Longtime Board of Education member Patsy Simpson who rescinded her resignation earlier has officially resigned from the Board effective immediately. Simpson submitted a formal letter to the Board saying it was time to leave and move on with helping the community in other ways.
“It’s important to have representation for our black and brown children and staff. I not only became their voice, but I served in many capacities in that community and I know there is still work to be done,” Simpson said in her letter. She went on to thank the teachers for the work they do, staff, and Dr. Butler. Her letter also thanked many others who have supported her during her time on the Board.
“With tears of joy, please accept my resignation.” she concluded. Simpson was not at the meeting due to a recent surgery.
Simpson has served since 2008. Three of those years were as Vice Chair.
Board Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves thanked Simpson for her service. “We will miss her. We plan to have her back at the May 22 meeting to officially honor her.”
View the full letter here: Patsy Simpson Resignation Letter April 2023
Bond Project Review
ABSS Chief Operations Officer Greg Hook says the projects funded by the $150 million dollar bond package that voters approved in November 2018 are continuing to progress. Many of the projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of summer including camera installation and carded entry locks for staff to gain entry to buildings through exterior doors.
Other projects include security walls and gates, paving, and window and roof replacements.
Hook also shared other projects in the process of being completed which are funded locally.
Hook presented a four year project plan that included recommendations for additions and expansions to meet the District’s growing student population. It includes 10-12 classroom additions at Elon Elementary, Alexander Wilson, Eastlawn Elementary, and Woodlawn Middle. The plan also includes athletic upgrades at Western High, Cummings, Easter High, and Southern High.
World Language Curriculum
The Board approved a $250,000 request to purchase a World Language Curriculum for ABSS Secondary Schools. After using the curriculum for the last year, the District is ready to move forward with the curriculum for the next three years. Secondary schools would be provided with the curriculum and training going forward to support the fidelity usage of the materials and resources.
Board Recognitions
Four teachers were honored by the Board for earning their National Board Certification. The rigorous certification process includes demonstrating expertise in their respective subject areas, an ability to effectively communicate with and engage students, and dedication to ongoing professional development.
ABSS Teachers honored were:
Katie Thorn
Abigail Peel
Lydia Allen
Veronica Biscocho
The District currently has more than 120 National Board Certified Teachers.
Ten students who will be spending a portion of their summer at the North Carolina Governor's School were also honored. Students are selected to attend the four week program through a competitive process after being nominated by their administrators.
Governor’s School West this year is at Winston-Salem University. East is being held on the campus of Meredith College.
The following students received certificates from the Board:
Alamance Virtual School, Mostafa Youssef, Mathematics (West)
Cummings High School, Taylor Grant, Mathematics (West)
Eastern Alamance High School, Anthony GuerraFlores, English (West)
Eastern Alamance High School, Bridget Galicia, Mathematics (East)
Eastern Alamance High School, Mary Long, Instrumental Music - Trombone (West)
Eastern Alamance High School, Isabella Walters, Visual Arts (West)
Graham High School, Sanyah Carter, Natural Science (East)
Southern Alamance High School, Rachel Ren, English (East)
Southern Alamance High School, Emerson Smith, Dance (East)
Williams High School, Henri Lanzoni, Social Science (West)