State of the schools
Interim superintendent Kristi Ferguson presented the annual State of the School at Tuesday’s chamber luncheon. Ferguson touched on subjects such as enrollment, curriculum and security.
Ferguson said that Newcastle schools currently has 161 certified staff members. An additional three were added this year in anticipation of a population growth due to local real estate development. In addition the district also has 102 support staff members.
According to Ferguson, as of Thursday, Sept. 20, there are 2,240 students enrolled. This is approximately 50 more than last year. Thirty of those 50 are enrolled at the high school.
Many security changes have been implemented in the district. Most changes have taken place at the high school. The entire campus is now on lockdown, and is access-controlled.
All students and staff members have ID badges to be worn at all times in order to gain access into buildings. The only door not controlled by a lock is the main door that faces Highway 62, and it enters into a controlled-access point that prohibits further entry unless approved by staff.
Following suit to the Early Childhood Center and elementary school, the middle school now has limited access to the buildings.
Both have keypads and cameras at the entrances that require a staff member to grant access to the building.
The elementary school has acquired a sliding glass window in the area of the controlled-access point that was added a few years back.
All staff across the district has received active shooter training from NPD and NFD. In the event of a shooting, they will be better prepared on how to handle the situation.
Office of Homeland Security will survey the changes October 16 and provide a report on any improvements that may be needed.
Across the district 165 security cameras have been replaced. These cameras allow access to administrators from their mobile devices. Administrators can watch live feeds as well as previously recorded footage.
The district has been awarded various grants providing 130 I-pads, 150+ chrome books, as well as professional development for instruction on usage of the new technology.
All students from kindergarten to twelfth grade have received new curriculum for math as well as professional development. In addition pre-k also received multi-subject curriculum.
Ferguson concluded the presentation by announcing the homecoming bonfire that will be held at 7:00 p.m. tonight in the gravel parking lot west of the stadium. There will be food trucks and music for everyone to enjoy.