Tag Archive for: #butnernews

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.

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–

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 Teachers and Manufacturing Leaders hold summit

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On Monday, June 19, a group of teachers from GCPS joined leaders from local advanced manufacturing companies for a “Pipeline to Employment” summit.  The purpose of the event was to strengthen collaboration and understanding between local Advanced Manufacturing businesses and our school district.

Advanced Manufacturing is one of the fastest growing sectors of our local economy, and there are an increasing number of well-paying careers available.  Most of these require some type of post-secondary education offered through our community college system or specialized industry training. Local Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses offer pathways into these areas as well.  It was shared that starting salaries for students with specialized credentials or 2-year degrees can start as high as $40 thousand a year, with excellent benefits and lots of opportunities for overtime.  Many of these careers can also be extended with additional BS degrees and beyond with higher levels of engineering, IT or biotech sector jobs.

During the event, educators heard from a variety of speakers, including a presentation from Alexis Franks of NC Works, Ms. Judy Woodson-Bruhn, Career Resource Specialist & Labor & Economics Analyst, from the NC Department of Commerce, and Michael McConchie, Certified Business Coach, M&M Consultants. They also had a chance to participate in industry roundtables, where representatives from twelve local companies presented information about their products and workforce needs.

Representatives from the following companies attended:

Altec

SunRock

PRM

Bridgestone Bandag

Delhaize America

Plastic Ingenuity

CertainTeed

Revlon

Stay Online

Gate Precast

NT Techno

Summit Engineering and Design

Dr. Stan Winborne, Director of the Career and Technical Education program explained the importance of the event, “Educators don’t often have an opportunity to hear first hand from local business and industry about their workforce needs.  This was a fantastic way to make direct connections between the classroom and the workplace.  The teachers who participated now have great information about all of the career opportunities to share with their students.  Not many people realize how technically advanced most of these jobs are, and they would be shocked to learn just how much money someone can make with 2 years or less of technical training – no 4-year degree required.  It’s amazing the opportunities in our own back yard.  I am grateful to the time these business leaders gave to this event.  It is evident they are truly invested in the future of our community.”

Several County Commissioners were in attendance, and Chairman Tim Karan and Commissioner Dr. Tony Cozart both offered remarks supporting partnerships to help better prepare our young citizens for careers in our local economy.  Board Chair Dr. Houlihan was also on hand and praised the efforts to bring our schools and employers together.  This event was co-planned by Mr. Harry Mills, Economic Development Director for Granville County, and the Career and Technical Education program of GCPS, under the leadership of Ms. Tamara Rodebaugh, Career Development Coordinator.

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Dr. Stan Winborne
Director of High Schools
Director of Career & Technical Education Program
Public Information Officer
Granville County Schools

Granville County Elected Officials and Staff Tour Bladen County Law Enforcement Facility

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Oxford, NC, June 23, 2017 – In preparation for future construction of its own law enforcement complex, Granville County elected officials and staff toured the recently constructed Bladen County, North Carolina, Law Enforcement Facility on Wednesday, June 22. The Bladen County facility, yet to be occupied, was toured by four Granville County Commissioners- Tim Karan, Sue Hinman, Zelodis Jay, and David Smith- as well as Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins, County Manager Michael Felts, Sherwood Boyd (Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy), Trent Brummitt (911 Center Manager), Jimmy Hayes (Detention Administrator), and Edward Cash (Lead Detention Shift Supervisor). Todd Davis of Moseley Architects also attended the tour.

This visit will make the third tour of a law enforcement facility by Granville County leadership, though it is the first facility that was unoccupied at the time.

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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.

VGCC Receives Largest Grant in School History

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CREEDMOOR, N.C. — Vance-Granville Community College today announced it received an in-kind software grant from Siemens PLM Software, with a commercial value of $31 million.

The in-kind grant gives students access to the same technology that companies around the world depend on every day to develop innovative products in a wide variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, machinery, shipbuilding, high-tech electronics and many more.

Graduates with this type of software training are highly-recruited candidates for advanced technology jobs.

The in-kind grant was provided by the Siemens PLM Software’s academic program that delivers PLM software for schools at every academic level. Siemens PLM Software is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services.

The in-kind grant for VGCC includes Siemens PLM Software’sTecnomatix® portfolio, the industry-leading digital manufacturing software.

This is in addition to a previous in-kind grant that included the company’s Solid Edge® software, an intuitive product development platform for accelerating all aspects of product creation, including 3D design, simulation, visualization, manufacturing, and design management.

Both software packages will be used by students in VGCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program.

“Vance-Granville Community College would like to thank Siemens PLM Software for this generous grant of advanced engineering software that enables our students to better prepare for successful advanced technology careers,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC. “By using the same technology in the classroom that is used by companies all over the world to develop a wide variety of products, our students gain important real-world experience during their studies that will serve them well after graduation.”

“Despite an immediate, critical need for qualified technology-trained professionals in manufacturing, our customers have difficulty finding qualified candidates,” said Dora Smith, global director, Academic Partner Program, Siemens PLM Software. “Working with Vance-Granville Community College, Siemens PLM Software is helping prepare students with the knowledge and experience to fill this skills gap and become highly qualified employees.”

About Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. VGCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program is based at the college’s South Campus, located near Creedmoor in southern Granville County. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

Legal note

Note: Solid Edge and Tecnomatix are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries.

Harry Mills Graduates from REDI

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Harry Mills, Granville County Economic Development Director, graduated in May from the Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), an intensive, three-month training program designed for rural community leaders. Rural Center President Patrick Woodie presented certificates to the program’s 31 graduates during a ceremony at the NC Rural Center.

For 27 years, REDI has helped rural leaders improve their leadership skills and increase their knowledge of economic and community development strategies, equipping them with the tools they need to tackle the issues facing their rural communities.

This year’s class participants included elected officials, economic development professionals, business owners, and civic leaders. More than 1,100 rural leaders have graduated from REDI since the program began in 1989.

Cover Photo By: York Wilson

540 Graduate from Granville County Public Schools earning 9.6 Million in Scholarships

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The 2017 graduates of Granville County Public schools participated in the final ceremonies this past Saturday under beautiful blue skies and a warm spring breeze. More than 540 students graduated from our five high schools, with thousands of supportive parents, relatives, friends and community members on hand to help celebrate the special milestone in a young person’s life.

This year’s graduating class was a particularly talented group, as evidenced by both the statistics and individual stories of success. This class of students earned more than $9.6 million dollars worth of scholarships – an all time record since the district has been tracking this information. More than 450, or 85% of the graduates were accepted into and plan to attend a 2 or 4 year college or university or proudly pledged to enroll in the armed services, and 10% had already secured employment. Several students were accepted to prestigious universities, as well as every single UNC institution of higher education.

Many student athletes were awarded substantial scholarships in various sports, including track, volleyball, softball, and even bowling! Other students received large academic scholarships, including ‘full-rides’ to NCSU, UNCG, Wingate, Peace and Winston-Salem. Future plans of the graduates span the entire spectrum, including students entering the fields of engineering, pre-med, Biochemistry, and Business. Others made plans for careers nursing, radiology, veterinary science, and agriculture. Several students will begin pursuing degrees in welding, with job offers already on the table. Other outliers include pilot’s school, cosmetology, and flight attendant’s school.

Regardless of the immediate next steps in these graduates’ plans, it is clear that Granville County Public Schools has helped prepare this talented group of young citizens for whatever lies ahead. Our community should be extremely proud of them, and feel confident that the next generation of citizens and community members will be well represented.

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Dr. Stan Winborne
Director of High Schools
Director of Career & Technical Education Program
Public Information Officer
Granville County Schools

Granville County Animal Management to Hold Free Rabies Clinic for Cats and Dogs

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Oxford, June 5, 2017- Granville County Animal Management will hold a free Rabies clinic at the Granville County Animal Shelter from 9 am-12 pm on Saturday, June 24, 2017. The clinic is made possible by a generous Granville County resident who wishes to remain anonymous.

“Making sure your dog and cat are current on Rabies vaccination ensures you and your animals do not get infected with the Rabies virus,” commented Animal Management Director, Matt Katz.

Rabies is a viral disease that may affect the spinal cord and brain of all mammals, including cats, dogs, and humans, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the acute form of the disease typically lasts for two to ten days before it becomes clinical. Once clinical signs of the disease appears, Rabies is nearly always fatal. Vaccinations are absolutely key to prevention of the spread of the Rabies disease.

The Granville County Humane Society will also be present at the free clinic, providing a microchipping service for dogs and cats at $20 per chip. Animal Advocates also will be present providing dog tags for a donation.

Please keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier when coming to the Rabies clinic.

The Granville County Animal Shelter is located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford.

For more information, please contact Granville County Animal Management at 919.693.6749 or by emailing shelter@granvillecounty.org.

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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.