News - Randolph Record

28 Jul

Randolph County schools end mask mandate

Bob SuttonNews, PoliticsEducation, randolph county, schools

Deadline to sign up for virtual learning looms ASHEBORO — Cloth face coverings will be optional in the Randolph County School System when classes begin next month, a logical next step in returning closer to normal, district superintendent Steven Gainey said Tuesday. “This is giving people their option,” Gainey said. “The board just felt like it should be the individual decision. … The board and I have been listening to questions about cloth facing coverings for several weeks.” Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the upcoming elimination of many mask mandates. However, he also recommended that students in grades K-8…

28 Jul

Filings start in Randleman, Trinity

Randolph RecordNews, Politics

ASHEBORO - -Candidates showed interest in mayor positions on the first day of candidate filings for Randleman and Trinity. Alderman Gary Betts has filed to move into the mayor’s position in Randleman when filings began Monday. Also in Randleman, Craig Hancock and Melissa Blalock filed for alderman seats in Ward 2 and Nancy Henderson filed in Ward 3. Blalock and Henderson are incumbents. In Trinity, Richard McNabb is back on the ballot in a bid to remain mayor. The filing period remains open until noon Aug. 13. Other municipalities in Randolph County had filing deadlines earlier this month.

22 Jul

Uwharrie Charter drops mask requirement

Randolph RecordNews, PoliticsEducation, Roy Cooper, schools, Uwharrie Charter

ASHEBORO — Uwharrie Charter Academy will not require mask wearing when schools open in the Fall. The K-12 public charter joins Randolph County Schools in relaxing mask rules. On Monday the Randolph County School Board adopted a resolution ending mask mandates in the county’s largest school system for the 2021-2022 school year. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the board, is effective immediately which allows teachers and students currently in summer school programs to make their own choices regarding mask usage. The new board policy cites CDC guidance and the board’s concern for individuals’ rights to make decisions regarding their own…

22 Jul

RCC pushes for more students as numbers lag

Bob SuttonNewsdecline, enrollment, Randolph Community College, RCC

ASHEBORO — Enrollment at Randolph Community College isn’t likely to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels right away despite a school official pointing out unprecedented financial incentives for potential students. Chad Williams, vice president for student services at RCC, said a decline in high school students in dual enrollment has been the biggest reason for a dip. “Overall, we’re still seeing a decline in enrollment comparing to previous years prior to the pandemic,” Williams said. “I don’t know if we’ll get to numbers we’ve seen in previous fall semesters. … We’re reaching out to every student we can in every way…

21 Jul

Incumbents file in large numbers for municipal elections

Bob SuttonGovernment, News, PoliticsAsheboro City Schools, board of education, city council, election, incumbent, mayor, municipal elections

ASHEBORO — Asheboro mayor David Smith, who first elected to that position in 2009, will run unopposed in November’s election, while there are six candidates for four spots on the city council. Incumbent council members Clark Bell, Walker Moffitt and Katie Snuggs will have challenges from Kelly Heath, William (Bill) McCaskill and Delilah Perkins Warner. Linda Carter isn’t running for re-election for a board spot. For the Asheboro City Schools board of education, there will be seven names on the ballot for four open positions. Vice chair Baxter Hammer and Beth Knott are aiming to remain on the board. Other…

21 Jul

County schools announce principal moves, new hires

Randolph RecordNewsEducation, schools

ASHEBORO —The Randolph County School System will have new middle school and several new school leaders this Fall when school starts. The Randolph County Board of Education voted Monday to eliminate requirements that students and staff wear masks to school marking a return to normalcy for some students and teachers. When students return to schools, many will see new principals in the office. Here is a list of the principal changes in the county school system. Principals who have moved from one RCSS school to another RCSS school in the 2021-22 school year: From Northeastern Randolph Middle to Liberty Elementary…

21 Jul

Asheboro’s Kidd elevates role with UNCW

Bob SuttonNewsGidget Kidd, UNC Wilmington, UNCW, university

ASHEBORO — Gidget Kidd views her newest assignment with the UNC Wilmington board of trustees as an ideal next step in public education. “I have a passion for public education,” said Kidd. “I think it’s a natural progression. It’s a nice chapter.” Kidd was elected chair of the board this month. Kidd’s involvement has been extensive on the UNCW board, previously holding the position of vice chair and twice serving as secretary. She has chaired all board committees except for one. Although she’s a UNCW graduate from the Class of 1991, much of her role in education stems from time…

21 Jul

County school boards rebel against K-12 mask mandates

A.P. DillonGovernment, News, Politics, StateEducation, K-12, masks, Roy Cooper

RALEIGH — At a meeting on July 12, the Rowan-Salisbury School Board voted to make masks optional for all students, staff and visitors. The measure passed by a 5-2 vote. Chair Kevin Jones, along with members Travis Allen, Susan Cox, Dean Hunter and Brian Hightower voted in favor while Vice-Chair Alisha Byrd-Clark and member Jean Kennedy voted against. “I’m willing to take that opportunity to make an example to the rest of the school boards in the state,” Allen said of the vote to make masks optional. A second motion was passed by the Rowan board in support of the General Assembly’s…

21 Jul

City school system announces administrative leadership changes

Randolph RecordNewsAaron Woody, Asheboro City Schools, Education, schools

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Board of Education approved several administrative changes for the 2021-2022 at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, July 15. “We’re pleased to announce Ms. Julie Brady will be the new principal at South Asheboro Middle School and Mr. Chris Burian will move into his first principal position at Charles W. McCrary Elementary School,” said Dr. Aaron Woody, Superintendent in a statement released by the school system. “While we are saddened to see the departure of Mr. Ron Dixon, current principal at South Asheboro Middle School, we know he will continue the tremendous ‘heart’ work of…

21 Jul

Hiring issues impact Zoo

Randolph RecordBusiness, Newseconomy, jobs, NC Zoo

ASHEBORO — At the same time the North Carolina Zoo is seeing a huge increase in visitors compared with last year, it's struggling to find staff to keep all of its exhibits open. Most attractions are open, but certain features like an obstacle course and feeding activities have remained closed. Twenty people recently turned out for a job fair with dozens of open positions. Many of the jobs at the zoo are part time, temporary and pay about $10 to $12 per hour.