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LINCOLNTON, N.C. - As January unfolds, Lincoln County Schools proudly acknowledges School Board Appreciation Month, extending heartfelt appreciation to its dedicated board members for their unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

This month serves as an opportune moment to recognize the tireless efforts of the Board of Education over the past year in achieving their collective goals as a board as well as leading in a manner that makes the mission of Lincoln County Schools top priority.

The mission statement for Lincoln County Schools, which is reiterated at the beginning of each Board meeting is: Lincoln County Schools will work together with students, families, and the community to ensure a quality innovative educational program in a safe environment where students become responsible, contributing citizens, and lifelong learners.

In addition to leading with this mission statement at the forefront of every decision, the Board of Education also set goals collectively for the Board itself. These goals were to increase staff appreciation efforts, promote Lincoln County Schools at the state level, and improve relationships with county commissioners.

Heather Rhyne, Chairperson of the Board of Education had this to say regarding those goals: “Setting goals together as a Board has been excellent for fostering collaboration, purpose, and keeping us accountable for becoming a high performing team. Lincoln County Schools has achieved notable recognition at the state level over the past year and the commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned our district in the top 15 in the state. Also, having good working relationships with commissioners and our state legislators has been instrumental in moving this school system forward and making this county a place where people want to work and live. I am very fortunate to work with an amazing group of Board of Education members that care deeply for the students and families in this county.”

One of the primary goals set by the Board of Education has been to increase staff appreciation initiatives. The Board of Education recognizes the invaluable contributions of our educators and support staff and is dedicated to creating a work environment that fosters professional growth and job satisfaction. Christina Sutton, Vice-Chair of the Board of Education, has coordinated this goal with board members with a focus each month on various employee appreciation efforts within our school system.

Superintendent Aaron Allen expressed gratitude, saying, "We are immensely fortunate to have a school board that is not only focused on strategic goals but also deeply invested in the well-being of our entire educational community. Their dedication has played a pivotal role in positioning Lincoln County Schools for success."

As we celebrate National School Board Month, Lincoln County Schools extends its gratitude to the board members for their vision, leadership, and tireless efforts in shaping the future of education in our community.

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