Superintendent spotlights students, staff and construction progress at board meeting
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Summary
Dr. Ayers recognized staff and student achievements—including Kim Jones completing the NC ASBO academy and teachers who exceeded EVOS growth—and updated the board on construction bids, art winners and a Jan. 22 joint meeting with commissioners.
Dr. Ayers used the Dec. 16 Jackson County Public Schools Board of Education meeting to recognize staff achievements and to update the board on instructional and construction matters.
The superintendent introduced Kim Jones, a district finance accountant, and congratulated her for completing the NC Association of School Business Officials Business Management Academy in seven months. "Kim has served as the finance accountant role with JCPS for less than 2 years," Dr. Ayers said, and noted Jones as an emerging school business leader who aspires to a chief finance officer role.
Dr. Ayers also recognized a slate of teachers who "exceeded growth" on the state's EVOS measure for the 2425 school year and singled out Michelle Long as the district's highest growth index. The superintendent described the EVOS designation process and praised the teachers as "the best of the best in Jackson County Public Schools."
On district operations, Dr. Ayers reported program and capital updates: student artwork winners Maeve Loudon (cover art) and Karimi Faria (inside cover) were selected for the annual superintendent's Christmas card; bids for the Smoky Mountain High School track went out in October and a contractor has been awarded; bids will be issued for Fairview's new cafeteria and kitchen; soil borings and architect drawings are underway for the Smoky Mountain Middle School site and projects at Blue Ridge. Dr. Ayers said the board will meet jointly with the Jackson County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Burrell Building on the SCC campus to discuss construction projects and provide updates.
Dr. Ayers closed by thanking staff across departments and volunteers for a busy month, noting the district served "about 4,500 meals on a single day in about 3 hours altogether" during the November Thanksgiving luncheon.
What comes next The board will discuss construction projects with county commissioners on Jan. 22 and reconvene for its regular meeting on Jan. 20, 2026.