Columbus
schools win top award

By FULLER ROYAL
Staff Writer

In only the second year of the award, the Columbus County Schools have been selected by the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA) as the 2008 recipient of the NCASA School District Trailblazer Award.

NCASA made its selection based on the county’s innovative teaching methods and overall excellence in education.

NCASA’s primary decision for awarding the Columbus County Schools was its success in closing the learning gap in numerous subgroups of students who are being educated in the district.

“We’re extremely excited,” said Superintendent Dan Strickland. “This is an award we didn’t apply for.

The NCASA worked in conjunction with the state department, pulling scores, and determined that our district had made the highest gains in closing the learning gap in various subgroups.

“It was a pleasant surprise. Our folks have worked hard. This definitely validates what they are doing.

This is great recognition for our teachers, principals, staff, students and parents.”

The awards ceremony will be March 14 during the conclusion of NCASA’s Annual Conference at the Sheraton Four Seasons-Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

NCASA Executive Director Bill McNeal, in his letter to Strickland, stated, “NCASA congratulates you,
your school district, your leadership team and other personnel for being selected for this prestigious award, which recognizes innovation and excellence in education. The award also specifically honors your district’s success in closing the gaps in academic performance among several subgroups of students who are being educated in your school district.