Tag Archive for: #granvillecountypublicschools

Larry Ferebee Named Principal At J.F. Webb In Oxford

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Schools

Larry Ferebee has been named principal at J.F. Webb High School.

The announcement was made Monday at the regular scheduled meeting of the Granville County Board of Education, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

Ferebee retired from the U.S. Army after more than 20 years before entering the field of education. After retirement, he taught for 11 years in a Title I high school in Virginia and then served as principal or assistant principal at high schools in Wake, Northampton and Franklin counties.

While in the Army, Ferebee was an instructor, drill sergeant and First Sergeant and served in Germany, Korea, Egypt and Iraq.

In addition to a variety of instructional and leadership experiences, Ferebee brings a commitment to the success of all students, a passion for the development of excellence in teaching and learning, and a promise to do his best for and with the staff and students of J. F. Webb High School every day.

According to the press statement, Ferebee wants everyone who enters J.F. Webb High School feels welcome, safe and excited to be there. His goal is that all students know how much he and the staff love and care for them. Through relationships, he will strive to provide instructional opportunities that lead to students graduating career and college ready.

“I am very grateful for the staff and community members from J. F. Webb who assisted in the search process for their new leader,” said GCPS Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne. “I believe Mr. Ferebee will lead the school forward and help Webb continue its upward trajectory.”

Granville County Public Schools Leadership Changes

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-information courtesy of GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin

The Granville County Board of Education approved several changes in district leadership positions at its Feb. 5 meeting and, in doing so, reduced the number of central services staff by two positions.

Vickie Hines was named the district’s Chief Financial Officer. She has been serving as an interim in that role since March 2022. Hines has worked with GCPS since 2007, and has held roles as Early Childhood Education coordinator, grants program coordinator and assistant finance officer.

Courtney Currin was named assistant superintendent of Human Resources and Operations and will begin that role July 1, 2024. She currently is the executive director of Human Resources and public information officer; Currin will continue as public information officer for the district, but will be succeeded by Latisa McKnight as the new executive director of Human Resources, also effective July 1, 2024.

Currin has close to 20 years of experience in public education – all in GCPS. She began her career as an English teacher at J.F. Webb High School and has served as an assistant principal and principal at multiple grade spans. She has served in the Human Resources department since July 2021.

McKnight, currently the personnel coordinator within the Human Resources department, will assume the director duties in the new fiscal year. McKnight came to Granville County School as a principal intern at Butner-Stem Elementary and went on to be assistant principal for five years and then principal for six years at Creedmoor Elementary.

The role of personnel coordinator will not be filled, according to the press release. The second position that will not be filled is executive director of Operations, currently held by Bill Graham, who announced his retirement after 36 years in education, including terms as principal of South Granville High School, Granville Central High School and Granville Academy.

“I am very confident that these proven leaders will do an exceptional job in their new roles. As we continue to address the upcoming budgetary challenges, we will maximize efficiency and target our resources to where they matter most, closest to our schools, serving our students,” said Superintendent Stan Winborne.

“By consolidating services at the Central Office level and reducing positions, we will save approximately $118,600,” Currin said in an email to WIZS News.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board Of Education Approves 2024-25 Calendar With Aug. 12 Start Date

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Parents with children in Granville County Public Schools, take note: The first day of the 2024-25 school year is inching forward a couple of weeks after the Granville County Board of Education approved the traditional-year calendar Monday.

Students will return to school on Monday, Aug. 12, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin. The earlier start date means an earlier end date, with the school year coming to a close before the Memorial Day holiday. Students returned to school this year on Aug. 28.

Another bonus comes for high school students, who will complete exams and first semester before the winter break.

Currin said the the calendar committee incorporated feedback from parents and significantly reduced the number of early release days to better meet the needs of the district’s families. This calendar also includes a small fall break in mid-October and puts the district’s calendar in line with local charter schools, she said.

The Granville Early College High School’s calendar is closely aligned with Vance-Granville Community College’s calendar to facilitate cross-enrollment for its students. The first day of class for Early College students is Wednesday, Aug. 7.

View both calendars at https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/.

 

 

Granville County Public Schools

Granville School Board Approves Leadership Changes

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Granville County Public School’s new superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne has announced leadership changes approved by the board of education.

The board held a special meeting on Monday, July 10.

Jamar Perry has been named assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services.

Courtney Currin is the new executive director of Human Resources and Public Information Officer.

Perry begins his fifth year with GCPS and was most recently assistant superintendent for Human Resources.

Currin has worked in GCPS for almost 20 years and most recently served as the federal personnel director within the Human Resources department.

“The individuals in these new roles will bring stability and strength to our senior leadership,” Winborne said in a press statement.
“Each has a deep connection to our district, a strong work ethic, and an absolute commitment to the students of GCPS.  I am very optimistic about our future and look forward to a great school year for our students and educators.”

Winborne noted that Bill Graham. executive director for Operations, and Vickie Hines, interim finance director, will continue in their roles and complete the executive team for the district.

Winborne was sworn in on June 29, 2023 and assumed the role of superintendent on July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Alisa McLean.

VCS Gets $50,000 Emerging Technology Grant

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Vance County Schools has been awarded a $50,000 Emerging Technology grant which it plans to use to provide students with a simulator to program robots, including virtual drones.

The local school district was among 12 across the state to get the grant, which is part of the state’s Digital Learning Initiative, designed to promote  effective digital learning practices across the state’s K-12 public schools.

Granville County Public Schools also got $50,000 to create a mobile podcasting studio for students, school employees and community use.

These one-year grants allow districts to use technology and develop more innovative practices within their schools.

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.

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“These grants are such a critical way we continue providing digital teaching, learning supports, and resources for North Carolina’s districts, educators, and students,” Truitt said. “I commend these districts for their support of digital innovation and desire to incorporate technology into the classroom. These grants will make a difference in the way we equip our students for the rapidly changing, technologically driven world that they will soon enter.”

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, chief information officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, echoed how these grants positively impact a student’s learning experience and better prepare them for the world ahead.

“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. We continue to be impressed by these schools’ innovation with their grant proposals and how the funds are used to transform student’s educational experience.”

N.C. Sen. Bode Visits Granville Early College Campus

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N.C. Sen. Mary Wills Bode visited the campus of Granville Early College High School as part of the inaugural Bring Your Legislator to School Day.

Bode was elected to represent District 18, which includes part of Granville County, in November.

During her visit, Bode toured the school with Principal Jackie Harris, Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean and several members of the board of education. A group of students provided special entertainment for the visit.

“We were delighted to have Senator Bode visit our district,” said Board Chair Glenda Williams. “I was very proud of our students for being amazing leaders and sharing information about their wonderful school.”

Lawmakers were invited by members of the NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Network, the Public School Forum of North Carolina, and bi-partisan legislative sponsors to visit schools in their respective jurisdictions and engage with school communities. Bode was one of more than 70 legislators to accept the invitation to participate.

McLean said she appreciated the legislator taking the time to come to the school. “It was wonderful to have Senator Bode in our district today.  We loved her spending time with our students and taking an interest in our schools.”

Visit Mary Wills Bode to learn more.

Dr. Stan Winborne New Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools

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The Granville County Board of Education has named Dr. Stan Winborne as the new superintendent of Granville County Public Schools, effective July 1. Winborne will succeed Dr. Alisa McLean, who is retiring after 30 years as an educator in North Carolina.

“I am honored and humbled by our Board of Education’s decision to name me as their next Superintendent.,” Winborne said in a press release. “I have tremendous respect for Dr. McLean and her excellent leadership and service to the children of our district. I wish her nothing but the best in her retirement and look forward to working with our board and amazing educators to build upon the successes during her tenure. I believe GCPS is poised to do great things and prepare our students to thrive in a changing world!”

Winborne currently serves as Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services for Granville County Public Schools. He has held numerous roles in the district, including Assistant Superintendent and Executive Director of Operations and Human Resources as well as Director of Secondary Schools & Career and Technical Education. He also has been the GCPS public information officer for the past 13 years.

In 1996, Winborne began his year career in education with Granville County Public Schools as its first and only English as a Second Language teacher. He was a teacher for 10 years before moving into administration.

As a graduate from Tulane University, Dr. Winborne earned a Bachelor of Arts dual degree in Spanish and International Relations. He received his Master’s degree in Language Education from Indiana University, an Education Specialist degree from George Washington University, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

Two J.F. Webb Students Selected To Attend 2023 Governor’s School

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Schools

Two J.F. Webb High juniors will be spending part of their summer at Governor’s School, the annual enrichment residential program for rising seniors across the state.

Both young women have chosen English as the discipline they will focus on during the summer program.

Chapman Burnette and Destiny Royster will participate in the summer residential program, according to information from Granville County Public Schools spokesperson Dr. Stan Winborne.

Burnette chose English because of her passion for reading and writing – especially writing. “I find writing stress-relieving and engaging, as I have to carefully think out every word and put it in the right place so that whatever I’m writing is clear and works cohesively,” Burnette stated.

Outside of school, Burnette enjoys playing volleyball and creating digital art. After graduation, she plans to attend a 4-year university to major in criminology. She is the daughter of Caroline and Scott Burnette.

Royster said the’s thankful for being selected. “Governor’s School is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I am incredibly thankful. She stated that she hopes it will open up opportunities in the future as senior year and graduation get closer.  Her hobbies include designing houses on her games and spending quality time with family.  Her post-high school plans are to study economics or business.  Destiny would like to pursue a career in architecture and real estate. She is the daughter of Tia Royster-Williams and Archie Williams.

The North Carolina Governor’s School is a 4-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students that integrates academic disciplines, the arts and unique courses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and does not involve credit, tests, or grades.

Governor’s School programs are located on the campus of Meredith College in Raleigh and Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem

The North Carolina Governor’s School is the nation’s oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted high school students. The program, which is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made for rising juniors in selected performing/visual arts areas, is located on two campuses of up to 335 students each.

Granville School Board Terms Reduced From 6 Years To 4, Finally

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Granville County residents who may be pondering running for a seat on the Board of Education, take notice: The General Assembly passed a law that changes the terms of school board members from six years to four.

And it only took four years to undo what had been done more than 30 years before as a result of a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice.

As a result of House Bill 30, school board elections will be held in even-numbered years at the same time as primaries for county offices.

Districts 3 and 4 will kick off the new process, with elections in 2024; districts 1,2 and 6 follow in 2026 and districts 5 and 7 will come up for election in 2028.

In 1987, the Granville County Public School system was involved in a civil rights lawsuit brought by the U. S. DOJ. On Feb. 17, 1989, U.S.-District Court Judge Terrence W. Boyle signed a consent decree setting up the election of Board of Education members by seven geographical districts within the county, rather than all seats being at- large.  At the time, terms were set for six years.

“Almost every other school system in North Carolina already had four-year terms,” Dr. Stan Winborne, GCPS assistant superintendent and public information officer, said in a statement announcing the change earlier this week.

“The thinking of the board was that this change would encourage more citizens to run for office and for board members to complete their terms of service,” he explained.

But it wasn’t quite so simple to un-do what had been done. Back in 2019, the board began discussions about changing term limits back to four years, Winborne said.  But first, it needed approval from the Voting Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. and then ask for a modification of the 1989 consent decree from the United States Eastern District Court.

The process further slowed during the pandemic, but finally, on Mar. 29, 2022, Judge Boyle signed a consent decree to change the term limits to four years.

N.C. Rep. Terry Garrison first introduced the legislation in June 2022, but it failed to reach the House floor.

Then, after the November mid-term elections, a resolution for support of this change was unanimously adopted at the Jan. 23, 2023 school board’s work session and forwarded to N.C. Rep. Frank Sossaman, N.C. Rep. Matthew Winslow, and State Senator Mary Wills Bode. House Bill 30 was filed by Representatives Sossamon and Winslow on Jan. 30 and it became law on Mar. 9.

“The Granville County Board of Education is grateful for the diligence and support of Granville County’s legislative delegation in fast-tracking this much needed change in term limits. It was important to the board that this bill be passed before the next election cycle,” said Board Chair Glenda Williams.

 

 

Granville CTE Students Have Internship Opportunities

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One of the ways that Granville County Public Schools is observing CTE Month in its district is by sharing information about internships that give students job experience while earning high school credit.

During the internship period, students gain experiences and skills that promote their learning and skill set related to a career or a career pathway, according to GCPS Public Information Officer Dr. Stan Winborne.

Interns must complete 120 hours to earn the credit, but they gain so much more – from observing and participating in the daily operations of the business to having unique access to particular careers and performing specific job tasks related to the business.

The teacher, student and the business community jointly formulate the details of the internships, which can be paid or unpaid, Winborne noted.

Oxford Parks and Recreation has had interns in the past, and Director Tina Cheek said it’s been a positive experience.

“Our past interns have allowed us opportunities to train and teach new skills as well as share experiences within the department. Interns allow us the opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on things we do every day. Hosting an intern is definitely a win-win,” Cheek stated.

Students get to develop those “real-world” skills that employers find desirable: time management, perseverance, problem-solving and teamwork, just to name a few.

Sound good?

To be eligible for an internship opportunity, a student must be a CTE concentrator – which means having successfully completed a second-level CTE course in a career pathway. Students can obtain their own internship site or they can ask for assistance from their CTE teacher or from GCPS Career Development Coordinator Tamara Rodebaugh.

Business leaders who would like to join the internship program can contact Rodebaugh at rodebaughtw@gcs.k12.nc.us.