Board Briefs

Two Vance County Schools Board of Education members were recently re-elected to represent their districts: Mrs. Gloria J. White and Mrs. Ruth M. Hartness. They each took their Oath of Office at the December 12, 2022 Board of Education meeting before Judge Henry Banks.

Mrs. Gloria J. White represents District 1, serving on the Vance County Board of Education since 2002. White shared, "It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Vance County. I am very appreciative of the people in District 1, for their continuous support and confidence in me. I believe in education. I believe that receiving a quality education can change a person’s life and the world. Without a quality education the future of our nation will be very bleak. I am proud to live in Vance County and be a member of the Vance County Board of Education."

Mrs. Ruth M. Hartness represents District 7, serving on the Vance County Board of Education for 22 years. Hartness attended Kansas State University and was previously employed with American Home Life Insurance Company doing layout and printing of their monthly news pamphlet. She shared, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my service on the Board. I work with incredible educators! I look forward to continuing my work with Dr. Bennett who has done a phenomenal job leading the Vance County Schools. My mission is to support her in our efforts to educate the young people of Vance County so they will be prepared and be successful when they leave us."

Mr. Randy M. Oxendine and Mr. Omega T. Perry took their ceremonial oath of office, officiated by Judge Henry Banks as well at the December 12, 2022 Board of Education meeting as newly elected Board of Education members.

Mr. Oxendine represents District 2 on the Board of Education. He previously served a 4-year term on the Board of Education. A retired Vance County Schools educator, Oxendine is excited to return to the Board to serve. Oxendine shared, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." He graduated from Elon University and is in the Athletic Hall of Fame for football. He has coached a variety of sports over the years. He is a member of Brookston Presbyterian Church. Oxendine is married to the outgoing board member for District 2, Darlynn Oxendine. They have two children and two grand children.

Mr. Perry represents District 6 on the Board of Education. He is currently a pastor at Cook's Chapel AME Zion Church in Henderson and St. Mary's AME Zion Church in Kittrell. He is also a substitute teacher with Warren County Schools. Perry shared, "I am excited. My motto is helping the community one person at a time." Mr. Perry is taking the seat formerly held by Mrs. Margaret Ellis, who retired after serving on the Board of Education for 32 years.

The Board of Education voted a new chair and vice chair at their December meeting. Mrs. Gloria J. White (District 1) will serve as the School Board Chair and Mr. Randy M. Oxendine (District 2) as Vice-Chair.

Mrs. Margaret A. Ellis and Mrs. Darlynn P. Oxendine were honored for their service to the Vance County Board of Education. As outgoing Board Members, they each received a rocking chair for their service to our district. Additionally, Mrs. Ellis was presented with a photo album of her retirement celebration. Mrs. Oxendine was presented with a poster of her time with our district, as well as having the first volleyball game of the 2023-2024 season declared as Darlynn Oxendine night, with all fundraising proceeds going to the charity of her choosing.

The Board of Education recognized Victoria Williams, Kia'Shanti Hargrove and Sali Hauter for their artwork being selected for 2023 Arts Alive promotional items. Students were presented with their artwork framed, as a sentiment for their artistic work.

The Board of Education recognized Thuy Nguyen and Calleigh Reynolds as the artists featured on the 2022 District Holiday Card. The district presented each of them with a framed copy of their work. Their artwork was featured on the district holiday card, shared with other school districts across the state, as well as local officials, businesses and organizations.

National Special Education Day was December 2. The Board of Education honors all of our special education staff and students, while also celebrating Ms. Claudia Dennis, the Vance County Schools Special Educator of the Year. Natashalyn Snipes, Executive Director of Exceptional Children, shared that Special Education Day was first celebrated in 2005 which was the 30th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. President Gerald Ford signed the law on November 29, 1975. National Special Education Day was celebrated December 2, 2022.

December 5-11 is Computer Science Education Week. This is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity and celebrate the contribution of students, teachers and partners to the field. Ms. Amy Langston shared the work of this area within the Career and Technical Education program in Vance County Schools and the future we see to add opportunities for students.

The North Carolina School Board Association (NCSBA) conference was held in November, where the Vance County Board of Education was honored with the Silver Bell Award. The recognition is for training excellence and commitment to whole board training throughout the 2021-2022 year.

STEM Early High School was honored at the NCSBA Conference, taking first place in the Middle School Video Contest. You can view their winning video below!

As the district developed their 3-year strategic plan, the visual identity was unveiled with a new logo for VCS. We are excited to showcase the visual identity for each of our schools, as we develop a consistent logo, mascot, color palette and font. Check out the video below!

Dr. Cindy Bennett, Superintendent, shared that the COVID-19 dashboard continues to be updated on the VCS website.

The Board of Education voted and approved the following:

Pathway to Praxis: Cohort 2

Policy Updates

Turning Point Contract for Coding Programs

The Board of Education approved 26 employment recommendations. We would like to formally welcome the following: LaKesha Dean (Aycock), Marinda Daye (Carver), David Rincon (EMR), Ellen McAllister-Flack (EMR), Rachel Swain (Orange), Melinda Mayer (Person), Marlou Fabruada (Pinkston), Karen Christmas (Transportation), Marshall Hunt (Transportation), Shonte Hargrove (Transportation), Schana Kearney (Transportation), Edzel Anne De Guzman (VCHS), Christopher Hardy (VCHS), Odyssey Jones (VCHS), Darlene Orapa (VCHS), Patrick Pama (VCHS), Rowena Vida (VCMS), Venice Arellano (VCMS), Terri Elam (Dabney), Kathleen Janes (Durham), Gibert Caballes (New Hope), Tracy Potter (New Hope), Rasheedah Harris (Transportation), Mildred Ocariz (VCHS), Roland Bangalan (VCHS), Laura Abraham (Wake).

The Board accepted resignations for 11, retirements for 6, temporary/substitute employment for 8, transfer/promotions for 3 and 7 contracted services.

The Vance County Board of Education approved 13 requests to transfer into Vance County Schools and 3 requests to transfer out of Vance County Schools.

January 9, 2023 – Second Monday

February 13, 2023 - Second Monday

March 13, 2023 – Second Monday

April 3, 2023 – First Monday

May 8, 2023 – Second Monday

June 5, 2023 – First Monday

July 10, 2023 – Second Monday (If needed)

August 14, 2023 – Second Monday

September 11, 2023 – Second Monday

October 9, 2023 – Second Monday

November 20, 2023 – Third Monday

December 11, 2023 – Second Monday

Adopted by the Board of Education on December 12, 2022.

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