Paulette Richmond-Hart

The board meeting focused on the selection of a new superintendent and the review of property proposals. Specifically, the board nominated and confirmed Dr. Derek Lambert as the new superintendent for Randolph County Schools for a two-year period. Additionally, representatives from the Harmon Education Association and the Harmon Town Council presented a vision for repurposing the Harmon School facility into an educational and community advancement center. The discussion covered plans for academic operations, potential partnerships with foundations, community programs, financial budgeting, and the utilization of the site as a local community hub.

The board discussed the implementation of virtual, alternative, and credit recovery programs through Proximity Learning to address the needs of students, including homeschool and scholarship students. Key discussion topics included the cost-effectiveness of these programs, the role of live certified teachers, flexibility in district policies, and potential hybrid models for students to access specialized courses or CTE certifications. Representatives provided information on how these virtual offerings can help increase student enrollment and improve educational outcomes by leveraging existing state-certified virtual staffing solutions.

The Randolph County Board of Education has tentatively adopted a 2025 millage rate which will require an increase in property tax. Concerned citizens are invited to a public hearing on the tax increase. The tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 17.131 mills, an increase of 0.375 mills. Without this tentative increase, the millage rate will be no more than 16.755 mills.

The Randolph County School System Technology Plan for 2025-2028 focuses on enhancing learning experiences through technology integration and providing technological support to stakeholders. It addresses gaps in professional development, network infrastructure, device refreshment, digital learning, and app/software upgrades. Key goals include relevant professional development, updated network infrastructure, refreshed devices, enhanced digital learning, and updated data center and communications, with strategies and benchmarks for each.

The Randolph County Schools Strategic Plan (2022-2027) focuses on three key areas: Teaching and Learning, Climate and Culture, and Fiscal and Operational Management. The plan aims to provide high-quality education in a safe environment, preparing students for college and careers. Specific goals include increasing student achievement, building staff capacity, fostering a positive school culture, implementing programs to improve culture and climate (PBIS, SEL, mental health), ensuring internal financial controls, increasing the effectiveness of transportation services, and maintaining safety measures and emergency management protocols. The plan uses performance objectives and measures to track progress and make adjustments as needed.