After an early morning Policy/Personnel Committee meeting, Sampson County Schools superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker stood in front of over 29 principals and system administrators Wednesday morning to officially kick off the system’s annual back-to-school gathering
“We want to get all of our directors squared away and that is why you are all here today,” Lenker told the crowd. “Many of you were here yesterday for our administrative meetings; today is the day we will update you with everything you will need to know before the start of school.”
Lenker then gave the educators an opportunity to ask questions before introducing other presenters from the central office, including Anthony Vann, executive director of auxiliary services; April Jordan, director of child nutrition; Herb Sanderson, director of transportation; John Gilmore, technology director; Dale McLamb, finance director; and others.
Vann discussed mowing schedules at the schools, maintenance issues, as well as the proper way to dispose of chemicals and recyclable materials.
Sanderson discussed the bus schedules; Jordan talked about lunch applications and new federal legislation requirements for meal patterns; Gilmore shared his excitement about the state-of-the-art technology throughout Sampson County Schools and invited administrators to take advantage of all that is available; and McLamb discussed budgets and employee payment schedules. All took questions from those assembled after their presentations.
Moving on, program administrators Jeana Moore, elementary curriculum/instruction director; Rebecca Jackson, director of K-8 education; and Col. Tommy Macon, director of secondary education, worked in breakout sessions with principals.
They worked throughout the rest of the day Wednesday arming themselves with the tools they needed to ensure a safe and efficient school opening.
Students return to the classrooms Aug. 27; teachers officially go back Aug. 20, although some are already working in the rooms this week.
“It is good to have these,” said Lakewood High principal Monty Strickland to those around him of the morning workshop. “Some of us already know what to expect, but working with all the principals and administrators really gives us a chance to bounce ideas off one another and share our experiences.”
To help those principals with support for their schools, members of the Sampson County Board of Education’s Policy/Personnel Committee approved hires before the meeting for a math teacher at Union High and three for Midway High; a teacher for English/language arts at Union Middle; a social studies teacher at Union High and two for Hobbton High School.
Dr. Wendy Cabral, assistant superintendent for personnel services, said while there is just two weeks left until school starts, the system is still short five positions.
“We have 10 listed on our website, most of those have been or will be filled,” she explained. “We still have a few left in math and middle school English/Language Arts and Math, as well, but I am positive they will all be filled by the time school starts.
To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.
Are there going to be anymore wasted trips to SF, CA?
Col. Macon? Isn't he the guy who always parks on the grass next the schools because he didn't want to walk far?
By the way, Tommy, you're not in the military anymore. We are not going to address you as Colonel. You're not the former POTUS.
You are "MISTER" Tommy Macon.