CORDOVA – The Richmond County School Board’s monthly meeting was held in a different location, at a different time, and with a different agenda for December of 2017.
Held Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at Cordova Middle School, the normal review of RCS’ schools’ needs, necessities, and activities was still conducted with the usual degree of aplomb and purpose.
But a refreshing tone was established when Superintendent Dr. Cindy Goodman asked Public Relations Officer Briana Goins to introduce some young guests.
Students representing various grades throughout the county were recognized for their artistic talents, specifically in relation to design renderings they submitted for the countywide “Christmas Card Contest.”
One such winner was Latasha Baker of Hamlet. A senior, Baker hopes to further her training and education in the field of art, and has already explored several options.
“I don’t really have a preference as of yet,” Baker noted about a particular college. “But East Carolina and Western Carolina have good art programs with animation specializations; that is what I am most interested in.”
As the current president of the Richmond Senior High School’s Art Club, Baker has certainly demonstrated her skills in art as well as leadership.
Some of Baker’s work will be on display at the upcoming Arts Council Gala at the Cole Auditorium on the campus of Richmond Community College on Tuesday, December 12, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Subsequent to the recognition of the talented artists in our county schools, the Board was quick and efficient in addressing the six remaining items on the agenda.
Prior to the review and discussion of various policy issues (which were addressed in a closed session), some of the Board members offered their individual reports of the preceding month’s activities.
Board member Jerry Ethridge noted his accompaniment of third graders to Old Salem, as well as his satisfaction with a Global Positioning System (GPS) event at Cordova Middle School.
Ronald Tillman, also a board member, reported his attendance at a “spotlight breakfast” event (also at Cordova Middle School), his direct support of the West Rockingham Elementary’s Book Club’s affiliation with various law enforcement agencies throughout the county, and a memorial ceremony honoring young Christopher Hankins, who succumbed to complications associated with Angelman Syndrome.
Bobbie Sue Ormsby noted the need for additional auditoriums throughout the county, and Dr. Irene Aiken expressed her appreciation for the Christmas on the Square event, while Joe Richardson reported visits to the Ninth Grade Academy, a CTE Council meeting, and a Christmas event at L.J. Bell Elementary School.
Superintendent Goodman completed the reporting with an upbeat description of her interaction with Senate Advisory students at RSHS. Dr. Goodman makes it a practice to periodically confer with this group as a means of gaining insight regarding the “students’ perspective” at the high school.
Along with Ruth Burgin, Dr. Goodman recently met with these seniors and subsequently offered glowing reports as to the mature insight – and positive demeanor – they demonstrated throughout the course of the “advisory” session.
Dennis Quick offered requests for Board approval of possible field trips (Beta Club Conference in Greensboro; wrestling team competition in Charlotte; band competition in South Carolina), as well as proposals for particular changes in specific policies (issues with parental involvement; public access to school grounds).
The Board moved into closed session, and will meet next at the Administrative Offices in Hamlet on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, at 5 p.m.
