Reportable criminal offenses in North Carolina public schools declined during the 2024–25 academic year. Data from the State Board of Education show that 80% of schools had five or fewer such incidents, and 44% reported none. The annual report indicates a continuing downward trend in offenses, suspensions, and dropouts. Overall, 0.66% of the state’s 1.5 million students were involved in reportable criminal activities.
The report, available on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website, also shows a decrease in suspensions and alternative learning placements as disciplinary measures. Possession of controlled substances accounted for about 67% of all reportable offenses. Males, Black students, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities remain the groups most affected by reportable offenses and suspensions, though these numbers have also declined.
In a press release, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green noted that students and educators deserve safe learning environments. He acknowledged that while efforts to address reportable offenses continue, the majority of schools experience few such incidents, and more than 99% of public school students are not involved in these acts. The report also indicates that ninth grade remains a critical point, with the highest rates of in-school and long-term suspensions, reportable offenses, and dropouts.
In response to the findings, the NCDPI has proposed several measures, including an initiative to ease the transition from middle to high school and expand reporting for more detailed analysis. These recommendations support the goal of making North Carolina’s public schools among the best in the nation by 2030. The department also highlighted the ongoing need for improvements in school safety and student support.
Dr. Michael Maher, NCDPI Chief Accountability Officer, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between pre- and post-COVID-19 data because of the pandemic’s impact on education. The full report includes detailed charts, an executive summary, and key highlights, covering a decade of data. While corporal punishment has remained at zero uses for the seventh consecutive year, officials continue to focus on enhancing support for students across the academic spectrum.
