The superintendent for Edgecombe County Public Schools said last week that students will be in the right place at the right time this year because they will have a passionate and effective staff, the addition of a new early college and the creation of a student advisory committee consisting of 115 high school students across five schools.
Dr. Andy Bryan gave those remarks at a convocation held early last week for staff, faculty and administrators at Edgecombe Community College’s Keihin Auditorium to start off the new school year on a high note.
The theme for the convocation was, “From every zip code, for every child.”
The 2024-25 school year for traditional public schools begins Monday. It will mark the first time that students from every zip code in Edgecombe County will be served by Edgecombe County Public Schools.
That's because Nash County Public Schools and Edgecombe County Public Schools jointly decided to terminate an agreement in which all students who live in Rocky Mount would attend Nash County schools. Since that demerger has taken affect, about 1,200 students who live on the Edgecombe County side of Rocky Mount are now part of the Edgecombe County Public Schools system.
As part of the demerger that was finalized this summer, Baskerville Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Parker Middle and D.S. Johnson Elementary schools recently were transferred to the Edgecombe County Public Schools system.
Last week's convocation began with Bryan introducing himself, the Board of Education, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Michael Myrick and Fletcher White, the human resources specialist for the school system. Afterward, he introduced Edgecombe County Manager Eric Evans; Dr. Gregory McLeod, president of Edgecombe Community College; and Edgecombe County Sheriff Clee Atkinson as community speakers for the convocation.
Evans began his remarks by talking about his first day as a history teacher 30 years ago before highlighting the county's “Get Off the Lists” initiative that he has been leading. Evans stressed that the school system's staff "are at the front lines of this mission" and are helping change the trajectory of the county by educating the region's future workforce.
McLeod followed those remarks by stressing the importance of the community college in furthering the education of students. McLeod said that the community college is "here to be a student’s first and last choice,” and he talked about the community college's efforts to hold competitions, programs and tours to foster learning.
Atkinson concluded the community remarks portion of the convocation by expressing his excitement for working with the school system to promote safety and learning in schools. He encouraged the school system's staff to stay motivated throughout the school year.
Bryan expressed his gratitude for having school board members who care about students, staff, administrators and the community before introducing Dr. Evelyn Shaw Wilson, chairwoman for the county's school board.
Wilson told a brief story about her first interview as a secretary for a school before giving some advice to teachers, noting that they "must be fair" and treat students with respect.
After introductory remarks were concluded, the convocation continued with administrators from each school introducing themselves via video that was projected onto the screen. Administrators briefly shared their vision for their students and staff, as well as the significance of their school within the larger school district.
During a school spirit competition, Baskerville Elementary School won the top prize, which was to have lunch with the superintendent. Beginning Teachers of the Year and Teachers of the Year also were recognized for their contributions.
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