Board Briefs

The Board of Education proudly recognized Nowell Brooks, Principal at Advance Academy, for completing the Distinguished Leaders Program through NCPAPA. Additionally, Brooks was selected as the recipient for the Dana King Award for his cohort.

The Board of Education proudly recognized the athletic programs and their accomplishments. Athletic Directors Len Manely (VCMS) and Scott Corrente (VCHS) shared a report for each of their schools.

The 2025–2026 athletic year was a successful one for Vance County Schools, as student-athletes at both Vance County Middle School and Vance County High School competed with pride, determination, and excellence. Through strong participation, team accomplishments, and individual achievements, student-athletes represented their schools and community at a high level both academically and athletically.

Vance County Middle School offered 14 athletic programs during the school year, with strong participation across all sports. The Jaguars enjoyed an outstanding season, capturing MAC-10 Conference Championships in Boys Soccer, Boys Basketball, Boys Track, and Girls Basketball. The wrestling program also celebrated individual success as Juan Nunez Aldana earned a MAC-10 Conference Championship. Additionally, Girls Track and Girls Flag Football both finished as MAC-10 Conference Runner-Ups, highlighting the continued growth of the athletic program.

Vance County High School offered 21 athletic programs and built on a strong foundation in the Northern 6 Conference and NCHSAA 6A classification. Varsity Football, Men’s Soccer, and Women’s Soccer all qualified for the NCHSAA State Playoffs, while Women’s Basketball advanced to the Elite Eight. Coach Sheila Gill was named Northern 6 Conference Coach of the Year. The Vipers also celebrated a historic achievement as LaNautica Johnson became the first state champion in school history by winning the NCHSAA Women’s Wrestling State Championship at 128 pounds. In track and field, Samiya Darby qualified for and competed in the NCHSAA 6A State Championships in the 100-meter dash. The continued growth of Women’s Flag Football also marked an exciting step forward for the program.

The accomplishments of the 2025–2026 season reflect the hard work and dedication of Vance County Schools student-athletes, coaches, families, and supporters. With multiple conference championships, state playoff appearances, and historic individual achievements, the future remains bright for Jaguars and Vipers Athletics.

The Board of Education recognized our schools for their distinguished work with their Beta Clubs! With over 200 inductees this academic year, Vance County Schools was selected as a District of Distinction for the eighth consecutive year - the only district in North Carolina with the honor for that length of time! Congratulations to each of our Beta sponsors, school administrators and all of our Beta Club members for encompassing a focus on service, leadership and scholarship!

The Vance County Board of Education recognized Board Clerk and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Deanna Steed, for her outstanding dedication and service to the Board. During the recognition, Board Chair Ayana F. Lewis expressed her sincere appreciation for the countless responsibilities Mrs. Steed manages and the unwavering support she provides to Board members. The Board extended its gratitude for her hard work, dedication, and continued service to the district.

As the June Board of Education meeting marked the final meeting of Dr. Cindy Bennett’s tenure as Superintendent of Vance County Schools, Board members presented her with a commemorative rocking chair in recognition of her years of dedicated service and leadership.

The rocking chair serves as a token of appreciation for Dr. Bennett’s contributions to the district, its students, staff, and community. The Board expressed its gratitude for her commitment to educational excellence and extended its best wishes as she begins a well-deserved retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and new opportunities.

The Vance County Board of Education proudly recognized the outstanding work being carried out across the district through our SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Clubs. These student-led organizations continue to foster positive school climates by promoting kindness, inclusion, leadership, and violence prevention, empowering students to make a meaningful difference in their schools and communities.

The Board also heard from students participating in the U & Me Mentoring Program, who shared reflections on the impact the program has had not only on the 4th and 5th grade students they mentor, but also on their own personal growth and development. Through mentoring, these student leaders have strengthened their communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills while serving as positive role models for younger students.

Their testimonials highlighted the power of mentorship, connection, and service, demonstrating how investing in students creates opportunities for growth on both sides of the mentoring relationship. Vance County Schools is proud of these programs and the lasting impact they continue to make in the lives of our students.

The Vance County Board of Education recognized two outstanding student teams during its June meeting for their achievements at the BrickEd State Competition. Clarke Elementary School earned 3rd Place in the Elementary Division and STEM Early High School earned 3rd Place in the Middle School Division, demonstrating excellence in teamwork, critical thinking, and engineering design. These accomplishments reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and coaches who continue to inspire a passion for STEM learning across Vance County Schools. Competing against some of the top teams in North Carolina, both schools represented our district with pride and distinction. Congratulations, Clarke Elementary School and STEM Early High School!

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett shared the following:

• Fiscal Oversight Monthly Report
• Summer Programs Update (various programs located at Zeb Vance, VCHS, V3A, AA, VCMS)
• July School Board Meeting (BOE voted to cancel July 2026 Board meeting)

The Board of Education voted and approved the following:

Finance Approvals by Area

Buildings & Grounds:

• Production Paint Contract (Painting)

• Kirland Floors Contract

• Encore Technology Phone System Contract
  

• Jordan Driving School Contract
• Uniform Surplus (Henderson Middle School)

• Henderson Vance Parks & Recreation MOU
  
• Vance County Sheriff's Office SRO MOU
• Thomas Transportation Contract

• Veale Leadership Consulting Contract
• Blazerworks

• Equalize Sensory Services
  
• Therapy Solutions
• John Sexton Audiology
• Allied Instructional Services

• AVID
• Curriculum Associates
• Discovery Ed
• Learning A-Z
• NC Elevated
• Qualtrics
• School Mint Grow
• Studies Weekly

• Cynosure Designed

• Amplify
• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Instructure

• Policy 7263 (Local Health Department added as a source of information to the policy)
• Policy 2330 (Board Meeting Agenda)
• Policy 7325 (Video and Audio Recording by Employees) - 30-day review
• 
  

• Restructuring Exceptional Childrens Services: 4 schools - Clarke Elementary (Autism services), Pinkston Street Elementary, EM Rollins STEAM Academy, Dabney Elementary
• CTE Plan 2026-2027 Academic Year

Tabled:

• Extension of a 10-year lease with Aycock Recreation
• Policy: 4318 (Use of Wireless Communication Devices)

The Board accepted the personnel summary, which included 1 new employment recommendation. We welcome Kyree Ford (Electrician). Additionally, the board accepted 8 resignations, 2 retirements, and 38 transfers/promotions.

The Vance County Board of Education approved 3 requests to transfer into Vance County Schools and 0 requests to transfer out, totaling 3 transfer requests.

2026 Meeting Schedule

July 13, 2026 (canceled)

August 10, 2026

September 14, 2026

October 12, 2026

November 2, 2026

December 14, 2026

2026 Board Meeting Schedule was adopted by the Board of Education on December 15, 2025.

Vance County Schools, located in Henderson, NC serves students Pre-K through 12th grade, as well as Early College 5th year students. There are 16 schools served in our district.

Website: www.vcs.k12.nc.us
Location: 1724 Graham Avenue, Henderson, NC, USA
Phone: 252-492-2127
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vance-County-Schools-920214704715692
Twitter: @VanceCoSchools