On Thursday, September 17, 2026, members of the Leadership Johnston 2026 Cohort had the opportunity to visit Wilson’s Mills High as part of the program’s annual Education Day visits. Leadership Johnston is sponsored by the Johnston County Association of Chambers of Commerce and Johnston Community College.
The 9-month program develops and strengthens leaders throughout Johnston County. Through a focused capacity-building experience, participants gain skills to become more effective and productive leaders in the workplace, while being encouraged to take an active role in their communities as volunteers, volunteer leaders, and public officials.
“Johnston County Public Schools has been a continued partner of Leadership Johnston, and today we had the privilege of learning unique things about the district, including its main objectives and vision, and even key facts about its employee base and how it plays a significant role in Johnston County’s workforce,” stated Leadership Johnston Coordinator Katie Crowder. “I greatly appreciate the time that JCPS leadership spent with this year’s cohort, and touring the new facility was truly inspiring.”
Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. David Pearce presented the school district’s recent academic performance data for the 2025-2026 school year, including district-wide goals and objectives. Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) has reached a historic high in academic performance, ranking 29th among North Carolina’s 115 public school units, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
The district’s overall performance composite has climbed to 61.0%, the highest level under the current performance model. This milestone continues JCPS’s steady upward trajectory since 2022, with the district also maintaining performance above the overall state average in the percentage of students demonstrating grade-level proficiency.
“Education has changed drastically over the years; however, the expectation still remains that we provide high-quality educational opportunities,” noted JCPS Superintendent Dr. David Pearce. “We are fortunate to work in a community of individuals and employers who support JCPS and its students.”
Dr. Pearce spent a few moments elaborating on career, college, and life readiness, which is a focus point as the district is intentional in preparing students for post-education life. The district’s initiative introduces students to career pathways as early as elementary.
“We need partnerships for apprenticeships,” Dr. Pearce added. “Real-life work experience is what we need to begin the skill development process essential to preparing the next generation of future leaders.” The event provided a valuable opportunity for Johnston County Public Schools and local business partners to collaborate in supporting students’ career, college, and life readiness and preparing them for success in the workforce.
After the presentation, Wilson’s Mills High Principal Chad Jewett escorted the cohort on a tour of the school, visiting a few of the school’s state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and media center.
2026 cohort includes:
Karen Henthorn - Johnston County Clerk's Office
Cathy Delano - The Old Mill Group Real Estate
Misty Wester - First Citizens Bank
Tatum Godwin - Bright Mind Behavioral Health Center
Beth Braswell - UNC Health Johnston
Diane Holloway - KS Bank
Jerrod Godwin - State of North Carolina, North Carolina Department of Revenue
Beth Hutley - UNC Health Johnston
Daniel Go - Grifols Shared Services North America, Inc.
Jennifer Warren - The Partnership for Children of Johnston County
Kristie Benson - Johnston County Public Schools
Brenda Harris - Johnston Community College
Dwain Teague - Johnston Community College
Katina Blue - BHW LLC / Frost & Fyre
Jose Torres - Wintergreen Hospitality
Kim Campbell-Gibson - CommWell Health
Amy Burton - Johnston County Education Foundation
Learn more about the Leadership Johnston program HERE.