Granville Adopts $87 M Budget

/by

The Granville County Board of Commissioners approved an $87 million budget earlier this month that calls for a 63-cent tax rate per $100 valuation.

The lone dissenter in the budget adoption vote was Commissioner Russ May.

The tax rate dropped 21 cents from 84 cents after the county’s most recent revaluation.

The Fire Protection Service District tax rate of 6 cents per $100 valuation will remain the same and is estimated to generate more than $3.39 million in revenue.

Highlights of the budget include:

  • an increase in close to $5 million in expenditures over the 2023-24 budget, mostly in the areas of public safety, education (Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College) and to support long-term capital needs across the county
  • funding merit pay will cost about $809,000 and rewards employees up to 4 percent, which County Manager Drew Cummings said in is “critical to improve retention rates and continuously encourage high performance standards…”
  • the more than $8 billion tax base will generate more than $54 million in revenue, assuming a better than 98 percent collection rate
  • no money will be taken from the county’s fund balance

The full budget document is available to view on the Granville County website: https://www.granvillecounty.org/

Solar+ Schools Award Provides Solar Educational Program At NGMS

/by

Northern Granville Middle School is one of nine schools across the state that will install a solar array, thanks to NC GreenPower with backing from the State Employees Credit Union.

The Oxford middle school is a recipient of the Solar+ Schools Award for 2024 – valued between $55,000 and $75,000to create a solar educational package including a fully-funded 20-kilowatt solar array, STEM curriculum, teacher training and more, according to information from Courtney Currin, GCPS public information officer.

The solar array will provide educational opportunities for students through an included weather station and data monitoring equipment. Additionally, the solar arrays will have an energy impact on Granville County Public Schools and, possibly, the community.

Superintendent Dr. Stan WInborne said he is excited about the opportunity for the district and students. “In GCPS, we are doing all we can to increase efficiency and effectively use taxpayer dollars to provide a sound education for our students. The Solar+ Schools Award at NGMS is just another way that we can make this happen.”

STEM Early High School in Vance County also received a 2024 Solar+ Schools Award.

TownTalk: 8th Annual Bee Jubilee June 22 At Granville Expo Center

/by

The Granville County Beekeepers Association’s 8th annual Bee Jubilee happens Saturday, June 22 and will feature a variety of workshops and demonstrations designed for those with lots of experience handling those honey-producing insects all the way down to folks who want their gardens to be pollinator-friendly havens.

“North Carolina really does love their pollinators,” said Christi Henthorn, the president of the Granville group and one of the Bee Jubilee organizers. She said previous events have brought a couple of thousand folks to the Expo Center to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes of the day.

There will be food trucks on site, as well as more than 100 vendors, all of whom offer handcrafted items, with a focus on bees and other agriculture-related products.

“You literally could come out the whole day and not be bored,” she said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. There will be plenty of activities for the kids, not to mention a competition featuring entries that promote beekeeping, honey and beeswax. There are categories for kids to enter, too.

We love honeybees because they produce honey – Henthorn calls them the “poster child of the bee world” – but pollinators come in all shapes and sizes, from bumblebees and native sweat bees to wasps, hornets and hummingbirds.

Generally speaking, bees aren’t aggressive to people, Henthorn said, as long as “you let them do their thing and give them their space.”

Sometimes, though, they occupy space they shouldn’t and people find hives in their homes. Don’t call the exterminator – call your local beekeeper. Chances are, the hive can be safely removed and placed somewhere safer for all involved.

The beekeepers’website has a link to the rules for the competition, so take a look if you’ve got a honey-themed item to enter. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Check the Bee Jubilee Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/beejubilee/

to find a schedule of events soon, including different talks and demonstrations. The popular auction begins at 1:30 p.m. and the winner of the “Honey for a Year” raffle will be announced at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

Visit https://granvillecobeekeepers.wildapricot.org/ and click on Bee Jubilee to learn more.

Click Play!

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Gets Digital Learning Grant From NC DPI

/by

”

 

Granville County Public Schools is one of four districts from across the state to receive a one-year grant to help implement effective digital learning practices.

The grant will provide $50,000 to the district to support the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force work and AI Camp for 8th-12th grade students, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

The State Board of Education approved proposals from GCPS, as well as school districts in Guilford, Nash and Perquimans counties, according to a press release from NC DPI. The Emerging Technology grants, up to $50,000, will allow districts to use technology and develop more innovative practices within their schools.

GCPS Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne said, “We’re excited to take yet another step in preparing our students for the changing technology landscape and entering technology-rich work environments. This grant will also help our staff stay updated on AI to enhance cybersecurity.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said the grants are key to helping North Carolina’s students be better prepared to compete for high-wage, high-demand careers while supporting districts in their effort to adopt new technologies and methods for teaching.

“These grants are a fundamental way to ensure that we are providing supports and resources for digital teaching and learning in North Carolina’s schools,” Truitt said. “If we want our state’s students to have ample opportunity for success after graduation, we must properly equip both students and educators with the tools to succeed and teach in our rapidly evolving, technology-forward world. These grants play a critical role in that effort.”

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, DPI’s chief information officer, echoed Truitt’s sentiments.

“Technology continues to play a significant role in shaping successful outcomes for students, especially as the workforce continues to be increasingly digitally driven,” Wrenn said. “It is important for students to be well versed in the latest technologies, and the agency is continually impressed by these districts’ innovative approaches to digital learning outlined in their proposals that will ultimately lead to student success.”

In addition to the Emerging Technology grants, seven Impact Grants also were recommended by the State Board of Education to allow districts to facilitate the development of innovative practices and new digital teaching initiatives. Funding for the Impact Grant is up to $95,000 per public school unit for a total of three years. The seven recipients of this grant are below:

  • Alamance-Burlington School System
  • Catawba County Schools
  • Chatham County Schools
  • Edenton-Chowan Public Schools
  • Guilford County Schools
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • Lake Norman Charter School

Impact Grant funding will continue for six school districts that were awarded during previous grant cycles:

  • Asheboro City Schools (Year 2/3)
  • Caldwell County Schools (Year 3/3)
  • Davie County Schools (Year 3/3)
  • Iredell-Statesville Schools (Year 2/3)
  • Mount Airy City Schools (Year 3/3)
  • Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (Year 2/3)

The grant initiative was authorized in 2016 by the General Assembly as part of collaboration between the State Board of Education and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at N.C. State University to advance the state’s Digital Learning Plan. The goal of that plan is to develop a long-term strategy that sets directions and priorities, supports innovation and provides resources to enable educators and students to benefit fully from digital-age teaching and learning.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Announces New Principals At 2 Middle Schools

/by

-information courtesy of GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin

 

Two of the three middle schools in Granville County Public Schools will have new principals next year. The Granville County Board of Education At its regularly scheduled meeting on June 3, 2024, the Board of Education named Jessie Shore as the new principal of G. C. Hawley Middle School and Anthony Herndon was named as the new principal of Northern Granville Middle School.

Shore comes to GCPS from Neuse River Middle School where she was an assistant principal and math/science teacher for five years, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Shore attended Western Carolina University for her undergraduate degree and, later, administration licensure. She also holds a master’s degree from Salem College. Shore has a passion for education and ensuring the success of all students. She looks forward to meeting and working with the Hawley community to make the school the best place to learn for all students.

Herndon has been with GCPS for numerous years, serving most recently as the assistant principal at Butner-Stem Middle School. Before becoming an administrator in GCPS, Herndon taught math in grades 6-8, Math I, and Math II; and served as a District Math Specialist. He has also worked in Vance County Schools, Warren County Schools, and at NC DPI in various capacities. Herndon is a graduate of both Winston-Salem State University and Liberty University. He believes all students deserve an opportunity to have a good education that can help prepare them for their future, Currin stated. Herndon also believes it is important to create a secure and well-structured learning environment where all students can learn, discover and grow academically, emotionally and socially.

The board also chose Chasity Rivera to become the assistant principal at Butner-Stem Middle School, Michael Spradlin to be assistant principal at Wilton Elementary and Daniel DuLany to be assistant principal at SparkNC.

OPS Senior Chosen For Granville Chamber Scholarship

/by

Information courtesy of Granville County Chamber of Commerce

An Oxford Preparatory School senior has been selected as the first scholarship winner from Student Spotlight honorees recognized throughout the year by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce.

AleYaun “AJ” Heggie has been selected as the winner of the scholarship by the Chamber’s  Education Committee, according to a press release from Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Ratliff. Heggie, who worked at the OPS after-school program, will attend N.C A&T State University in the fall.

This scholarship program was created to recognize and support the outstanding students within our community who demonstrate excellence through their work, internships and volunteer efforts, Ratliff stated,

The committee accepted Student Spotlight nominations on a quarterly basis from chamber members who employ, mentor or support Granville County students. These exceptional students were acknowledged with certificates and subsequently invited to apply for the Chamber’s scholarship.

Granville County Public Schools

2 J.F. Webb Seniors Awarded More Than $2 Million In Scholarships

/by

Information courtesy of GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin

Two J.F. Webb High School seniors have been recognized for each receiving scholarships totaling more than $1 million.

Kailie Galdamez, headed off to UNC-Chapel Hill, was awarded 13 scholarships. Fellow senior Bryson Gresham, headed to East Carolina University Honors College, received 21 scholarships.

Galdamez and Gresham join classmates for graduation on Saturday, June 8 at 9 a.m.

GCPS graduation ceremonies for the class of 2024 will be livestreamed. Visit https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/ and click on the graduation link.

The students expressed their gratitude and acknowledged the support they received during their time at J.F. Webb. “Having counselors to help me through my new experience of college applications was really helpful,” Galdamez said. Gresham stated, “I am grateful for all my administration and teachers who helped me along my journey at J.F. Webb.”

Galdamez received the following scholarships: Wingate Merit Scholarship, FBCA Impact Scholarship, UNC Chapel Hill Merit Award, UNC-Chapel Hill Carolina Covenant, Meredith Merit Scholarship, Hofstra Presidential Scholarship, Appalachian State Merit Scholarship, UNC Pembroke Merit Awards, Johnson & Wales Presidential Scholarship, Johnson & Wales Merit Scholarship, Hollins University Presidential Scholarship, High Point University Merit Scholarship and the J.F. Webb Alumni Scholarship.

Gresham received the following scholarships: Lenoir-Rhyne University Promise Scholarship, Barton College Trustee Scholarship, Wingate University Presidential, Campbell University Scott Ellis Scholarship, Campbell University Housing Award, Western Carolina Merit, Belmont Abbey Trustees Merit Scholarship, Catawba College Presidential Scholarship, Queens University of Charlotte Presidential, High Point University Presidential Fellowship, High Point University Centennial Award, High Point Merit Award, East Carolina Honors College Merit Scholarship, East Carolina Mathematics Scholarship, Furman University Bell Tower Scholarship, Appalachian State Excellence Scholarship, Sewanee Ecee Quam Bonum Award, Wofford College Merit Scholarship, UNC Wilmington Merit Scholarship, John Little Memorial Scholarship and the J.F. Webb Alumni Scholarship.

 

VGCC Logo

VGCC Hosting FAFSA Nights To Help Parents, Students Navigate Federal Aid Application

/by

Vance-Granville Community College’s Financial Aid Office is hosting a series of FAFSA Night meetings to help families with students in college or headed to college – as well as adult learners – understand the federal financial aid application.

The first FAFSA Night was scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 at VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson. The next event is set for Thursday, May 23 at the Warren Campus, followed by Tuesday, May 28 at the Franklin Campus and Thursday, May 30 at South Campus in Creedmoor.

If you plan to use financial aid for Fall 2024–Summer 2025, you will need to complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA application to determine your eligibility for Title IV Aid.

VGCC’s Financial Aid team will be available to provide assistance with the FAFSA application on the dates and times below:

VGCC Warren County Campus

May 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Building 1, Room W1107
210 West Ridgeway St.
Warrenton, NC 27589

VGCC Franklin County Campus

May 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Building 1, Room F1124
8100 NC 56 Highway
Louisburg, NC 27549

VGCC South Campus

May 30, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Room G1103
1547 South Campus Dr.
Creedmoor, NC 27522

Oxford Plans Memorial Day Service Monday May 27 At 11 AM

/by

The City of Oxford invites the community to a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony Monday, May 27, at the Granville Veterans Memorial Wall, located in front of City Hall.

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., according to information from Oxford Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards. Rene Adams, representing the group Gold Star Mothers is, the featured speaker. The event serves to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend. City Hall is located at 300 Williamsboro St. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Oxford Names Downtown Economic Director

/by

Oxford City Manager Brent Taylor has announced the hiring of Kenia Gomez-Jimenez as the city’s new Downtown Economic Director.

In her new role, Gomez-Jimenez will help develop the downtown economically and culturally and build relationships with stakeholders, Taylor said, and she will be active in implementing the city’s Main Street program, which provides downtown strategic economic development planning, revitalization, small business development, and the rehabilitation of historic properties.

Pierre Gingue, the president of the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corp., welcomed  Gomez-Jimenez.  We are excited to see the enthusiasm, energy, and community-centered approach she will bring. We anticipate transformative growth and prosperity for our city’s core,” Gingue stated.

As a native of Vance County and a graduate of UNC – Chapel Hill, Gomez-Jimenez’s academic journey in Political Science and Philosophy ignited a deep-seated commitment to public service and community empowerment.

“I look forward to collaborating with the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation existing downtown businesses, and community leaders to forge lasting positive impacts and cultivate a dynamic downtown community in Oxford,” said Gomez-Jimenez. “Most importantly, I’m excited to engage with the citizens of Oxford to enrich our downtown’s livability and elevate it as a pivotal destination for new businesses and visitors alike.”

During her time as Regional Program Coordinator at the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments Gomez-Jimenez showcased her exceptional project management skills. She spearheaded the branding communications strategy for the Council, fostering robust relationships with regional stakeholders, citizens and local governments. Her most notable achievement was successfully administering federal and state grant programs, securing a substantial $200,000 in funding for active transportation projects across the five-county region. This feat, accomplished in less than a year, significantly enhanced the region’s infrastructure and promoted sustainable development.

Gomez-Jimenez is active in the community by serving on various boards and councils. Notable among these are her roles on the Henderson Optimist Club Board of Directors, Salvation Army of Henderson Board of Directors, and the Vance County Cooperative Extension Advisory Leadership Council. She was recognized as the 2023 Henderson Optimist of the Year and a graduate of the Leadership Vance 2023 program, and she has earned accolades for her outstanding contributions to community development and leadership. Gomez-Jimenez is fluent in both English and Spanish and believes diversity is a cornerstone of vibrant, thriving communities.