Wilson County Schools: Sallie B. Howard School welcomed most students in 2023-24 school year

Sallie B. Howard School had the highest enrollment among Wilson County schools, welcoming 1,204 students during the 2023-24 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Among the 27 schools in Wilson County, James Hunt High School ranked second in enrollment numbers with 1,083 students, while Fike High School welcomed 995 students and ranked third in the 2023-24 school year.

Sallie B. Howard School is part of Sallie B Howard School district, which roughly covers institutions within Wilson County and has a main office in Wilson.

In the previous school year, Sallie B. Howard School also had the highest number of students among Wilson County schools.

Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state’s per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).

Staffing shortages have also become a growing concern, with teacher turnover rising to 11.5% in the most recent school year. Low salaries and high workloads make it difficult to retain experienced educators, potentially increasing class sizes and affecting learning quality.