Data-Driven Leadership
The Results Are the Record. For over a decade, Jason Samuels has been at the table when it mattered. Helping champion the programs, investments, pathways, and initiatives that have moved Hampton City Schools forward. From expanding career opportunities through 16 academies and 44 pathways to helping advance initiatives that strengthen student achievement and opportunity, Jason’s service has been about turning ideas into action. The numbers tell the story: Hampton students are graduating at record levels, dropout rates are at historic lows, and every school is accredited without conditions. After three terms, the receipts are in, and the record is strong.
On-Time Graduation (2024-25)
Dropout Rate (2024-25)
Associate Degrees Earned
HCS On-Time Graduation Rates
Hampton City Schools, 2021–22 through 2025–26. *2025–26 projected (>97%).
HCS Dropout Rates
Hampton City Schools, 2021–22 through 2025–26. *2025–26 projected (<1%).
Associate Degrees Earned
SY17–18 through SY25–26. 296 students have earned an associate degree. COVID shutdowns impacted both 2019 & 2020.
A Decade of Progress
Hampton City Schools before and after a decade of Jason's service on the School Board.
| Measure | Before Jason / Around 2014 | After a Decade of Jason's Tenure | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20,667 (2014-15) | 19,657 (2023-24) | ↓ ~4.9% |
| On-time graduation | ~81% (2014) | 97.93% (2024) | ↑ ~17 pts |
| Dropout rate | 5.1% (2015) / 14.1% (2008 baseline) | 0.5% (2024) | ↓ dramatically |
| Accreditation | Not 100% fully accredited | 100% without conditions | Systemwide |
| Science SOL | 73% (2014) | 74% (2024) | ↑ 1 pt |
| Math SOL | 69% (2014) | 74% (2024) | ↑ 5 pts |
| English/Reading | 67% English SOL (2014) | 71% Reading (2024) | Different assessment systems |
| Career academies | Emerging | 16 academies / 44 pathways | Major expansion |
| Dual enrollment | Developing | 25,443+ credits since 2015 | Major expansion |
| School operating budget | ~$197M FY14 | ~$289M FY25 | ↑ ~$92M nominal |
Jason's Record - The numbers tell the story. The public record shows Jason was in the room helping build it,...
Key referendums and initiatives Jason Samuels has pioneered and championed during his service on the Hampton City School Board.
| Initiative | Jason's Role / Evidence | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academies of Hampton | Steering Committee membership | 16 Academies / 44 pathways | District records |
| Major school construction / renovation | Bond / capital referendums | New & renovated facilities | Election + board records |
| Teacher compensation initiatives | Key proponent on board budgets | Improved teacher pay | Board budgets |
| Dual enrollment | Proponent | 25,443+ credits since 2015 | District records |
| Accreditation improvements | Proponent | 100% accredited without conditions | VDOE / HCS |
| Graduation / dropout improvement | Proponent | 97.9% grad / 0.5% dropout | VDOE / HCS |
| Student mental-health initiatives | Proponent | Expanded mental-health support | Board records |
| School safety initiatives | Proponent | Enhanced school safety | Board records |
| Career / technical education | Proponent | Expanded CTE programs | Board records |
| Community partnerships | Proponent | Strengthened community ties | Board records |
Sources & Methodology
Sources
Hampton City Schools; Virginia Department of Education; City of Hampton, Virginia; U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics; Academies of Hampton.
Graduation, dropout, accreditation, SOL, dual-enrollment, academy and pathway figures are derived from Hampton City Schools publications and Virginia Department of Education data. Historical enrollment data are from the U.S. Department of Education/National Center for Education Statistics. Budget figures are from the City of Hampton's adopted municipal budgets. Jason S. Samuels' School Board service and election date are documented in Hampton City Schools' official School Board records.
Methodology
Comparisons are intended to show changes in Hampton City Schools during the period before and during Mr. Samuels' service on the School Board. School outcomes are the product of collective work by students, families, educators, administrators, School Board members, city leadership and community partners and are not attributed solely to any individual.
Graduation-rate comparisons use Virginia's cohort-based methodology where applicable. SOL comparisons should be interpreted in light of changes to Virginia's assessment standards and testing systems over time.
Primary Sources
- Hampton City Schools — School Board
- Hampton City Schools — 2024 Graduation & Dropout Results
- Hampton City Schools — 2024 Year in Review
- Hampton City Schools — 2019 Year in Review / Accreditation
- Academies of Hampton — 16 Academies / 44 Pathways
- Academies of Hampton — 2019 Annual Report
- Hampton City Schools — Dual Enrollment Results
- Hampton City Schools — 2022–23 Budget Book
- Hampton City Schools — FY2016 Approved Budget / FY2014 SOL Data
- Hampton City Schools — 2024 SOL Results
- City of Hampton — FY2025 Budget
- U.S. Department of Education / NCES — Historical Enrollment Data