Granville County Commissioners to kick-off new Law Enforcement Center

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PUBLIC NOTICE

A quorum of the Granville County Board of Commissioners may be present on Thursday, July 13, 2017 for an official kick-off of the Law Enforcement Center Project. The kick-off will be held at 1:45 p.m. at the Granville County Senior Center located at 107 Lanier Street, Oxford, NC, in the large conference room. For more information, please contact the County Manager’s Office at 919-693-5240.

Debra A. Weary

Clerk to the Board

 

Debra A. Weary

Clerk to the Board

Assistant to the County Manager

P.O. Box 906

141 Williamsboro Street

Oxford, NC  27565

Recent VGCC grad featured in career pathways discussion for educators

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Educators, local industry representatives, community leaders and a recent Vance-Granville Community College graduate shared ideas at a panel discussion organized on June 21 by the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training Alliance (AMSTA), a partnership of VGCC, Granville County Schools, Franklin County Schools, Warren County Schools and Vance County Schools.

The event was part of “AMSTA Summer Cruisers 2017,” a multi-day program that brought teachers from the four counties together to learn more about manufacturing and the regional economy. Day three of the program was held at Franklinton High School and began with greetings from the state’s deputy superintendent of public instruction, Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, who applauded the participants and said AMSTA is a model for the state.

Next, a discussion on “career pathways” featured panelists Ronnie Goswick, the director of business and economic development at Carolina Sunrock and a former Franklin County economic development director; Arlan Peters, manager of sustainability at Novozymes North America in Franklinton; Eric Breit, director of strategic initiatives for the Capital Area Workforce Development Board; and Thomas Boyd of Henderson, a recent VGCC Mechatronics Engineering Technology program graduate.

Barbara Boyce, representing the Triangle Regional Career Pathways Collaborative (TRCPC), served as the moderator. The collaborative consists of three workforce development boards, five community colleges (including VGCC), ten public school districts and numerous community and industry partners. The primary goal of TRCPC is to develop career pathways to align with the regional labor market and support the regional economy.

Goswick told educators that he hopes K-12 teachers will focus on so-called “soft skills,” good work habits and professionalism, which apply to any type of work. “We can train them on the job skills they will need for a particular job,” he said of new workers at his company. Similarly, Peters said that schools should produce “students who are good thinkers, who can solve a problem,” and said basic science was essential for his company. “Even in jobs that aren’t science-related, you can use your scientific training,” he noted.

Boyd was asked to talk about his pathway. He graduated from Southern Vance High School, worked for a few years, and then enrolled at VGCC, originally intending to study web design. Boyd then switched to the college’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program, primarily due to his interest in robotics. “Mechatronics is a program that combines different parts of many different fields, a little electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, a little bit of design, and overall industrial maintenance, so you’ve got a little bit of everything to get you started when you’re looking for a job,” Boyd said. “After a year in the program, I was approached about an internship opportunity for a design job at AXIS Corrugated Container, a manufacturer in Butner. I enjoyed taking the design classes, so I took the internship. After I completed the internship, they offered me a full-time job, and I’ve been working there a little over a year now.” In May, he became one of VGCC’s first three Mechatronics graduates.

Boyd said it would be beneficial for younger students to learn generally about how businesses operate, how to network and how to communicate professionally. He added that teachers should explain to students the job opportunities available for students if they earn two-year degrees, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. “Your average high school student thinks they want to go to a four-year school and they’ll automatically get a great job right from the start, but a lot of them don’t realize that you can get a two-year degree and get a really nice-paying job,” Boyd said. “Even if they want to go to a four-year school, doing the two years at a community college first will help them out in the long run. It gives them a good start with a couple years to figure out what they really want to do, and then they can decide on furthering their education somewhere else.”

Breit, representing the workforce development field, said according to the latest research, “the quality of the current and future workforce is now the single most important factor for industry recruitment and retention, so employers want to know about not only current workers but also about the local schools.” He added that the nine Triangle-area counties, including both urban and rural areas, are considered a single labor market, “so it makes sense for workforce development boards, community colleges and public schools throughout the region to put our heads together to see how we can better collectively serve the region, our employers and our students.” Breit said that TRCPC is focused on jobs that are in demand, in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, information technology, life sciences and health care.

After the discussion, a second panel was held to discuss school choice and its impact on the public school systems. Speakers included Dave Machado, director of the Office of Charter Schools at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, assistant director of that office.

Finally, attendees received updates from several guests. Jo Anne Honeycutt, director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, said that her department is emphasizing Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities and is working on a new high-school-to-college articulation agreement that will help students transfer their high school course credits to colleges. LaTanya Patillio, a former CTE teacher and the new teacher advisor to Gov. Roy Cooper, addressed educators and said that “AMSTA is an example of what public schools are doing right.”

Tresha Layne from the Southern Regional Education Board said that she is working with AMSTA on professional development tied to project-based learning, and praised the partnership for helping the K-12 schools collaborate with VGCC and employers to develop a skilled talent “pipeline.” Sara Lloyd, VGCC’s director of customized training, added that she fields calls from industries about their workforce development needs and helps to connect them to K-12 schools and the college concerning internship opportunities.

Attendees concluded the event by touring Franklinton High School’s Career & Technical Education wing.

For more information on AMSTA, contact Stephanie Ayers at ayerss@vgcc.edu or (919) 316-0026.

–VGCC–

Granville County Board of Education Names New Superintendent

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The Granville County Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection and appointment of Dr. Alisa McLean as the next superintendent of the Granville County Public Schools (GCPS). Dr. McLean will take office on July 19.

During the search process, the board carefully reviewed applications from a diverse field of 46 excellent candidates. Although many qualified candidates applied, the board felt that Dr. McLean’s leadership, experience, and dedication to students would best serve GCPS students, staff, and the community for years to come. The board is confident that Dr. McLean will lead the school system to even higher achievement. 

Dr. McLean has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning over 20 years in North Carolina. Since 2016, she has served as the assistant superintendent for teaching, learning, and leadership for the Durham Public Schools. Prior to her current position, Dr. McLean served as an area superintendent for the Durham Public Schools (2014-2016). Dr. McLean also previously served as a school transformation coach with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (2011-2014) and as an assistant superintendent in the Alamance-Burlington School System (2009-2011). She began her career in public education as an assistant principal and principal in Roxboro and Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Dr. McLean has an impressive academic background as well, including a bachelor’s degree in English education from Elizabeth City State University. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from East Carolina University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also participated in and later served as a consultant and assistant director for the Principals’ Executive Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. McLean looks forward to the opportunity to lead the Granville County Public Schools and becoming an active member of the community. Dr. McLean  is the daughter of Dr. & Mrs. AC Robinson, Jr. of Elizabeth City, NC.  She and her husband, Attorney Frankie McLean are the proud parents of their daughter Imari, who is an ACC scholar track and field athlete and rising Senior at NC State University. Dr. McLean has issued the following statement about the position:

“I am both, excited and honored to join the Granville County Public Schools family and community.  Together, I know we will accomplish great things and surpass expectations for all of our students.  I truly believe the best is yet to come!”

Please join the board in welcoming Dr. Alisa McLean as the new superintendent of the Granville County Public Schools.

Thirty Seven Domestic Violence Related Homicides Reported in NC in 2017

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From January 1 to July 2, 2017, there have been 37 Homicides as a direct result of Domestic Violence in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

THIS HAS TO STOP!

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, please call FAMILIES LIVING VIOLENCE FREE.

919-693-5700 or Hispanic line 919-690-0888 anytime day or night, 7 days a week.

You could be saving a life…may be your own.

 

Peggy Roark

Adult & Empowerment Services

Families Living Violence Free

125 Oxford Outer Loop Road

PO Box 1632

Oxford, NC 27565

Office: 919-693-3579

Crisis: 919-693-5700

Website: www.flvf.org

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VGCC connects students and new graduates to employers

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As the end of the spring semester approached, the staff of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program at Vance-Granville Community College held their first-ever “College-to-Career Mixer” for students to meet with potential employers. Not only were 15 new graduates of the Welding Technology and Mechatronics Engineering Technology programs in attendance, but also five students who were not yet ready to graduate but were looking for potential Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities.

Prior to the event, college staff members drilled the students on job interview techniques, and some students participated in mock interviews. All received resume preparation assistance and detailed information about the employers who would be in attendance at the mixer. Participating employers included BFS Industries, LLC, of Butner; Bridgestone/Bandag of Oxford; Novozymes North America of Franklinton; Carolina Sunrock of Kittrell and Butner; Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions of Youngsville; Glen Raven of Norlina; Delhaize America of Butner; J.P. Taylor/Universal Leaf of Oxford; and Altec of Creedmoor. 

“As we move forward, VGCC will be looking for ways to increase our synergy with our employer partners while providing a robust pipeline for qualified future employees,” said Zane Styers, who manages the TAACCCT grant. “Industry tours, Work-Based Learning, internships and apprenticeships are options that form the framework for our College-to-Career pipeline.”

The $1.75 million TAACCCT grant, the largest single competitive grant in VGCC history, has helped the college develop and enhance innovative training programs for advanced manufacturing careers. The TAACCCT grants are part of a nearly $2 billion initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor to expand targeted training programs for unemployed workers, especially those impacted by foreign trade. For more information on TAACCCT, contact Zane Styers at styersz@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3342.

–VGCC–

Keep Independence Day celebrations safe with these fire-safety tips

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RALEIGH – Officials with the N.C. Forest Service encourage people to celebrate Independence Day by viewing public fireworks displays rather than risk starting fires with their own fireworks.

“The careless use of sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and other Class C fireworks can cause wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Each year, wildfires in North Carolina endanger people, destroy millions of dollars’ worth of timber and property, and damage the environment.”

If people use their own fireworks, here are some safety tips:

  • Don’t use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina.
  • Do not use fireworks near woods or any combustible material.
  • Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision.
  • Follow the instructions provided with the fireworks.
  • Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol.
  • Always use in a large, open and, preferably, paved area or near a body of water.
  • Have a rake or shovel and a bucket or two of water on hand.
  • Monitor the area for several hours after use.

With more homes being built in wooded areas, it’s important to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires in residential areas, said State Forester David Lane. “In addition to taking measures to use fireworks safely, campfires or grills should never be left unattended and should never be started with gasoline,” Lane said.

Ashes should be doused in water and stirred. Repeat this process to ensure the ashes are cold. Never put ashes in a paper bag or other flammable container, but instead place them in an outside metal container or bury them in mineral soil in a garden. Never store ashes in a garage, on a deck or in a wooded area. Double-check ashes and coals before throwing them away to make sure they won’t start a fire.

Granville County Board of Education Appoints Acting Superintendent

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On Thursday, June 29, the Granville County Board of Education announced several important updates regarding key leadership positions at the district level.

 

Following the retirement of Dr. Dorwin L. Howard Sr. as Superintendent effective June 30, the Board appointed Dr. Michael A. Myrick, to serve as Acting Superintendent until the new Superintendent search process is finalized. Dr. Myrick serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services.

 

During this interim role, Dr. Myrick will assume the responsibilities as Superintendent and also take on the added duties associated with Maintenance & Facilities, Transportation and Safety.

 

Ms. Beth Day, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, will take on the added duties of Child Nutrition, and Custodial, Recycling/Energy Education and Warehouse Services.

 

Both Dr. Myrick and Ms.. Beth Day are contractually employed through June 30, 2018.

 

Ms. Betty Hicks was named Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Clerk to the Board of Education effective July 1. Ms. Hicks has more than 17 years experience working with Granville County Public Schools, having served in school-based support roles, and most recently as the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations.

 

Board Chairman Thomas Houlihan offered his comments on the changes, “The Board has been working very hard over the past several months to find the best possible candidate to lead our schools as Superintendent. These adjustments in personnel will help ensure continuity of services for our students and the community. Once the new Superintendent is announced, we can continue the progress toward transforming our schools to be the best in the state, and even the nation. Our students deserve nothing less.”

 

The Granville County Board of Education has scheduled a special called meeting on Thursday, July 6 at 6:00 pm for the purposes of personnel.  The meeting will take place at 101 Delacroix St. Oxford, N.C.

Granville County provides new option for proper disposal of worn U.S. flags

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Oxford, June 29, 2017- In partnership with the National Association of Counties, the National Flag Foundation and the National Sheriffs Association, Granville County has installed a flag retirement box, at no cost to the county, at the Granville County Administration Building at 141 Williamsboro Street, Oxford. Flags should be folded respectfully before being placed in the box.

The United States Flag Code prescribes flag etiquette — everything from flying it near other flags to instructions on how to raise and lower it. “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning,” says the code. 

Members of Boy Scouts will be responsible for the proper disposal of the worn flags. Flag disposal boxes are provided free of charge to NACo member counties thanks to generous national sponsorship from Nationwide Insurance & Lamar Advertising.

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About Granville County Government:

Granville County Government enhances the quality of life for the citizens of the County by providing an array of services through a responsive, effective, and efficient local government. Learn more at www.granvillecounty.org. Follow Granville County Government on Facebook @GranvilleCountyGov.

About National Association of Counties:

The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments.  Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service.  More information at: www.naco.org.

Granville Board to Meet July 10, 2017

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Debra Weary, clerk to the Granville County Board of Commissioners, has announced to the media a change of the July meeting date.

In an email she wrote, “The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet on Monday, July 10, 2017 instead of Monday, July 3, 2017 as previously advertised due to the July 4th holiday. Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. at the Granville Expo & Convention Center located at 4185 Highway 15 South, Oxford.”

Visit Granville County online at www.granvillecounty.org.

VGCC celebrates first graduates supported by ‘VanGuarantee’ scholarship

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HENDERSON, N.C. — When six students walked across the stage to receive their degrees at Vance-Granville Community College’s May commencement exercises, they quietly made history. They were among the first graduates of the college who had received the “VanGuarantee” scholarship to help eliminate any financial barriers standing between them and their academic goals.

The innovative scholarship program was first announced in 2016 by the president of the college, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, with the first scholarships being awarded in the fall 2016 semester. The VanGuarantee was made possible by a $1.6 million bequest to VGCC from the estate of Wilbert A. Edwards, a resident of Oxford at the time of his death and a native of Vance County. The gift, announced in 2015, is the second largest in the history of the college. 

Three of the VanGuarantee recipients participating in Commencement were graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program: Brittany Champion of Creedmoor, Courtney Humphries of eastern Granville County and Erin Woodlief of Franklinton. Alicia Toler of Raleigh, a former Granville County resident, graduated with an Associate in Arts degree. Kristen Honaker of Henderson completed a degree in Pharmacy Technology. Tanisha Silver of Warrenton graduated from the Medical Office Administration degree program.

“Receiving the VanGuarantee meant a lot to me,” Silver reflected. “I received a community college grant for the fall 2016 semester, but I still didn’t have enough to pay for my books. I was told about the VanGuarantee scholarship, and I was ecstatic about it. It has helped me out a lot, because it has made it possible for me to finish school.” Silver is currently in the job market for employment in a doctor’s office or hospital setting and is considering continuing her education at the bachelor’s degree level. A former certified nursing assistant and a mother, she said she waited until all of her children were in school to work on advancing her own career through education.

Toler said she was very appreciative of the opportunity that the VanGuarantee provided her. She intends to transfer into a four-year university to study nursing. “Had it not been for the VGCC Financial Aid Office staff, particularly Ms. Tonya Strum, telling me about the VanGuarantee scholarship, I don’t think I would have been able to stay in school,” Toler said.

At least two graduates are already employed, Champion in the emergency room at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham and Humphries at Maria Parham Health in Henderson, working in Outpatient Surgical Services. “I am very thankful that I was able to receive the VanGuarantee this year,” Humphries said. “It has helped me finish my last two semesters of RN school. I am truly blessed beyond words!”

The VanGuarantee is designed to cover tuition, student fees and/or textbooks for eligible students whose financial needs are unmet by federal financial aid and other means of support. The program is one of a number of “promise” or “guarantee” programs across the country, created by individual colleges or by states, in response to growing concerns from policymakers and students about the rising cost of higher education. In 2016, the VanGuarantee was recognized by the White House and national groups focused on college affordability.

Some college promise programs are open only to recent high school graduates, but the VanGuarantee applies to all eligible adults in the four counties, reflecting VGCC’s longstanding tradition of helping adults retrain for new careers at any age.

Among the eligibility requirements for the VanGuarantee, students must reside in the college’s service area (Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties) and qualify for in-state tuition. Eligible students must enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester in any VGCC curriculum program and not already possess a post-secondary degree from any college or university. They must first apply for and meet the eligibility requirements for federal and state financial aid programs. Next, they apply for endowed VGCC scholarships. When students still lack the funds to pay for their education after exhausting those and other sources, the VanGuarantee program helps to fill the gap. That makes the program an example of what is often called a “last-dollar scholarship.”

Once enrolled in the VanGuarantee program, students must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) to continue receiving the scholarship.

For more information on applying for the VanGuarantee, students can visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/vanguarantee.

–VGCC–