Since revealing the schematic design for one new Davie High School, we have received a number of questions and heard several rumors. In an effort to provide timely, accurate communication about the project, we have developed a web page dedicated to posting up-to-date information for our students, staff, parents, and community. Please visit our new district web site at http://www.davie.k12.nc.us and click on New Davie High Info. Here you will find renderings from the architects, other related documents, video, and over 40 Frequently Asked Questions addressing questions and rumors that we have heard.

On April 1 at 7:00 PM, Dr. Hartness and architects will present to the Board of Commissioners the schematic design for construction of one new high school, potential methods of financing, as well as a request to place a bond referendum before the voters of Davie County in November 2013, to fund a portion of the construction. This meeting will be held on the second floor commissioners meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Mocksville. The meeting is open to the public.

Last Tuesday, Governor McCrory spent more than an hour in dialogue with school superintendents from across North Carolina. I sincerely appreciate the Governor listening and responding to input from superintendents; this was one of the best conversations I have experienced with state leadership. As candidate for governor, Pat McCrory often described North Carolina's public schools as "broken." Last week, when outlining priorities, Governor McCrory never used the word "broken," instead he shared that one of the highlights he is focused on when recruiting business and industry for North Carolina is the quality of education in our public schools. I am encouraged that our Governor is listening to concerns, is engaging in dialogue with school superintendents, and is noting the importance of public education as part of economic development.

Last Wednesday, the Governor introduced his first budget. The media releases indicate the Governor's budget calls for 1,800 more teachers. At the same time, the Governor's budget eliminates 3,000 teacher assistants in second and third grades. At first glance, it appears that the budget will result in cutting 3,000 teacher assistants and that 1,800 new teacher positions will be provided to offset the cuts. The Governor's budget does not include new teacher positions for Davie County. We are not sure our legislators and Governor understand the impact of the cuts to the teacher assistant allotment. Our teacher assistants make a tremendous difference in the lives of children in Davie County and are an important part of literacy at the early grades. We hope the Senate and House budgets will not include cutting teacher assistants, and will eliminate discretionary reductions we have experienced in the past.

Spring Break is just around the corner. I am wishing for a little warmer weather next week! No matter the weather conditions, I hope you and your family enjoy some time together over the holiday weekend and the following week. As we take a short break from school, may our children have some fun, relax, and get energized to come back and wrap up another successful school year!