A recent report to the State Board of Education showed a decrease in school violence and high school dropout rates in North Carolina's public schools during the 2023-24 academic year. State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green stated, "While crime and acts of violence in schools are always unacceptable and hinders the learning and growth of students, I'm optimistic that reductions in the rate of crime, violence and dropouts in high school reflect positive change," according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
The 2023-24 report showed a 7.7% decrease in crime and violence in North Carolina public schools, with incidents dropping from 15.10 to 14.19 per 1,000 students. While most crimes decreased, assaults on staff and bomb threats slightly increased. Alternative learning placements fell by over 10%, and suspensions rose slightly by 2.9% and 2.8%. Dr. Michael Maher noted, "When looking at the data long term, it’s important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of schools." Green stated, "There is still much work to be done to address the race, gender and disability disparities; I look forward to working with others to address these rates in the years to come," as stated by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
North Carolina's high school dropout rate dropped to 1.88 per 100 students in 2023-24, down from 1.95 the year before. Public schools reported 10,559 dropouts in grades 1 through 12, with ninth grade having the highest dropout rate at 33.2%. The state also recorded no cases of corporal punishment for the sixth consecutive year. These statistics, required by the General Assembly by March 15 each year, help track progress and guide efforts to improve student success and safety, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
