North Carolina School Boards Association

North Carolina School Boards Association NCSBA is the professional organization that represents local boards of education in North Carolina.

Win of the Week 🍎 Community rallies around Iredell-Statesville elementary teacherA surprise Tuesday morning at Lakeshore...
08/28/2026

Win of the Week 🍎 Community rallies around Iredell-Statesville elementary teacher

A surprise Tuesday morning at Lakeshore Elementary School in Iredell County gave one teacher a reminder of just how much his school community appreciates him.

Dan Agingu, an exceptional children’s teacher who moved to North Carolina from Kenya last November, was surprised by representatives from Bojangles after Lakeshore staff nominated him for recognition. He received a $100 gift card for his classroom, breakfast for the Lakeshore staff, and a promise of books for his classroom.

Principal Carrie Tulbert says Mr. Dan has been a blessing to the four students in his self-contained exceptional children’s classroom.

“He’s just a blessing to our students,” Tulbert said. “He’s done a wonderful job setting up his classroom.”

Agingu came to North Carolina through an international teacher program and arrived with little more than a suitcase. His wife and family remain in Kenya, and his first year brought plenty of adjustments. Without a car, he relied on rides from colleagues and school transportation. He later worked as a custodian over the summer, saved for a car and earned his driver’s license.

Through it all, the Lakeshore community helped him find a home away from home.

“To me, right now, it is my second family,” Agingu said. “They have been so kind.”

His commitment to special education is personal. Agingu chose the field in honor of his late father, who had polio and relied on crutches.

His story is a wonderful reminder of what a supportive school community can make possible. From colleagues who helped him along the way to a community partner recognizing his dedication, Mr. Dan has found people who appreciate the care, compassion, and commitment he brings to his students each day.

Photo: Iredell Free News

Iredell-Statesville Schools Lakeshore STEM Elementary School

Win of the Week 💻 Students gain tools for school, college, and careersThis week’s Win of the Week is about putting oppor...
08/18/2026

Win of the Week 💻 Students gain tools for school, college, and careers

This week’s Win of the Week is about putting opportunity within reach. Fifteen students from McDowell County Schools and Durham Public Schools received new laptops and mobile hotspots through a state initiative designed to expand technology access.

The students, from McDowell High School in Marion and Southern School of Energy and Sustainability in Durham, completed a highway construction course and NCDOT’s Transportation Summer Accelerator before receiving their laptops. The programs give students a chance to explore transportation careers while building skills that can support their futures.

For McDowell High junior Roxanna Suttles, having a laptop and hotspot at home is especially meaningful in a community where reliable internet access can be difficult. She said the technology will make things easier for students and their families.

At Southern School of Energy and Sustainability, junior Erick Perez received the first laptop in his household. Interested in carpentry and welding, Perez hopes to eventually run his own business and said the NCDOT program could help shape his career path.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to support workforce development and expand access to technology. Made possible by a $1.3 million American Rescue Plan Act grant, the program has already distributed 200 laptops, with another 500 planned for distribution across North Carolina later this year. Several adults who completed related workforce training also received laptops and technology through the initiative.

For students, though, the value reaches far beyond having a new device. As McDowell County Schools CTE Director Mary Finley noted, a laptop can help students complete homework, apply for college and financial aid, search for scholarships, build resumes, apply for jobs and earn certifications.

When public schools connect students with career experiences and the tools they need to pursue them, everyone benefits.

That’s a Win of the Week worth celebrating. 👏

Photos: North Carolina Department of Transportation

McDowell County Schools Durham Public Schools McDowell High School Southern School of Energy and Sustainability North Carolina Department of Transportation

Win of the Week 🏛️ Robeson County Student Leader Named State Board AdvisorStudent voice matters, especially when decisio...
08/14/2026

Win of the Week 🏛️ Robeson County Student Leader Named State Board Advisor

Student voice matters, especially when decisions are being made about the future of public education.

This week's Win of the Week recognizes Purnell Swett High School student Keely Deal, who has been appointed by State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green to serve as a Student Advisor to the North Carolina State Board of Education.

For the next two years, Keely will participate in State Board meetings and discussions, bringing the perspective of North Carolina’s approximately 1.5 million public school students to conversations about educational policy and decision-making.

Her appointment is another example of the leadership opportunities that North Carolina public schools provide students. Keely has already demonstrated her commitment to service through her roles as Teen Miss Lumbee, Junior Miss Lumbee, and Little Miss Lumbee. She now has the opportunity to advocate for students across the entire state.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as a North Carolina Student Advisor,” Keely said. “This appointment is more than a personal achievement. It’s a chance to represent the voices of students across our state and help create meaningful change.”

We congratulate Keely, her family, her educators, and the Public Schools of Robeson County on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to seeing the perspective she brings to the State Board of Education and to the broader conversation about public education in North Carolina.

Photo courtesy of Public Schools of Robeson County

Public Schools of Robeson County Purnell Swett High School Superintendent Mo Green

Win of the Week ✈️ Public school students take aviation to new heightsTalk about a hands-on learning experience.Students...
08/07/2026

Win of the Week ✈️ Public school students take aviation to new heights

Talk about a hands-on learning experience.

Students in the Aviation Program at First Flight High School in Dare County spent more than two years working toward a goal that many students only dream about: building an airplane and seeing it take flight.

The Aviation Program is one of multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives in Dare County. With guidance from educators and aviation mentors, students in the Aviation Program gained practical experience in engineering, construction, electrical systems, teamwork, and problem-solving. The finished aircraft, built in the lab at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, represents thousands of hours of student effort and a powerful connection between classroom learning and the aviation industry. It’s also the first aircraft built at the site since the Wright Flyer in 1903.

The project gave students a closer look at what could come next. Three classes of students have graduated from the program, and most have gone on to study aeronautics or engineering, enroll in trade programs, or enter military service. This is a great representation of the value of strong public schools and strong community partnerships. When students have opportunities to learn by doing, they can discover interests, build confidence, and see possibilities for their futures.

Congratulations to the First Flight High School students, educators, mentors, and community partners who helped turn an ambitious idea into something that could actually fly! ✈️

Dare County Schools First Flight High School



Photo Credit: Chris Hannant

🤖 Win of the Week: Second Grade AI Project Wins National RecognitionCongratulations to Carrie Robledo of Montgomery Coun...
07/29/2026

🤖 Win of the Week: Second Grade AI Project Wins National Recognition

Congratulations to Carrie Robledo of Montgomery County Schools, who was named a National Winner in the Educator Track of the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge. After advancing through state and regional rounds, she traveled to Washington, D.C., where she showcased how second graders at Star Elementary are using machine learning to identify insects while strengthening science and literacy learning.

As Montgomery County Schools' Lead Teacher for the STEAM Collaborative through its partnership with NC State University and the National Science Foundation's Elementary AI Computer Science For All project, Carrie is helping demonstrate what is possible when innovation reaches every classroom.

As Carrie shared: "I'm so proud that a small rural district like Montgomery County Schools is leading the way in showing what young learners can do with AI. My second graders used real machine learning tools to study insects in their own community, and their growth in understanding was remarkable. My hope is that this recognition shows elementary teachers across North Carolina that AI literacy can begin in the earliest grades, in any classroom, in any community."

This achievement highlights the incredible work happening in classrooms across North Carolina, where educators are helping students build the skills and confidence to lead in a changing world.

Montgomery County Schools North Carolina NC State University National Science Foundation (NSF)

07/02/2026

🚨💲One last budget alert before the holiday weekend!💲🚨

As reported by the NCSBA advocacy team, the state budget has been passed by the General Assembly and now heads to Governor Josh Stein's desk. Thanks to Chris Kennedy for staying on the beat today as the governmental relations staff continues to work hard for school board leaders across North Carolina.

Keep up to date with further state budget analysis at bit.ly/ncsbaupdates!

07/01/2026

🚨💲🚨 Another update from a busy day at the legislative building!

The NCSBA advocacy team has more news for you regarding the progress of the state budget, so listen in as Bruce Mildwurf reports back with the latest.

Follow along and bookmark bit.ly/ncsbaupdates for more legislative updates and alerts!

07/01/2026

🚨 More action from the General Assembly!

As reported by GR Director Bruce Mildwurf, progress on the state budget continues. The Senate has passed the budget by a count of 37-12, including 10 Democrats in the affirmative and two Republicans voting against. The legislation now heads to the House for its vote.

Watch out for more here and head to bit.ly/ncsbaupdates for in-depth updates and alerts!

07/01/2026

🚨 Budget update alert!

The NCSBA advocacy team continues to monitor the action on Jones Street to bring local school district leaders the most up-to-date information.

Governmental Relations Director Bruce Mildwurf takes you inside the General Assembly for a look at where things stand on the state budget negotations. Stay tuned for more and go to bit.ly/ncsbaupdates for in-depth updates and alerts!

Address

7208 Falls Of Neuse Road
Raleigh, NC
27615

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19198414040

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when North Carolina School Boards Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to North Carolina School Boards Association:

Shortcuts

Share

Category