ROCKINGHAM — Joe Ferrell, Ph.D., superintendent of Richmond County Schools, provided updates on the district’s progress at the November Board of Commissioners meeting, highlighting numerous projects and opportunities for students.
“Your continued partnership and support make much of our progress possible. There are many great things happening in our school system,” said Ferrell. “My goal tonight is to touch on a variety of them. I invite you to reach out to me anytime you’d like additional information on anything that’s going on with Richmond County Schools.”
Ferrell highlighted the district’s leadership team, noting the presence of board Chair Cory Satterfield, Vice Chair Bobbie Sue Ormsby and additional board members/staff.
A major project under consideration is the replacement of L.J. Bell School. The district applied for a needs-based public school capital fund grant to support the effort.
“The current building has served students for many years and the systems inside of it are aging. We submitted the application at the end of September and we are hopefully that we will receive a positive decision prior to our winter break,” Ferrell said. “We are grateful for your support on the local match and hopeful that we can build a facility that our students and staff can enjoy for many years to come.”
Ferrell said he will notify County Manager Bryan Land as soon as the district hears a decision.
Athletic improvements are underway at Richmond Senior High School, including upgrades to the baseball fields and resurfacing of the running track.
“Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of this month. We appreciate your support on these upgrades for our student athletes,” Ferrell said.
Additional facility enhancements include wood repairs, painting, new soccer field netting, refinished gym floors and a Jumbotron at the Raider football stadium. “Several other smaller projects to make our most visible facilities look refreshed and cared for as well as help our athletics program become more self-sustaining in the future,” said Ferrell.
Projects funded by ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds are now complete, including a classroom addition at Mineral Springs Elementary, a new gym at Fairview Heights Elementary and an auxiliary gym and classrooms at Richmond Senior High.
“These spaces are fully in use and serving students and staff each day,” Ferrell said.
Transportation improvements have also made a major impact. The implementation of the TIM’s (Transportation Information Management System) routing system boosted efficiency from 75% to 95%.
“The state uses that rating to determine parts of our transportation funding. This improvement results in a direct financial benefit to the school district. This year, we have 66 buses traveling 4,700 miles daily to get students to and from school safely,” Ferrell said.
Staffing adjustments across the district have produced net savings while maintaining appropriate student services.
Student achievement continues to rise, with the four-year cohort graduation rate climbing to 83.6% — the highest in five years.
“This increase reflects the tireless work of our dropout prevention coordinator, along with administrators, teachers and other educators and staff at our high schools. Together, they have created supports and opportunities that help more students finish high school on time,” said Ferrell.
Richmond Early College High School achieved a 100% four-year graduation rate. “and we are very proud of the continued success of that program and grateful to our partnership with Richmond Community College,” Ferrell said.
Students are also performing above the regional average in upper elementary math and middle school math, while the district continues to focus on improving English language arts.
“We will continue to monitor this data and use it to guide our instructional priorities moving forward,” Ferrell said.
Career and technical education programs are expanding, giving students hands-on experience and early exposure to real-world skills. Middle school students create career development plans, and Richmond County Schools partners with RCC to offer a two-day health sciences academy.
“Through a two-day health sciences academy, students spend time on the Richmond Community College campus, learn from instructors and explore possibilities in nursing and allied health fields,” said Ferrell. The dates for the academy are Nov. 24 and 25 and April 20 and 21.
Internships and apprenticeships are growing across programs, helping students transition confidently from classroom to workplace. Culinary arts students recently prepared and served breakfast for the state superintendent.
“That experience allowed our students to showcase their skills and professionalism in front of community and state leaders,” said Ferrell.
Arts programs are thriving with support from the North Carolina Arts Council. Richmond Senior High added a new art class this year, and students received recognition at the North Carolina School Boards Association Conference.
“We’re looking forward to see them represent Richmond County and Richmond County Schools again at that same conference next week,” Ferrell said.
He also reminded the community about the upcoming Arts Alive event on March 17, 18 and 19. “Please come join us for it. It’s a great opportunity to see so much talent from our students on display,” said Ferrell.
Ferrell thanked the county for bringing Amazon Web Services to Richmond County, noting its impact on student education and technology initiatives.
“I want to thank you, our county government for bringing Amazon Web Services to Richmond County. Your leadership in that effort is making a difference well beyond economic development,” he said. “Through Amazon Web Services, high school students recently took part in a fiber optics course taught by professionals in the field, giving them a firsthand look at the kinds of skills and careers shaping our region’s future.”
AWS has also supported educator projects and sponsored the district technology jamboree.
“The recent groundbreaking event was an incredible experience for our students, giving them the chance to participate in a moment that represents both the future of Richmond County and the opportunities being created for them and their future,” Ferrell said. “Thanks to your support, this partnership continues to grow and its impact will be felt for years to come in our classrooms, in our workforce and across the community.”
Community support programs like Backpack Pals and the Christmas shoe project continue to assist families, while the Richmond County Schools Education Foundation provides classroom grants and scholarships, including the new Wingate Wayfind Cadell-McGee Scholars Program.
“This initiative focuses on building stronger connections among schools, families and community organizations, ensuring that support reaches every student who needs it,” Ferrell said. “Every one of these efforts reflects what makes Richmond County special, a shared belief that when we invest in children, we invest in the future of our community.”
Safety remains a priority, with open-gate weapons detection systems installed at all schools and a new safety director position planned to coordinate emergency planning and training.
“We were able to fund these through the North Carolina Safety grants. We also host a quarterly safety roundtable that brings together leaders from law enforcement agencies across the county, including the sheriff’s office and each municipal police department,” Ferrell said.
The Richmond Raiders’ recent conference championship win also gave the district reason to celebrate.
“Everything we’ve talked about tonight, from the progress in our classrooms. To the partnerships shaping new opportunities comes back to one shared goal: doing what’s best for the students in Richmond County. Your support makes this possible. It helps us improve buildings, strengthen safety and expand programs that prepare students for the future,” Ferrell said.
Commissioners expressed gratitude and congratulations to Ferrell and his team. Commissioner Andy Grooms said, “Thank you Dr. Ferrell for everything you and your staff do every day, of course, the Board of Education. Since I’ve been up here, I know for a fact that all we try to do is bring opportunities and advancement to Richmond County, but that means nothing without the next generation… What you and your staff and all of the teachers in Richmond County do every day is a whole lot harder than what we have to do up here.”
Commissioner Jason Gainey congratulated the administration on the graduation rate increase. “I’m so proud of the administration and staff. I know some of you, coming from a former teacher, many long nights wanting students to do well, so congratulations to everyone for making that happen. That is an accomplishment,” Gainey said.
Commissioner Jamie Gathings jokingly apologized for being a former dropout, noting the importance of education.
“Dr Ferrell. Where was y’all at when I was going to school out there? Because I’m sorry, but I was one of those that brought your rate down. I want to apologize to all of the teachers I gave all that mess to. I do appreciate everything you do for the kids. I’ve grown up and learned that education is very important. I told my kids, you know, knowledge is power. The more knowledge you got, the stronger you are,” said Gathings.
Commissioner Robin Roberts echoed the sentiment about investing in children.
“I’d just like to say thank you as well to you and your staff and the school board. Like Andy said, the children in the school system is our future and we look forward to making it even brighter than you’ve already gotten it,” she said.