Superintendent Expresses Excitement for New School Year in Davidson County Schools

Superintendent Expresses Excitement for New School Year in Davidson County Schools

Davidson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregg Slate is welcoming students, families and staff back for the 2026-2027 school year, pointing to gains in graduation, college readiness and workforce credentials while emphasizing school safety and student well-being.

“As Davidson County Schools starts the 2026-2027 school year, I am excited about this year and all the potential it holds for our students,” Slate said in a message to families and the community. “Our district is growing in so many ways thanks to our amazing staff, parents, and students.”

Among the changes families will see this year is the addition of the OpenGate weapons detection system at football and basketball games. The system will be used alongside the district’s clear bag policy as part of its safety measures at athletic events.

Slate also highlighted recent academic performance across the district, including what he described as a record-high graduation rate.

According to the superintendent, Davidson County Schools students took 1,699 Advanced Placement exams last year, with 72% earning a score of 3 or higher, potentially qualifying them for college credit. More than 1,100 students also took college courses at Davidson-Davie Community College while still enrolled in high school through the Career and College Promise program.

The district also reported an increase in students earning workforce credentials. The percentage of students gaining career certifications increased from 57.9% to 73.4%.

“Therefore, our graduates are more prepared than ever to start work, join the military, or go to college,” Slate said.

Student mental health and well-being will remain another focus during the new school year. The district launched Hope Squads in schools last spring and will continue providing resources to families through ParentGuidance.org. Slate said more than 2,400 people received assistance through those resources last year.

The superintendent also emphasized the role of employees throughout the school system, from transportation and food service workers to classroom educators.

“From the bus to the cafeteria to the classroom, every adult in DCS is a leader for our children,” Slate said. “That leadership, supported by each of you in the community, will continue to move our district to new heights.”

Slate closed his message by emphasizing collaboration among students, staff, families and the broader Davidson County community.

“Our success happens because we all work together,” Slate said. “At DCS, we are all in, everyday, for every child. Thank you for supporting our students and staff and let's have another great school year!”

“As Davidson County Schools starts the 2026-2027 school year, I am excited about this year and all the potential it holds for our students,” Slate said in a message to families and the community. “Our district is growing in so many ways thanks to our amazing staff, parents, and students.”

Among the changes families will see this year is the addition of the OpenGate weapons detection system at football and basketball games. The system will be used alongside the district’s clear bag policy as part of its safety measures at athletic events.

Slate also highlighted recent academic performance across the district, including what he described as a record-high graduation rate.

According to the superintendent, Davidson County Schools students took 1,699 Advanced Placement exams last year, with 72% earning a score of 3 or higher, potentially qualifying them for college credit. More than 1,100 students also took college courses at Davidson-Davie Community College while still enrolled in high school through the Career and College Promise program.

The district also reported an increase in students earning workforce credentials. The percentage of students gaining career certifications increased from 57.9% to 73.4%.

“Therefore, our graduates are more prepared than ever to start work, join the military, or go to college,” Slate said.

Student mental health and well-being will remain another focus during the new school year. The district launched Hope Squads in schools last spring and will continue providing resources to families through ParentGuidance.org. Slate said more than 2,400 people received assistance through those resources last year.

The superintendent also emphasized the role of employees throughout the school system, from transportation and food service workers to classroom educators.

“From the bus to the cafeteria to the classroom, every adult in DCS is a leader for our children,” Slate said. “That leadership, supported by each of you in the community, will continue to move our district to new heights.”

Slate closed his message by emphasizing collaboration among students, staff, families and the broader Davidson County community.

“Our success happens because we all work together,” Slate said. “At DCS, we are all in, everyday, for every child. Thank you for supporting our students and staff and let's have another great school year!”