The Vance County Board of Education met on Monday night at the Administrative Services Center on Graham Avenue.
Martha Thompson, representing Progress Energy, was recognized for a $20,000 grant to be used for science equipment in the elementary schools. Ed Ling of Artarama was recognized for a $38,000 contribution to Southern Vance High School for art supplies.
During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Elaine Chavis-Young, who heads the committee launching a Boys & Girls Club in Henderson, made a presentation regarding that effort. She said the club should be in operation by next August.
Elaine Webb and Sharon Hopper, who are two of the 23 National Board Certified teachers in Vance County, addressed the board about the need to encourage more teachers to become certified.
Trixie Brooks, the county’s curriculum specialist for K-12 instruction, highlighted plans for staff development in the coming year.
SAT results for the Class of 2005 were discussed. The combined SAT average for the two high schools increased by 12 points from 2004, although it was lower than the 2003 average.
After much discussion, the board decided that parking fees at the high school will remain at $20 for this year. A split board voted against gradually raising the fee to $100 for students.
Marty Smith, the school system’s executive director for school improvement, and Marsha Abbott, the director of technology, presented a technology update, stating that there are 3,696 network-connected computers in the Vance County Schools.
The board adopted a new Integrated Pest Management Program.
The board then went into closed session.