Company Overview
New Hanover County Schools (NHCS), located at 6410 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28412, is a public school district committed to delivering educational excellence to a diverse student body of over 26,000 students. The district comprises 42 schools, including 2 Pre-K Centers, 25 Elementary Schools, 8 Middle Schools, 4 High Schools, 1 Performance Learning Center, and 2 Early College High Schools. NHCS offers a broad range of programs such as 1,690 dual enrollment courses in partnership with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), 4,221 courses with Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), and 28 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways. Positioned in coastal southeastern North Carolina, NHCS benefits from an appealing geographical location, serving communities within Wilmington and its nearby towns like Carolina Beach and Castle Hayne.
Financial and Employee Information
As one of the largest school systems in North Carolina and ranking 113th nationally, NHCS reports an estimated annual revenue of $728.8 million with an estimated revenue per employee of $252,000. The district employs approximately 2,892 personnel and has experienced a 3% growth in employee count over the last year. Budgetary constraints present challenges, particularly due to declining student enrollment, requiring strategic financial management and a recent request for an additional $4.5 million from county commissioners.
Key Personnel
- Dr. Christopher Barnes
Position: Interim Superintendent
Contact: christopher.barnes@nhcs.net
Dr. Barnes took on the role of Interim Superintendent from August 22, 2024. With previous experience as the Chief Academic Officer in Onslow County Schools, he is engaged in strategic planning and improving the district through various initiatives like staff climate surveys.
- Ashley Sutton
Position: Chief Financial Officer
Contact: ashley.sutton@nhcs.net
Sutton oversees the financial strategizing and budgeting for NHCS, striving to enhance transparency and efficiency in the district's financial processes.
- Dr. Robin Hamilton
Position: Interim Chief Academic Officer
Contact: robin.hamilton@nhcs.net
As a retired administrator, Dr. Hamilton brings substantial experience to support academic standards and curriculum development within NHCS.
- Eddie Anderson
Position: Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Contact: eddie.anderson@nhcs.net
Anderson manages operational logistics and capital projects, ensuring efficient use of resources for school improvements.
- Dawn Brinson
Position: Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Digital Learning
Contact: dawn.brinson@nhcs.net
Brinson leads technological integration and digital learning initiatives, enhancing NHCS’s educational delivery.
- Julie Varnam
Position: Assistant Superintendent of Support Services
Contact: julie.varnam@nhcs.net
Varnam focuses on student welfare, implementing inclusive education policies, such as ending seclusion room usage.
Strategic Initiatives and Challenges
NHCS is actively engaged in tackling staffing and enrollment challenges, ensuring 41 out of 45 schools were fully staffed as of 2022. The district's strategic focus encompasses community engagement through volunteer programs and partnerships, aiming to bolster local educational standards. Efforts include sustainable workforce and infrastructure support to enhance educational deliverables.
Competitor Analysis
NHCS competes with educational entities like Project BUILD (estimated revenue of $31.9M), Heart Math Tutoring (revenue of $11.2M), and the UNCW Watson College of Education, which is noted for its strong focus on applied learning and partnerships. Other competitors, such as Davidson County Schools, with significant revenue figures of $468M, illustrate the competitive landscape NHCS navigates.
Strategic Insights
NHCS's focus on specialty high school programs and alternative schooling options positions the district effectively in a competitive educational market, aiming to attract and retain students and staff against other systems and private educational entities. By maintaining competitive educational frameworks and adapting to community needs, NHCS aspires to improve both student outcomes and institutional reputation.
