Education journey takes collaborative efforts
Reflecting upon the opening of another school year and all the preparations being made in each middle school to welcome our students, I am so appreciative of the collaboration among administrators, teachers, parents and community volunteers to provide students with a safe learning environment and appropriate opportunities for learning. As the director of Middle Grades Education in the Rowan-Salisbury School System, it is an honor to work with so many dedicated educators.
This past spring, I had the opportunity to work on the campus of Knox Middle School during a transition period to hire a new principal. I worked directly with each staff member, many parents and students. During the three months, the gymnasium renovations began, new custodial personnel were hired, new scheduling procedures were established, I worked with parent groups to seek feedback and establish plans for strengthening parent involvement, and in collaboration with two staff members, we facilitated a group of young girls in an effort to build positive leadership skills. In addition, beginning in October 2010, the superintendent established a planning committee comprised of district personnel, school personnel and parents of Knox students to brainstorm ideas for strengthening instructional practices and providing additional maintenance support. A plan was established that included technology equipment, science equipment, flooring replacements, door replacements, pressure washing and painting.
Those of us who have worked in other school districts recognize the strengths of being in the Rowan-Salisbury School System. Being in each of the middle schools on a regular basis affords me the opportunity to state without a doubt that I am glad to be a part of this journey of growth with each school. Let us all be mindful that our actions become the actions of our youth. We are the role models for the next generation.
— Tina Mashburn
Salisbury
Mashburn is the director of middle grades education for the Rowan-Salisbury School System.
A question of rights
I have asked interim City Manager Doug Paris the city’s position on the city’s rights vs. the public’s rights in regard to towing personal property from personal real property, according to N.C. General Statutes, which weigh the balance of the two. Does the city ordinance which follows state statute now become so broad that its meaning in effect has bypassed the intent of our legislature to have some measure of protection to the general public?
The interpretation of these statutes was not carefully considered by the authors of city codes and codes enforcement, who are not qualified to interpret the statutes.
Do these chapters talk about the part of public rights-of-way in regard to private property as to the police power of this state, given due consideration to various conditions of rights? Does the overlapping authority of city code and state statute weigh more in favor of the city, which denies the rights of the general public?
A written reply to only these questions would be appreciated.
— Robert Boone
Salisbury