Board Briefs

This month, the Vance County Board of Education honors our 16 school counselors for the vital role they play in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. From guiding students through challenges to celebrating their successes, our counselors help every student thrive. We are also grateful for their collaboration and support of students and staff members in their buildings through the MTSS process. Thank you to our counselors for your dedication, care, and unwavering support!

The Vance County Board of Education proudly recognizes Black History Month, celebrating the achievements, contributions, and legacy of Black Americans throughout history. This month, we honor the trailblazers, leaders, and everyday heroes who have shaped our communities, our state, and our nation. We remain committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and cultural awareness in our schools, ensuring every student learns about and appreciates the rich history and enduring impact of Black Americans. Dr. Tim Hall shared that there will be a traveling exhibit available throughout the district as part of honoring Black History Month. Join us this month as we celebrate, reflect, and learn together.

February is Love the Bus Month, and the Vance County Board of Education wants to honor our amazing bus drivers and monitors who safely transport our students every day. Your dedication ensures that students arrive at school ready to learn and thrive. Bus driver appreciation is February 9-13.

We recognize the following staff for perfect attendance during the 2024–2025 academic year:

Drivers:

Rudolph Bates, Albert Bullock, Jacqueline Fields, Shirley Jones, Sheldon Purnell, Patricia Terry
Monitor: Linda Teague

Thank you for your commitment, reliability, and care! You truly keep our students moving in the right direction!

The Vance County Board of Education proudly recognizes Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, celebrating the programs that prepare our students for high-demand careers and real-world success. CTE provides hands-on learning, essential skills, and pathways to college and careers, empowering students to explore their passions and reach their full potential. There are 16 CTE clusters of careers that lead to workforce readiness. Students are competitive for the workplace with credentials including OSHA, construction safety, FEMA competencies, automotive credentials, ServSafe, and so many more! There were 586 credentials earned last academic year. There were 688 credentials earned in the Fall of 2025. Career pathways begin in 5th grade. We applaud our CTE teachers and students for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence!

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett shared the following:

• Fiscal Oversight Monthly Report

• NCDPI Certificates (2024-2025): Vance County Early College (Outstanding Graduation Rate 95.6%) & Exceeding Academic Growth: Aycock, VCMS, EO Young, Pinkston Street, and VCEC. Schools that met growth were also announced.

• School Calendar Revisions: The state allocates 5 remote days, which VCS used with the most recent inclement weather. With the most recent closures, it was recommended that Friday, February 13, transition to a full instruction day, and Friday, March 27, be a regular school day for students and staff. The board unanimously approved.

• A motion was made and approved to close Carver Elementary and New Hope Elementary beginning the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Board of Education voted and approved the following:

• Waite Psychological Contract increase of $30,000 to ensure continuity of services
  
• Aya Healthcare contract for the remainder of the academic year
• Amendment #1 Budget Resolution

Fall Custom Updates Approved:

• Policy Code: 1600 Governing Principle – Professional Development
• Policy Code: 2127 Board Member Technology
• Policy Code: 2302 Remote Participation in Board Meetings
• Policy Code: 3227-7322 Web Page Development
• Policy Code: 4130 Discretionary Admission
• Policy Code: 4150 School Assignment
• Policy Code: 4152 Unsafe School Choice Transfer
• Policy Code: 4240 Child Abuse-Reports and Investigations
• Policy Code: 7425 School Administrator Contracts
• Policy Code: 7910 Retirement

• VCHS Restart Continuation Plan

The Board accepted the personnel summary, which included 2 new employment recommendations, which include Tanisha Terry (Pinkston) and Lee Christine Williams (Transportation). Additionally, the board accepted 3 resignations and 1 substitute.

The Vance County Board of Education approved 9 requests to transfer into Vance County Schools and 4 requests to transfer out, totaling 13 transfer requests.

2026 Meeting Schedule

March 9, 2026

April 13, 2026

May 11, 2026

June 8, 2026

July 13, 2026

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