided an environment for staff and students, parents, community to come in and feel that they have a place that they can call home. Being named principal of the year allowed me to to recognize that what I'm doing here at Vincent Elementary has been seen. It is seen and that there a
050difference has been made in the environment. It's it's hard when I see students that uh have a difficult time separating from their parents. I so understand that nobody wants to separate from that safe space, that safe person. And so that's why it's so important that I build an environment or establish an environment that will allow students to see it as a home away from home and feel the joys of being here. It it's just always important for me to provide that place that they want to come to. My northstar is making sure that teachers and students come to an environment that will support them in learning and in teaching. I I want students to come and feel good about being at school excited about learning. I want teachers to come in to feel the joys
051of being a teacher and having the opportunity to work with students day in and day out, not thinking of it as a chore or even work, but something that's fun that they enjoy doing. And if the teachers come in with that passion, then that passion is then uh transferred to our students and our students come in with that same thrill of being at school and being excited about learning new things and showing what they are capable of doing. Our ultimate goal here at Benson Elementary is to be the first title one school in Johnston County to be an a performing school. It is our goal that we have set and we are working hard to achieve. So we haven't gotten there but it's coming. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where there's always something great
052happening. Today, we're taking you on a visual tour, giving you a major update on our exciting construction and bond projects. Our first stop is Cooper Academy, a campus that's undergone a massive renovation and revitalization. Thanks to the 2022 bond, we added 20 classrooms, new offices, resource rooms, staff workrooms, and muchneeded group restrooms. These additions have truly tied the school together, and Cooper is already getting a boost from the 2024 bond. The entire campus now features a brand new state-of-the-art fire alarm system. Next up is Swift Creek Elementary, a truly exciting addition to our district. This marks our 25th elementary school, a testament to Johnston County's vibrant growth. This stunning over 900 capacity school showcases vibrant colors and brilliant economic design. The construction of the new Wilson's Mills High School or WHS is progressing rapidly and
053remains on schedule for its fall 2026 opening. Visit the site today and you'll see significant progress outside. All spectator stands are in place and the athletic fields are either fully installed or well underway. The exterior of the building is nearing completion, giving a clear view of the finished structure. Inside, work is moving just as quickly. The first and second levels are heavily sheetrocked. Framing is nearly complete, and crews have even begun priming the walls. We are so pleased with the speed and quality of this construction and look forward to sharing more milestones as we head toward the 2026 school year. We had the opportunity, thanks to the county commissioners, to go ahead and reduce overcrowding and remove mobiles at Cleveland High School. This was a fast-paced project that was completed in time for students to
054come back to school. This addition made it possible to remove all the mobiles on campus and make a secure traversal between classes without the need to go outside or to mobile. During the October 28th, 2025 special session meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Clayton High rebuild project. This exciting, long- aaited project will provide state-of-the-art facilities for Johnston County students, including 99 total teaching spaces, 19 CTE classes/labs, 13 science labs, a main and auxiliary gym, athletic fields and facilities, an extraordinary auditorium with a seating capacity of 762, and so much more, providing the learning spaces Clayton area families will be proud of for many years to come. The new 278,000q ft² facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st century learning. Designed with