Board Briefs

The Vance County Board of Education proudly recognized the 2024–2025 Spotlight Students—one exceptional honoree from each school—selected and celebrated throughout the academic year. As part of the Student Spotlight program, students participated in Experience Raleigh, an enriching trip that included visits to Freedom Park, the North Carolina State Capitol, the Legislative Building, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and a special meeting with NC Representative Bryan Cohn.

The program culminated in a memorable Red Carpet Soiree, held prior to the May Board of Education meeting, where each student was honored in style.

The Student Spotlight program is made possible through the support of the Vance County Public School Foundation, MAKO Medical, and Vance County Schools.

Congratulations to our 2024–2025 Spotlight Students:

• Damira Williams

• Landon Roberts

• Cyrus Deane

• Briyanna Mitchell

• Kaylor Cross

• Rylee Williams

• Awwad Almawri

• Kanaelah Miles

• Ireana Tuck

• Zahra Hendricks

• Lucas Tyburski

• Jakayla Kearney

• Nicola Thompson

• Jamel Anderson

• Rihanna Williams

• Fatima Ramirez

The Vance County Board of Education recognized the current Leadership Vance class. In partnership with the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, Vance County Schools hosted the group for an engaging Education Day. The visit began at Clarke Elementary, where participants learned about the Community Schools model, Advanced Teaching Roles, Outdoor Learning Centers, Fitness Parks, and observed classroom instruction.

The tour continued at Vance County High School with stops at the student-built Tiny House, the Chorus class, and the Public Safety and Horticulture programs. At the Center for Innovation, Culinary Arts students at Café de Vance prepared and served lunch. Leadership Vance participants also explored the CFI campus, experiencing the video production lab, SLICE medical program, and EnTech and touring STEM Early High.

The day concluded with a tour of the Administrative Services Center (ASC) and a panel discussion with the Superintendent’s Cabinet.

The Vance County Board of Education recognized Kristen Boyd for her recent presentation on Advanced Teacher Evaluation with members of The Innovation Project’s Opportunity Culture Consortium. Her work was featured as part of a professional learning event hosted by the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, highlighting Vance County Schools’ commitment to innovative practices and educator excellence.

The Vance County Board of Education proudly celebrate and honors the outstanding contributions of our educators and support staff. This nationally recognized week serves as a reminder of the powerful impact teachers, instructional assistants, office personnel, custodians, counselors, social workers, nurses, district staff, bus drivers, cafeteria teams, and so many others have on the lives of students each and every day.

These dedicated professionals go beyond the call of duty—nurturing curiosity, providing stability, inspiring achievement, and creating safe, supportive learning environments for all. Whether in the classroom, behind the scenes, or on the front lines of school operations, their commitment shapes futures and strengthens our community.

The Board of Education extends heartfelt thanks to all team members who make a difference in the lives of children—not just this week, but every day of the year. Each staff member in the district was presented a branded picnic blanket as a token of appreciation.

The Board of Education recognized School Communicators Day, a special occasion to honor the vital work of our district communications team and the dedicated school-level staff who manage school-based social media and websites. These individuals play a key role in telling our story, building trust, and keeping families, staff, and the community informed and engaged.

We thank our communicators for being the voice behind the vision and for their tireless work in highlighting the people and progress that make Vance County Schools shine.

(Pictured are just a few of our school communicators - the team is robust and we are grateful for each and every person who gives their time and energy to help tell our story)

The Vance County Board of Education recognized the district for earning six Blue Ribbon Awards from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) for excellence in school communications. The awards were presented during a statewide ceremony in High Point on April 11, 2025.

Vance County Schools was honored in several categories, including:

• Gold – Electronic Media (Your Voice, Our Story)

• Gold – Image/Graphic Design (Fitness Park: Fit For Fun)

• Silver – Marketing (Shining Stars: VCS Student Spotlight)

• Bronze – Electronic Media (The Safe Way to Start Your Day)

• Bronze – Image/Graphic Design (Getting to Know You Information Cards)

• Bronze – Publication (News You Can Use)

Vance County Schools was one of just 35 districts statewide to be recognized in NCSPRA’s prestigious Blue Ribbon Awards program. Dr. Bennett also shared that Aarika Sandlin, Chief Officer of Communication and Innovation, serves on the Board of Directors for NCSPRA and was recently elected as an officer.

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett shared the following:

• Fiscal Oversight Monthly Report
• Summer Schedule: Monday-Thursday; June 30-July 21; 7:30 AM - 5 pm (30 minute lunch); staff have the option to continue with the 8-5 schedule with an hour lunch, Monday through Thursday, and take 4 hours of leave. Any full week taken for leave equates to 40 hours.
• Athletic Updates:

• Spring Sports Update – Vance County High School

  • Women's Flag Football: 45 student-athletes participated in our inaugural season, which has created great momentum and strong interest of over 50 for this upcoming season.

  • Baseball: 18 dedicated players gave their all this season. While the record doesn’t reflect it, their effort and commitment, alongside their coaches, were outstanding.

  • Softball: 12 players competed with heart, finishing with a record of 6-9.

  • Women’s Soccer: 22 athletes led the team to an impressive 11-7-2 record. A win today secures a spot in the playoffs—good luck!

  • Men’s Golf: 10 players represented VCHS with excellence. The team won Coach of the Year and Sportsmanship of the Year for the second year in a row.

  • Track and Field: 4 athletes are advancing to regionals:

    • Maurice Jackson – Shot Put

    • Nekkieus Hargrove – Long Jump & Triple Jump

    • Shalome Forbes – 100m Dash

    • Clarence Debnam – 400m Dash (Back-to-Back NLAC Conference Champion)

  Fall Sports Preview – 2025 School Year

  • Football (Varsity & JV): 90 student-athletes projected to participate.

  • Women’s Tennis: 12 student-athletes projected to compete in this new sport at VCHS.

  • Women’s Flag Football: 45 student-athletes projected for fall season participation.

  • Volleyball: 22 students have expressed strong interest.

  • Cheerleading: 60 students are currently trying out.

  • Women’s Golf: Interest meeting scheduled soon.

  • Men’s Soccer: Interest meeting scheduled soon.

The Board of Education voted and approved the following:

Finance

• The audit contract for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025 and to secure the services of FORVIS MAZARS, LLP.
• Budget Resolution #3 Amendments & Transfers for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
• The appropriation request to be provided to the County Manager for their planning and thoughtful consideration. The Board of Education reserves the right to amend this request as needed between now and May 15th per state statute. If so desired, the Administration will prepare an amended request to the County at that later date.
• The School Nutrition Procurement Plan to align with and complement the BOE Policy 6430/7730.
• An increase in EC contracts to close out the FY 2024-2025 and directs staff to take advantage of any discounts and/or move expenses to save the district valuable resources should funding allow prior to June 30, 2025.

Policy

• Changes to Policy 2130

Curriculum

• VCS 2025-2028 AIG plan

The Board of Education approved employment recommendations for 6. We would like to welcome Joseph Walker (ASC), Chadwick Denton (Maintenance), Ernestine Brodie (Pinkston), Shaqueema Wilson (Pinkston), Donovan Daley (VCMS) and Samuel Anglin (Zeb Vance).

The Board accepted 1 retirements and 3 resignations.

The Vance County Board of Education approved 22 requests to transfer into Vance County Schools and 2 requests to transfer out, totaling 24 transfer requests.

VCHS Football Camp to NC Wesleyan College June 12-June 14.

2025 Meeting Schedule

June 9, 2025

July 14, 2025

August 11, 2025

September 8, 2025

October 13, 2025

November 10, 2025

December 8, 2025

2025 Board Meeting Schedule was adopted by the Board of Education on December 9, 2024.

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