If you’re thinking about a move to Pender County with kids, or you already own in Hampstead, Rocky Point, Burgaw, or Surf City and wonder how the schools are keeping up with all the growth, October brought a lot of news worth knowing. The district’s superintendent was named the best in the state, its career and technical programs landed in the statewide top 10 again, and planning is underway for thousands of additional students over the next decade.
Here’s a plain-language rundown of what happened, where things stand, and how it fits into a home search.
Pender’s Superintendent Named North Carolina’s Best
On Oct. 8, 2026, Dr. Brad Breedlove was named the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year, according to a Pender County Schools announcement the same day. It’s the first time a Pender County superintendent has won the award. He advanced after being named the Region 2 (Southeast) winner and will represent North Carolina in the national competition in 2027.
Breedlove has led the district since January 2023, and he was the 2014 North Carolina Principal of the Year earlier in his career. An award isn’t a school rating, and it shouldn’t be the only thing you weigh. But for families comparing counties, steady leadership during a period of fast growth is a reasonable thing to notice.
Career and Technical Education Ranks in the Statewide Top 10
On Oct. 30, 2026, the district announced that its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program earned two Top 10 statewide rankings at the 2026 CTE Directors Conference in Concord. As WWAY reported, Pender ranked 4th in North Carolina for credential attainment, with an 88.94% rate, and 10th for total credentials earned, with students earning 8,729 credentials. The district says it has appeared on a statewide Top 10 list in each of the past four years.
For families with high schoolers, CTE credentials are industry certifications students can earn before graduating. If that matters to your teen, ask which pathways are offered at the specific high school your target home is zoned for, since offerings can vary from campus to campus.
The Bigger Story: Enrollment Growth
The news that affects homeowners most is growth. In August, WECT (Aug. 5, 2026) reported on a forecast from NC State University’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education projecting district enrollment will grow from 10,892 students in 2025-26 to 17,407 by 2035-36. The report counted about 63 pending residential developments that could add more than 12,700 dwelling units, with the most pressure expected in eastern Pender County, the Hampstead and U.S. 17 side of the county.
The district said it would hold surveys, meetings, and public information sessions this fall, with a final report and recommendations expected by January 2027. That’s worth watching if you’re buying in eastern Pender, because long-range capacity plans can eventually shape new schools and attendance boundaries.
New Schools and Renovations in the Pipeline
- J.H. Lea Schools: Pender County Schools and Bordeaux Construction held a topping ceremony for the new J.H. Lea Schools campus on Feb. 20, 2026. According to WECT, construction is projected to finish in August 2027, in time for the school year, with room for about 2,300 students.
- Topsail Middle School: The school board has been working through renovation plans and pricing for Topsail Middle in Hampstead. We covered that in our post on Topsail Middle School renovation costs.
A School Board Seat Gets Filled Early
Port City Daily (Oct. 29, 2026) reported that Jason Jordan, the only candidate on the Nov. 3 ballot for the District 2 Board of Education seat, is expected to be sworn in at the board’s Nov. 9 meeting. The seat opened when Beth Burns moved to the Board of Commissioners. With growth decisions ahead, it’s a good time for residents to follow board meetings.
What This Means for Buyers and Homeowners
- Verify the school assignment for each address. Don’t rely on a listing description or a neighborhood name. Check the address with Pender County Schools directly, and remember that assignments can change as the district plans for growth.
- Think about the timeline. If you’re buying in a fast-growing part of eastern Pender, ask how new construction nearby could affect school capacity over the next few years.
- Visit and ask questions. Tour the schools you’re considering and ask about programs that matter to your family, like CTE pathways, arts, athletics, or exceptional children’s services.
- For sellers: Families shopping in Pender often ask about schools early. Positive district news is worth knowing, but always point buyers to the district for current assignments rather than making promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students does Pender County Schools serve?
The NC State forecast reported by WECT put 2025-26 enrollment at 10,892 students, with a projection of 17,407 by 2035-36.
When will the new J.H. Lea Schools campus open?
Construction was projected in February 2026 to finish in August 2027, in time for the start of that school year.
Will school boundaries change in Pender County?
Nothing has been announced. The district is gathering input this fall and expects a final report and recommendations by January 2027. Watch for updates if you’re buying in eastern Pender.
How do I confirm which schools serve a home?
Check the property address with Pender County Schools before you make an offer, and confirm again before closing if you’re buying new construction.
Thinking About a Move to Pender County?
Whether you’re relocating with kids, buying your first home in Rocky Point, or moving up in Hampstead, we can help you weigh schools, commute, flood risk, and new construction side by side. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and we’ll help you find the right fit in Pender County.
