HCS Receives Golden Leaf Recognition

Dunn Middle School and Harnett Central Middle School have been selected to participate in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a five-year, $25 million school improvement program focused on enhancing academic outcomes and career readiness for middle school students across North Carolina. The initiative is led by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, and in partnership with Marzano Resources. 

The two schools will join a cohort of 15 schools across the state receiving intensive support to implement innovative instructional strategies, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and career development. 

“We are excited for Dunn Middle School and Harnett Central Middle School to be part of this transformative opportunity,” said Superintendent Brooks Matthews. “The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative will help us strengthen instructional practices, build staff capacity, and enhance the learning experiences we provide our students. We deeply value our school leaders and teachers and believe they have truly earned this opportunity for professional growth and support as they continue to provide our students with high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for success in high school, college, and future careers.” 

As part of the Transformative Schools (TS) Cohort, Harnett Central Middle School will benefit from focused coaching and support. This includes implementation of the Marzano High Reliability Schools Framework, math curriculum resources, instructional coaching, and career development resources tailored to meet the unique needs of Harnett Central’s students and staff. 

As part of the Personalized, Competency-Based Education (PCBE) Cohort, Dunn Middle School will benefit from focused coaching and support. This includes implementation of the Competency-Based Education Model and career development resources tailored to meet the unique needs of Dunn Middle School’s students and staff.

"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," said North Carolina State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “By investing in middle school math instruction – especially in our rural and economically challenged communities – we are building a foundation that prepares every student for college, careers, and lifelong community engagement.”

The selection process was highly competitive and included a rigorous application and interview process that involved key school and district leaders. 

"Golden LEAF is proud to fund this bold, collaborative effort to improve student outcomes and build a stronger future for our state,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “By investing in middle schools through research-based strategies and intensive support, we are not only strengthening academic achievement in critical areas like math but laying the groundwork for career readiness and long-term economic vitality in North Carolina’s rural communities.”

For more information about the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, visit the Golden LEAF Schools' website.


About the Golden LEAF Foundation
The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities. Since 1999, the foundation has supported projects that promote long-term economic advancement through grantmaking and strategic partnerships.