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Dunn Middle School and Harnett Central Middle School selected to participate in $25 Million Golden LEAF Schools Initiative

By Staff Report, posted Jun 24, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Logo courtesy of Golden LEAF

Dunn Middle School and Harnett Central Middle School have been selected to participate in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a five-year, $25 million school improvement program focused on enhancing academic outcomes and career readiness for middle school students across North Carolina. The initiative is led by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, and in partnership with Marzano Resources.

The two schools will join a cohort of 15 schools across the state receiving intensive support to implement innovative instructional strategies, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and career development.

“We are excited for Dunn Middle School and Harnett Central Middle School to be part of this transformative opportunity,” said Superintendent Brooks Matthews in a press release. “The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative will help us strengthen instructional practices, build staff capacity and enhance the learning experiences we provide our students. We deeply value our school leaders and teachers and believe they have truly earned this opportunity for professional growth and support as they continue to provide our students with high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for success in high school, college and future careers.”

As part of the Transformative Schools Cohort, Harnett Central Middle School will benefit from focused coaching and support. This includes implementation of the Marzano High Reliability Schools Framework, math curriculum resources, instructional coaching and career development resources tailored to meet the needs of Harnett Central’s students and staff.

As part of the Personalized, Competency-Based Education Cohort, Dunn Middle School will benefit from focused coaching and support. This includes implementation of the Competency-Based Education Model and career development resources tailored to meet the needs of Dunn Middle School’s students and staff.

"The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a powerful first step toward our goal of ensuring that North Carolina's public schools are the best in the nation," said North Carolina State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green in a press release. “By investing in middle school math instruction – especially in our rural and economically challenged communities – we are building a foundation that prepares every student for college, careers, and lifelong community engagement.”

The selection process was highly competitive and included a rigorous application and interview process that involved key school and district leaders.

For more information about the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, visit the Golden LEAF Schools' website. 
 

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