The board adopted a resolution to renovate the Armory which sits adjacent to the historic high school campus.  

“Renovating this would save the district money and allow us to potentially open in the fall of 2018,” said Superintendent Dain Butler.  

School system spokesman Les Atkins said renovating the Armory would save the school system roughly $1 million rather than proceeding with original plans of building a facility behind the high school.

If approved by the Cooperative Innovative High Schools commission, the early college would provide increased opportunities for students to earn an associate degree or up to two years college transfer credit while simultaneously completing the requirements for high school graduation.  

More than 50 students have expressed interest in attending the first year with plans to maintain at least 100 in subsequent years.  

New mission

In an effort to more accurately reflect the direction of the district, the board revised the system’s mission statement to read: Every student will become a responsible and respectful global citizen through personalized learning opportunities.

It also revised its mission statement, which now reads: Roanoke Rapids Graded School District will offer rigorous customized learning opportunities in a safe and supportive learning environment. Our learning community will foster meaningful relationships with all partners to ensure the academic, emotional, and social growth of all students.  

“The leadership team has been working on this for several months,” said Assistant Superintendent Lowell Rogers. “As we move forward with our digital learning initiatives and curriculum enhancements, this gives us a framework from which to grow and operate in the coming years.”

Belmont

Trustees also approved the appointment of Jance Moody as the new assistant principal at Belmont Elementary.   

Moody attended Halifax County Schools, earned his bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University, and his master’s degree from Elizabeth City State University.  

“He comes to us with more than eight years experience in education and is excited to be part of the Belmont Bees,” Atkins said.