Clay County Schools Superintendent: Summer is Peak Preparation Time

Photo from the Clay County Schools Facebook page.

CLAY COUNTY, N.C. — While school buildings may appear quiet during summer break, Clay County Schools staff are hard at work preparing for the new school year and continuing to serve students and families, Superintendent Mellisa Godfrey said in a message released June 25.

Godfrey highlighted key summer priorities, including recruiting, hiring and training new employees, processing retirements and resignations, supporting beginning teachers and organizing new-hire orientation. District leaders are also updating curriculum, advancing school improvement initiatives and handling other details for a smooth opening in August.

The district is finalizing a new strategic plan and plans to release a draft soon for additional public input, Godfrey said. She encouraged families with children turning 5 on or before Aug. 31 to complete kindergarten enrollment promptly to help with staffing and classroom planning.

The finance department is busy closing out the current fiscal year — reconciling budgets, reviewing grants, processing invoices, completing reports and preparing for the annual audit — while simultaneously setting new budgets, updating payroll and ensuring schools have necessary resources.

Facilities teams are conducting deep cleaning, maintenance projects, technology upgrades including server and network improvements and Chromebook repairs and ordering instructional materials.

Summer programs remain active, including Summer Reading Camp, the Discovery Program, Early Childhood Program and athletic camps. The School Nutrition Department is serving an average of 300 meals daily to support summer programs, daycares, camps and community partners.

Staff are also engaged in professional development through conferences, leadership training, curriculum workshops and technology sessions.

“Although the school parking lots may look a little quieter in June and July, the work of Clay County Schools never stops,” Godfrey said. “Every project, meeting, training session, and maintenance task is focused on one goal: ensuring that when students return in August, they walk into schools that are ready to support their success from day one.”

Click here to read the full statement.