Ernest Cooley

This strategic plan for Hertford County Public Schools is a roadmap guided by the principle "Pursuit of Excellence, Reaching Our Potential," aiming to provide a transformative education. It focuses on fostering academic success, personal growth, and preparing students for a dynamic world. Key goals encompass academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and the development of essential life skills, with an emphasis on enhancing student engagement and elevating academic performance. The plan is built on values of inclusivity, equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, striving to prepare graduates to be informed, compassionate, and active members of society.

Bearfield Primary School's strategic plan focuses on creating a supportive and challenging environment where all students can succeed. Key goals include producing globally competitive students through collaboration, fostering leadership among 21st-century professionals, promoting health and responsibility among students and staff, guiding innovation collaboratively, and ensuring governance and support through 21st-century systems. The plan emphasizes high expectations, a no-fault approach, and a commitment to lifelong learning and productivity for all members of the school community.

This board meeting focused on updates and information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion included the spread of the virus, symptoms, testing procedures (PCR and rapid antigen tests), isolation and quarantine guidelines, the impact of long-term illness, and vaccine updates. A pilot program for on-site rapid antigen testing in schools was also discussed.

The board meeting covered updates on the new school construction, which is progressing well and on schedule to open in August 2021. An accountability update was presented, including data on graduation rates and the use of iStation for progress monitoring. Discussion included the use of iStation data for small group instruction and addressing the needs of students below grade level. Fundraiser requests for 2021 were reviewed, with approval granted for a fruit sale for the band, while others were postponed until in-person learning resumes. The meeting also included a discussion of social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum and implementation.

The board meeting covered various topics, including the approval of the agenda, minutes from a previous meeting, a student high achievement report, and updates on COVID-19 remote learning. Discussion included re-entry plans for students, addressing concerns about social distancing and the financial implications of different re-entry models. The meeting also involved approvals for employment requests, annual and contingent contracts, an administrative contract, and a longevity performance bonus for the superintendent. Financial statements, budget amendments, and budget transfers were reviewed and approved. The superintendent's report highlighted various initiatives, including teacher appreciation events, student achievements, and grant awards. Graduation plans and policy revisions were also discussed.