Lincoln County Board of Education honors teachers, previews strategic plan and approves consent items
Summary
At its Jan. 13 meeting the Lincoln County Board of Education celebrated teacher and student recognitions, announced a public viewing of draft strategic-plan materials on Feb. 3, reported 77 pre-K applications and 273 volunteer mentors, and approved the agenda and consent items by voice vote.
The Lincoln County Board of Education on Jan. 13 recognized district teachers and students, previewed a nearly finished strategic plan with a public viewing scheduled for Feb. 3, and approved routine agenda and consent items by voice vote.
Superintendent Dr. Allen told the board the district "had a successful second semester launch on January 7 and had everybody return back to school." He said staff and community sessions on a strategic-plan update have produced substantial input: 52 staff participated in a recent planning session and nearly 300 community members provided feedback. Dr. Allen said the public will be able to "read the drafts" in the boardroom on Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dr. Allen also reported district volunteer and enrollment figures: 273 adults have signed up to mentor students and the North Carolina pre-K application was open with 77 applications submitted so far.
Board member Mr. Jarrett read the district mission statement, saying in part, "Lincoln County Schools will work together with students, families, and the community to ensure a quality, innovative educational program in a safe environment where students become responsible, contributing, and lifelong learners."
The meeting featured several recognitions. Dr. Karen Sumner of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching announced Caroline Beam, an English and creative-writing teacher at West Lincoln High School, as a finalist for the NCAT 2026 Burroughs Welcome Fund beginning-teacher of the year award; Sumner described upcoming finalist interviews and a March recognition at Wake Forest University. The board also saluted Melissa Culp, a second-grade teacher and K–5 literacy coach at Saint James Elementary School, as the Burroughs Welcome Fund Southwest Region Teacher of the Year and noted district nominees and community praise for her literacy work.
Superintendent and presenters noted Lincoln County now has 111 National Board–certified teachers and recognized dozens of staff who completed or renewed certification in areas including literacy and special education.
Procedural business proceeded by voice vote. The chair asked for and received a motion to approve the evening’s agenda "as presented"; Miss White moved the motion, Miss Hebner seconded, and the chair declared the motion carried after an aye vote. Later the board approved a consent agenda covering minutes, budget amendments, personnel recommendations, extended field trips and policies; the transcript records a floor motion and then a motion by Miss Hedmer with a second by Ms. Wyatt before the chair declared that motion carried by aye vote. Finally, a motion to adjourn by Mr. Sanders, seconded by Ms. Long, passed and the meeting ended.
The board announced a work session for Feb. 3 and its next monthly meeting on Feb. 10. The meeting included student spotlights and senior interviews in which students described extracurricular activities, obstacles they had overcome and postgraduation plans.
No public commenters were signed up, and the board did not enter closed session.
