Things to know as school year about to begin in Randolph County

ASHEBORO – The first day of classes is set for Monday at public schools around Randolph County.

Here are a few things to know:

Administrators in place

The Randolph County School System made several new appointments for the school year during its August board of education meeting.

They were: Judi Cagle, principal at Farmer Elementary; Shawn Garrett, assistant principal at Eastern Randolph high school; Jessica Green, assistant principal at Randleman High School; Stephanie Hatcher, assistant principal at Southwestern Randolph Middle School.

Food for thought

Kelly Green, director of school nutrition for RCSS, said there are 30 total positions vacant within her department.

Green described the challenges for workers in the district’s cafeteria. 

“It wouldn’t be as hard if we were fully staffed,” Green said.

RCSS upgraded pay for many positions, though other factors have prevented the positions from being filled.

“We’ll continue to focus on it,” superintendent Stephen Gainey said.

Also, the board of education reviewed several policies at its August meeting. Considerable time was spent on topics that included cell phone use during the school day and concerns about students vaping.

Gainey reviewed district policies in place regarding both topics. He said principals would be reminded about those in advance of classes beginning.

Gainey said he’ll also discuss with principals about concerns regarding food arriving from delivery services during the school days.

Still happening

The construction is ongoing for the major renovation project at Asheboro High School. There will continue to be modifications to the daily routines for students and staff. 

In advance of the school year, an open house for high school students and parents to meet teachers and staff is slated for 2-6 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 25) on Walker Commons. At the same time, other school locations within Asheboro City Schools also will hold open houses.

Asheboro City Schools also has several new administrators in place. 

That list includes: Ryan Moody, principal at the high school; Graham Groseclose, principal at North Asheboro Middle School; Brittany Roberts, assistant principal at the high school; Michelle Harger, assistant principal at Teachey Elementary School; Kelly Patton, assistant principal at McCrary Elementary School; Amber Andrews, assistant principal at Balfour Elementary School.

Administrators transferring within the system include Jonathan Dillon going from assistant principal at North Asheboro Middle School to the high school, and Keisha Dawalt going from Balfour Elementary School to North Asheboro Middle School as assistant principal.

By Bob Sutton