Tammy R. Boone, sworn in Tuesday as the new superintendent of Weldon City Schools during a ceremony at Halifax Community College, pledged to work with the board, the community, and the town as she leads a school system that has been taken off the state’s list of low-performing schools.
“I am confident we have what it takes to wade new waters and get to a better side,” she told the audience and guest speakers on the stage with her.
She specifically thanked former Weldon Interim Superintendent Rodney Shotwell for being a great supervisor and mentor and someone she could call upon.
In the gallery: The program honoring Boone included a musical selection by Ramiyah Coatney and a performance by two cheerleaders
She thanked her church family for their support and prayers as well as her family for being supportive of her throughout her career.
“I want you all to know that I am indeed honored to step into the role of superintendent,” she said. “I appreciate the sense of family and cohesiveness present in this district and my hope is that we all work together as a team to build a solid foundation for our students that will provide them with the academic and life tools that they need to rise up and be successful in life.”
In simple terms, she said, “I believe that all children, regardless of their background, race, gender or circumstances — I believe they all deserve a quality education that will prepare them for a bright future. I also believe that our staff should be provided with every resource available to make sure they are successful as well.”
Her administration, she told the audience, will be grounded in treating everyone with respect. “I know your opinion matters just as mine does and I believe that we are adult enough that we can come to the table, have a conversation, and even if we disagree, we can agree to disagree and move forward to the solution.”
Relationships matter, she said. “I believe strong schools are built on connections and trust.”
Moving forward, she said, “It will be important that we make a concerted effort to listen and learn from each other because our students are depending on us.”
To Boone, equity will be a priority “to ensure that all of our students and treated fairly and provided equitable learning opportunities that will close the skills and opportunity gaps and create learning environments that are inclusive for all of them.”
That also means removing barriers that could stand in the way of learning, she said.
Her aim, she said, “Is to make sure we begin to do things differently and move forward in the light of being the best we can be.”
Then, there is the belief in accountability. “I will be holding others accountable for what we’ve been asked to do, just as the school board will hold me accountable and so will God, I will hold those under my leadership accountable as well.”
Boone promised to host listening tours in the coming days and months. “I will make it a priority to host listening tours so that you can be heard, host meet and greet sessions, and implement policies and procedures that will act as a standard for a school district to rise to the top. I want to make sure that I visit our schools and attend school and community events.”
In addressing comments made earlier by Weldon Mayor Hugh Credle, Boone said, “I accept your challenge to make Weldon City Schools the best in the northeast.”
