Board Briefs
Vance County Schools - June 2025
Vance County Board of Education Honors Native American Heritage Month
The Vance County Board of Education proudly recognized Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate their rich histories, diverse cultures, and invaluable contributions. Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney, Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation, reaffirmed the district's commitment to fostering awareness, respect, and inclusion within Vance County Schools, ensuring students learn about the lasting impact of Native American heritage in our nation and community, not just this month, but every month.
Vance County Board of Education Honors Veterans Day
The Vance County Board of Education proudly celebrated Veterans, honoring the courageous men and women who have served our nation and who continue to serve our schools and students with dedication, discipline, and heart.
The Board honored the following Vance County Schools employees for their honorable military service:
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Milton Thomas, U.S. Marines – 30 years | Safety & Security, VCS
Master Sergeant Michael Alston, U.S. Army – 31 years | Distribution, VCS
Colonel Garry Lunsford, U.S. Air Force – 25 years | JROTC Instructor, Vance County High
Command Chief Master Sergeant Kimberly Lamb, U.S. Air Force – 29 years | JROTC Instructor, Vance County High
Sergeant First Class Jeremy Hetrick, U.S. Army – 21.5 years | Child Nutrition Director, ASC
Technical Sergeant David Hunt, U.S. Air Force – 20.5 years | Child Nutrition, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
Private Richard Batts, U.S. Army – 10 years | Teacher Assistant, Vance County Middle
Private Second Class Kim Pegram, U.S. Army – 9 years | Transportation, VCS
Specialist Quentin Ramseur, U.S. Army – 8 years | Instructional Support Assistant, Aycock Elementary
Specialist E4 Jesse Zackary, U.S. Army & National Guard – 8 years combined | Maintenance Crew Leader, VCS
Private First Class Odyssey Jones, U.S. Army – 8 years
Specialist E4 Fred Jones, U.S. Army – 6 years | Head Custodian, Vance County Middle
Staff Sergeant Linda Bristow, U.S. Army – 6.25 years | Pinkston NC EdCorps Tutor
Petty Officer 2nd Class (MU2) Sherri Damon, U.S. Navy – 5 years | Teacher, E.O. Young/Carver Elementary & Vance County High
Sergeant Reginald Shearin, U.S. Marines – 4 years | Staff, Vance County Middle
Sergeant James Owens, U.S. Marines – 4 years | Dean of Students, Vance County High
Senior Airman Stephanie Ayscue, U.S. Air Force – 4 years | Secondary Education, ASC
E3 Lennis Dionne Sample, U.S. Navy – 4 years | Teacher, Advance Academy
Private First Class Ralphel Holloman, Sr., U.S. Army – 2 years | At-Risk Support Specialist, VCS
First Lieutenant Juliet Black-Jasnosz, U.S. Air Force – 3 years | Assistant Principal, Vance County Early College
Airman First Class Tracey Fontanet, U.S. Air Force – 2.5 years | Teacher, Aycock Elementary
Private First Class Tiffany Branch, U.S. Army – 3 years | Administrative Assistant, Vance Virtual Village
Airman First Class Adrian Davis, U.S. Air Force – 3 years | Transportation Specialist, VCS
Chief Officer of Human Resources, Chelsa Jennings, and Chief Officer of Student Services, Rey Horner, presented each veteran with a special pin, expressing the deepest gratitude for each of these individuals' selfless service, courage, and continued commitment to excellence in education. Vance County Schools is proud to have these heroes among its team—individuals who exemplify leadership, integrity, and dedication both in uniform and in the classroom.
Board Recognized Morrison-Thomas for Award
We proudly recognize Dr. Kerry Morrison-Thomas for receiving the Teacher Leadership in Gifted Education Award, an honor that highlights exceptional dedication to gifted children and youth through the Duke University Education Department. This award celebrates her commitment to excellence in teaching, advocacy for equitable access, and leadership in advancing gifted education. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and appreciation for this well-deserved recognition.
Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett shared the following:
- Fiscal Oversight Monthly Report
- STEAM/STEM Day, with presentations by by Principals Jessica Austin (STEM Early High) and Dr. Carnetta Thomas (EM Rollins STEAM Academy)
- Strategic Plan Update
- School Improvement Plans
Action Items by the Board of Education
The Board of Education voted and approved the following:
- Waite Psychological Services Contract
- Initial Budget Resolution approval for fiscal year 25--26
- Policy 2130 revision approved
Personnel
The Board of Education approved employment recommendations for 4. We would like to welcome Fanta Terry (Pinkston), Makala McFaddin (Clarke), Patricia Jones McGhee (LBY), and Taneda Brooks-Shirley (Pinkston).
The Board accepted 6 resignations, 1 substitute teacher, and 2 promotions/transfers.
Student Transfer Requests
Overnight / Out of State Field Trip Approvals
- Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Festival Field Trip - November 15 in Springfield, VA
About Us
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