Catherine Truitt North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction | North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website
Catherine Truitt North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction | North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website
Gates County Senior High School registered the highest enrollment among Gates County's five schools in the 2023-24 school year, welcoming 430 students.
Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state's per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).
Staffing shortages have also become a growing concern, with teacher turnover rising to 11.5% in the most recent school year. Low salaries and high workloads make it difficult to retain experienced educators, potentially increasing class sizes and affecting learning quality.
| School name | Total Enrollment in 2022-23 | Total Enrollment in 2023-24 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gates County Senior High School | 457 | 430 | -5.9% |
| Central Middle School | - | 349 | - |
| Buckland Elementary School | 238 | 239 | 0.4% |
| Gatesville Elementary School | 229 | 198 | -13.5% |
| T. S. Cooper Elementary School | 174 | 164 | -5.7% |
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