Board Briefs

The Vance County Schools Board of Education has elected Mrs. Ayana F. Lewis of District 4 to serve as the new Board Chair. Additionally, Ms. Linda S. Cobb, who represents District 5, was elected to serve as Vice-Chair. Together, their combined experience and dedication will help guide the district’s continued progress and support for students, staff, and the community.

Students from across the district submitted artwork to be featured on the VCS Holiday card. The featured artist selected for 2025 is Xya'Kiyah Bryant, an 8th-grade student at STEM Early High. The backcover icon artwork chosen was created by Gielah Caballes, a 3rd grader at EM Rollins STEAM Academy. Congratulations to each of these students.

At the North Carolina School Boards Association Conference, Vance County Schools was recognized through the Superintendent & Board Assistants of North Carolina Public Schools Professional Certification Program, which supports superintendents and boards of education through collaboration and ongoing professional learning. Through this program, Deanna Steed earned the Certificate of Advanced Achievement by completing 100 training hours. In addition, members of the Vance County Schools Board of Education received individual recognition through the Academy for School Boardmanship, including a Gold Award for Mrs. Gloria J. White (801–900 training hours), Awards of Excellence for Mrs. Linda S. Cobb and Dr. Omega T. Perry (301–400 training hours), and a Certificate of Merit for Mrs. Ayana F. Lewis (31–100 training hours). Congratulations!

On November 15, a group of Vance County Schools students (grades 10-12) had an inspiring experience at the Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Festival in Springfield, VA, with Dr. Tim Hall. Students explored Historically Black Colleges and Universities, connected with admissions representatives, and gained a deeper understanding of academic programs, campus life, and scholarship opportunities. This enriching event broadened their post-secondary awareness and helped spark excitement about future educational possibilities. VCS is proud to support opportunities that encourage students to explore diverse pathways and a plan for college success! Thank you to the Henderson Institute Alumni Association for helping make this experience possible.

Special Education Day, recognized on December 2, is a time to celebrate the students, educators, and support staff who make inclusion, growth, and success possible across Vance County Schools. This day honors the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our exceptional children’s teachers, specialists, and support teams who work tirelessly to ensure every student is supported and able to thrive. We are proud to recognize the diverse abilities that strengthen our schools and reaffirm our commitment to meeting the unique needs of every learner.

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett shared the following:

• Fiscal Oversight Monthly Report
• 2026 Board of Education Meeting Schedule

The Board of Education voted and approved the following:

Finance

• Approval of the application for PSBCF Lottery Distribution funds to cover the cost of fire damage to EM Rollins STEAM Academy

Policy

• Fall 2025 Custom Policy Updates: 1740/4010, 1750/7220, 2125/7315, 3101, 3220, 3225/4312/7320, 3226/4205, 3400, 3460
• Policy 4318 (Use of Wireless Communication)

C&I

• Development of the VCHS Restart Continuation Plan

The Board of Education approved employment recommendations for 2. We would like to welcome Ayesha Rogers (VCMS) and Carla Fogg (EMR).

The Board accepted 6 resignations, 2 substitute teachers, 1 retirement, and 7 promotions/transfers which include Letitia Fields to Principal at Dabney Elementary, MaryLaura Christopher-Rubin to Interim Principal at New Hope Elementary, Dr. Tim Hall to Interim Principal at Vance County Early College, and Debbie Hite to Instructional Engagement Specialist at Advance Academy.

The Vance County Board of Education approved 10 requests to transfer into Vance County Schools and 4 requests to transfer out, totaling 14 transfer requests.

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2026 Meeting Schedule

January 12, 2026

February 9, 2026

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