MADISON, N.C. — At its Jan. 12 meeting the Henderson County Board of Public Education celebrated teachers and student programs across the district.

Dr. Karen Sumner of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching presented Sarah Schwartz, a third‑grade teacher at Mills River Elementary, as a finalist for the NCAT 2026 Burroughs Welcome Fund Beginning Teacher of the Year. School and district leaders praised Schwartz's classroom work and the support of Mills River staff.

Principals from Dana Elementary and North Henderson High School presented their school improvement plans. Dana principal Amy Cleveland described simplifying the plan to two primary goals — student fluency in reading and math and development of leadership skills — using monthly SILT meetings and progress tracking. North Henderson administrators described three "big rocks" that include a 5% proficiency target across several EOC subjects and strategies to strengthen ACT and WorkKeys results while expanding multicultural outreach and family technology events.

Student groups and teachers showcased programs: West Henderson's student‑run "Mister WHHS" fundraiser reported raising about $33,000 in the 2025–26 school year and more than $168,000 over four years to support families across 13 schools; Hillandale students described the United Way GEM (Girls Empowered) curriculum offered at nine schools; and Innovative High School students summarized clubs that deliver community outreach (Key Club, Young Scientists, mock trial, peer mentoring).

Board members praised the student leadership and interschool collaboration the presentations demonstrated and congratulated teams on recent regional awards and state titles in performing arts and cheer.

The board closed the segment by thanking students and staff for the presentations and inviting the public and board members to visit schools for firsthand observation.