Resilience over results: Director of Schools praises Carter County students’ effort in the face of disaster

A day after letter grade results for the prior school year were released by state education officials, Carter County Director of Schools Brandon Carpenter says the resilience and effort of students whose lives were impacted by Hurricane Helene should be commended.

Seven of Carter’s 12 public schools experienced a decline in exam scores with three schools including Hampton High, whose campus was destroyed by hurricane flooding, improving their statistics.

Carpenter said in the 44 absentee days due to disaster, students were clearing mud and using chainsaws to help neighbors–some with no classroom to return to.

Carpenter said current test scoring is already showing great improvement and the system will always be proud of students who worked and recovered from a generational tragedy.

(IMAGE: Property of Carter County Schools / Official Facebook)