BCPS focuses on student achievement, community connections

Editor’s note: This is the last in a series of articles describing how programs and initiatives in Burke County Public Schools align with State Superintendent Mo Green’s eight Education Pillars.

Along any given street in Burke County, drivers pass a plethora of houses, churches, and businesses, all with signs congratulating graduates and celebrating the successes of students across the county.

That public display of support mirrors one of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s newest priorities. In its statewide strategic plan, “Achieving Educational Excellence,” DPI calls on school districts to celebrate public education successes and strengthen community support for schools through its seventh and eighth pillars.

According to officials at Burke County Public Schools (BCPS), the district has been doing that for years.

School administrators developed Burke’s strategic plan, the “All-in Promise,” in 2022, breaking it down into three main initiatives: Academic Opportunities for All, All Schools Connected to the Community, and All-around Well-being.

Cheryl Shuffler, the public relations officer for BCPS, explained that the district provides school-based awards, academic honors, athletic achievements, and employee recognition programs through social media and other district-wide avenues.

PILLAR 7

Among the actions, or initiatives, associated with Pillar 7, there are two separate points where the state plan emphasizes sharing messaging that “uplifts success stories, testimonials and positive narratives about public schools.”

Although the district highlights the various accomplishments of children from every grade level, administrators worry that people only see test scores and school grades.

“What gets overlooked is the many ways we prepare students for success,” Shuffler said.

Casey Rogers, director of career and technical education, added, “Our high schoolers can earn real world credentials that prepare them for immediate jobs in healthcare, emergency services, and trades.”

“Also easily overlooked is the dedication of our educators and support staff, who go far beyond their job descriptions to meet the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of students every day,” Shuffler continued. “While academic outcomes remain critically important, the full story of student success includes the relationships, opportunities and life-changing experiences that help prepare young people for the future.”

PILLAR 8

Pillar 8 specifies developing “toolkits” for local community organizations to work with eighth graders on career development plans and 12th graders on plans following graduation.

District leaders cited partnerships with UNC Health Blue Ridge, Work in Burke, and the Burke County Chamber of Commerce as well as Advanced Placement and Career and College Promise courses offered in high school as evidence of where the district bridges the gap between students and the community, starting in middle school.

“We push for every student to have an ‘E’ when they graduate: Employ, Enlist, (or) Enroll,” Rogers said.

Shuffler elaborated, “All students have 1:1 meetings with their counselors each year to discuss supports, schedules and post-secondary plans. Career planning starts in the eighth grade and picks back up in 10th grade to make sure students are on track to reach their goals.”

As the 2025-26 school year ends and the district begins preparation for next year, they have a few items on their docket that they hope to continue improving.

Largest among those is the expansion of work-based learning experiences for internships, apprenticeships, and career exploration in the local workforce.

Pillar 8 also highlights the importance of “engaging businesses, individuals, and philanthropic organizations to invest in schools at the local and regional levels.

Board of Education Chair Tiana Beachler has previously referenced a concern that local industry isn’t “scooping up” students sufficiently enough to keep them in the area, and BCPS aims to close that gap.

“As workforce needs continue to evolve,” Rogers said, “ongoing communication between schools and industry remains essential to ensure students are developing the skills and experiences that prepare them for success after graduation.”

“Likewise, nonprofit organizations play a critical role in helping address barriers to student success, and we are always looking for ways to better coordinate services and resources for students and families.”