2-Hour Delay on Tuesday, January 18^th

Out of an abundance of caution, Scotland County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay, Tuesday, January 18th, for all Traditional Schools/Staff, as well as SEarCH Students/Staff.

SEarCH News

During the January 10^th Board of Education monthly meeting, SEarCH Principal, Ms. Kesha Hood received a letter of recognition and certificate from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI,) State Superintendent, Catherine Truitt.  The Superintendent’s Office recognized Scotland Early College High School (SEarCH,) for a 100% graduation rate in the 2020-2021 school year. Ms. Hood has served many years in the Scotland County School system and has served with an impeccable record. Ms. Hood is currently enrolled at Appalachian State University, in Boone, NC, she is working on her Doctorate Degree. 

Ms. Hood lead us on a tour of some SEarCH classrooms, as students were participating in group activities while using social distancing and their individual computer pads. The students in Ms. Locklear’s class were problem-solving. Ms. Teasley’s Math class was also using group study to solve equations.

Board of Education Members Recognized

During the January Scotland County Schools Board of Education meeting, Board Members; Rick Singletary, Chair, Dr. Carolyn Banks, Vice-Chair, Tony Spaulding, Raymond Hyatt, Dr. Summer Woodside, Herman Tyson, Vicki Jackson, and Dr. Gary Mauk received a proclamation letter from the Scotland County Board of Commissioners.  Commission Chair, Whit Gibson stated in the proclamation:

“WHEREAS, local school board members are strong advocates for public education and are responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public's expectations to the district; and

WHEREAS, local school board members are accountable to the community for operating schools that support and encourage student achievement.”

The proclamation was issued to honor “National School Board Recognition Month.”

Scotland County Commissioner, John Alford presented the proclamations on behalf of Chairman Gibson.

Scotland County Schools Receives Grant for Security Improvements

Scotland County Schools will receive $500,000.00 in grant money for security upgrades/improvements throughout the district. The grants, awarded by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ,) Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Grant), will help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, support school violence prevention efforts, provide training to school personnel and students, and implement evidence-based threat assessments.

District Safety Specialist, Officer Larry Bowman stated: “It is such a blessing for Scotland County Schools to have been awarded the COPS SVPP grant, which will allow us to assess, address, and update safety and security within our schools.”

Chief Accountability and Technology Officer, Dr. Michael Riles added: “We are very excited about this opportunity. This grant will allow us to upgrade our technologies and systems to provide greater levels of safety and security."

Chief Operations Officer, Dr. Adell Baldwin had these comments: “Scotland County Schools has no greater responsibility than protecting the students of Scotland County.  A safe environment is the first step in obtaining such. The COPS grant will assist the district in our effort to provide a safe environment that provides an atmosphere conducive to learning by allowing the purchase of updated equipment such as Camera Systems, Identifications Systems, Metal Detectors, etc.”

Over the past year, SCS Superintendent, Dr. Takeda LeGrand has made safety a top priority for the district. Dr. LeGrand offered her gratitude to those involved in securing the grant: “Officer Bowman, Drs. Baldwin and Riles, thank you for giving Scotland County Schools a lasting gift via your work on the COPS Grant, and your commitment to the modernization of our security systems, doors, and cameras.”