Lenoir County Schools teacher honored; district wins $1.8 million Golden Leaf grant for middle-school curriculum

The Lenoir County Board of Education recognized Elizabeth Espino, an agriculture teacher at North Lenoir High School, as North Carolina's recipient of the North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association Turn the Key Award and noted a district grant award from the Golden Leaf Foundation.

Elizabeth Espino was honored for early-career achievement in agricultural education and will represent North Carolina at the National Association of Agriculture Educators convention. Board members praised her prior leadership as a student in FFA and her decision to return to teach in North Carolina schools.

Superintendent Williams (as recorded in the meeting) also announced that Lenoir County Public Schools has received a Golden Leaf Foundation grant totaling $1,800,000 to be distributed over six years. The grant was described as the largest single grant any Lenoir County Public Schools school has received; district staff said it is targeted for middle school curriculum advancement and instructional improvement. Staff indicated the grant involved multiple phases, an interview component with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Golden Leaf staff, and that district leaders will bring key staff to a future board meeting to discuss implementation.

Board members said the grant funds and the professional-development opportunities associated with Espino's award could be scaled to benefit multiple schools across the district. Staff asked the board to expect a full presentation on the grant implementation and named staff at a later meeting.

The board's remarks and the recognition were presented during the announcements portion of the Aug. 4 meeting.