Davie County Schools board approves consent items, sets Early College graduation for May 22 and recognizes student achievements

DAVIE COUNTY, N.C. — The Davie County Schools Board of Education opened its regular meeting with tributes to two recently deceased local educators and moved quickly through routine business before spending most of the evening on student recognitions and a presentation about the district’s postsecondary attainment profile.

Chairman Potts opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Coach Buddy Lowry and Wayne Harp and led the invocation. The board approved the minutes from its Oct. 7 meeting after Joe moved to approve and Khan seconded; the chair announced, "Motion carries 6 0."

The board then recognized a series of student and program achievements. Jason Carter, an elementary music teacher, announced Ella Keaton’s selection to perform at the state elementary honors chorus. Emily Moore, principal of South Davie Middle School, introduced the South Davie girls tennis team after an undefeated season in the Western Division of the Tri-County Conference. Representatives from William Ellis Middle School and several athletic coaches highlighted conference championships for tennis, football and golf and named individual standouts.

"We're the best option and I think that it's important that we champion that option that we provide and the education that we provide in Davie County Schools and I'm very proud to be part of it," Superintendent Dr. Kevin Belcher said while noting wide staff participation in recent events and thanking principals and volunteers.

On routine business, the board approved its consent agenda, which included HR recommendations and policy updates tied to federal and state guidance; Joe moved, Jeff seconded and the chair announced the item carried 6-0. The board also approved a recommendation from Sam Brown, principal of the Early College, to hold the Early College graduation on May 22 at Calvary West with rehearsal scheduled for May 21 at 1:30 p.m.; Stephanie moved and Marie seconded the motion.

Belcher used the meeting to present the My Future NC 2025 attainment profile for Davie County — a report the superintendent said is published by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and assembled with partner organizations. He highlighted that Davie County’s population growth was reported at 4.4%, compared with the statewide average of 3.8%, and noted manufacturing remains the county’s largest industry at roughly 25% of employment. Belcher pointed to rising postsecondary enrollment in community colleges and career-technical education (CTE) pathways as evidence the district’s emphasis on vocational credentials and an advanced manufacturing lab at the high school aligns with local labor-market needs.

Belcher told the board the data are lagging indicators (much of the material is drawn from 2023) and that the district expects a 2026 attainment report in February. He also confirmed the district receives National Student Clearinghouse data annually to track graduates’ postsecondary enrollment.

No substantive public comments were presented during the public-comment period. Khan moved to adjourn the meeting; Joe seconded and the board adjourned.

Votes and formal motions taken at the meeting included approval of the Oct. 7 minutes (carried 6-0), approval of the consent agenda (carried 6-0), approval of the Early College graduation date (motion approved; vote announced by show of hands), and a motion to adjourn (approved). The meeting included multiple recognitions for student achievement and a district presentation on workforce and attainment data that district leaders said will inform CTE planning and partnerships.