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Board approves Crosby Scholars partnership; district to review MOU details
Summary
The Surry County Schools board voted to join a regional Crosby Scholars program (grades 6–12), with Goodwill funding the first three years; the board asked legal staff to review the 10-year MOU and noted at least one abstention by a member seeking more information.
The board voted to enter a regional partnership with Crosby Scholars, a college- and career-readiness program serving grades 6–12, after trustees discussed funding, governance and long-term commitments.
A district representative described the program as “research-based” and externally funded in its early years, with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina covering the program’s first three years. The presenter said Crosby Scholars has a history of supporting students through mentoring, advising, campus visits and scholarship assistance and projected annual operating costs in the range of $200,000 to $300,000 for the regional program.
Board members asked how long-term costs would be handled; the presenter said districts that participate typically negotiate fundraising strategies for a modest ongoing contribution (an estimated $10,000–$15,000 annually split among participating districts) and that the 10-year memorandum of understanding allows districts to withdraw without financial penalty if circumstances change.
Board members moved to join Crosby Scholars with the condition that the board attorney review the MOU and bring final documents back to the board. The motion passed by voice vote after discussion; at least one trustee registered an abstention to allow more time for review.
Next steps: the district attorney will review the proposed MOU and return recommended language and fiscal clarifications to the full board before final implementation.
