The following is a press release from the state Department of Public Instruction
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools has approved the Innovative School District’s (ISD) application for funding under the FY 2019 NC School Safety Grant Program. The funds, totaling over $132,000, will go toward school safety equipment ($19,047) and students-in-crisis services ($113,274) at Southside-Ashpole Elementary in Rowland, NC.
Achievement for All Children (AAC)—the non-profit entity that operates Southside-Ashpole—was instrumental in supporting the ISD in completing this grant. Their School Director at Southside-Ashpole Elementary, Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen, said, “We look forward to utilizing these funds to better serve our students and staff. The school safety equipment funds will be used for a long-awaited transparent security wall in the entrance lobby of the school, repairs to the perimeter fence around the school property and a digital safety and response platform that will connect staff and send alerts to computers and mobile devices as necessary. The funds for students-in-crisis services will be used for a school nurse and a behavior specialist to help with the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs of students and provide support as they grow and achieve.”
According ISD Superintendent, Dr. James Ellerbe, “There are a lot of great things going on at Southside-Ashpole this school year. Students are learning and growing, and the family- and community-engagement has been outstanding thanks to Achievement for All Children and Dr. Bowen’s leadership along with the great people of Rowland. These new funds are going to only enhance the many positive things already going on at the school.”
Tricia Cotham, President of Achievement for All Children is “thrilled to get this new funding. It will help to build on our safe and nurturing environment at the school and provide added supports to the students in our quest to improve growth and achievement.”
About the NC Innovative School District
The North Carolina Innovative School District (ISD) was created in 2016 through legislation enacted to improve student outcomes in low-performing schools across North Carolina. The ISD works in partnership with local communities to design and implement strategies for school improvement, creating innovative conditions for accelerating student growth and achievement. For more information, visit http://www.
