Burke school board honors student achievers, 12 newly certified teachers

Monday’s Burke County Board of Education meeting began with cheers as students from across the district were recognized for their achievements during January and February.

From speech competitions to science fairs, Director of Elementary Education Brett Wilson called each student by name and Superintendent Mike Swan presented them with a certificate of achievement before they had their photo taken with the board.

Of all the speech winners, only Salem Elementary Student Adaline Haynes volunteered to give her winning speech, from the “Prose” category.

“Have you ever had a new student at your school?” she started, rocking back and forth on her heels.

To a room of giggles and applause, Adaline delivered chapter one of Barbara Park’s “Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren,” paired with sweeping hand motions and exaggerated faces to sell the classic character’s childish flair.

TEACHERS

Following the recognition of students, Director of Human Resources Keith Recker named 12 teachers fresh from their National Board Certifications.

According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, national certification increases teacher capabilities and improves the positive impact educators have in the classroom.

On top of that, Public Relations Officer Cheryl Shuffler said, “Teachers who get their National Board certification make 12% more,” a bump to their salary that is effective immediately.

Recker said that the additions of these teachers boost the county’s total nationally certified teachers to 122.

BOARD MATTERS

The BOE voted on several resolutions and approvals after the recognitions, including the budget audit, a resolution to designate March 2026 as Youth Art Month, and a resolution to support children of all abilities.

The BOE approved the budget audit following Board Chair Tiana Beachler’s repeated questions from the previous week regarding whether the audit would have caught irregularities or mismanagement.

Finance Officer Keith Lawson said, “According to the responses of our external auditors, yes that is correct, and none were discovered.”

The board also approved wording changes in three policies and the arts in schools resolution, deeming March 2026 as Youth Art Month with the theme, “The World Needs Art.”

One approval that drew praise from Vice Chair Jamey Wycoff was a proposal from Exceptional Children Director Jessie Gravel that reaffirmed the district’s commitment to ensuring every child is welcomed, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

“As a parent of a child with disabilities, I want to acknowledge how important public schools are for children like mine,” Wycoff said. “Unless private schools are dedicated specifically to serve children with disabilities, most are not equipped to support many children with special needs. However, public schools are.”

Wycoff went on to highlight the opportunities public schools afford exceptional children: speech and occupational therapy, specialized instruction, and individualized support.

He thanked the district and teachers for their unwavering support and going well beyond their required roles.

“Tonight, it’s not just the end of advocating for our EC kids,” Wycoff said. “It’s not the finish line, but it’s gonna be a foundation. It’s a commitment to continue to listen, improving and strengthening services, raising expectations because our children deserve the best and nothing less.”