Edenton-Chowan Schools working on new stragetic plan

EDENTON — After months of conversations within Edenton-Chowan Schools about growth, student performance and public confidence, the district is taking its next step: asking the community what comes next.

The district will host a series of public forums throughout February and early March as it begins work on a new strategic plan — a document that will guide priorities, spending and decision-making for the next several years.

Superintendent Tammi Ward first outlined the initiative during a January Board of Education meeting, telling members that the district’s first step must be gathering input from the people it serves.

“This plan is very important,” Ward said at the time. “We have to start by getting feedback from our stakeholders.”

The forums come at a moment of transition for the district. In the fall, Edenton-Chowan Schools was labeled “low-performing” by the state — though all three graded schools met growth benchmarks. Since then, board meetings have included discussions about improving student performance, strengthening communication, and positioning the district as what Ward has called a “district of choice.”

Officials say the direction of that plan will depend heavily on what residents share during the upcoming sessions.

When and Where to Participate

The district has scheduled meetings at churches, community centers and other familiar gathering spaces across Edenton and Tyner, with sessions offered at different times of day to encourage broad participation.

February 18

• 9 a.m. – Professional Development Center, 110 Blade Street, Edenton
• 1 p.m. – Town Council Chambers, 504 S. Broad Street, Edenton
• 6 p.m. – American Legion, 1317 W. Queen Street, Edenton

February 24

• 1 p.m. – Access Point Church, 518 Coke Avenue, Edenton

March 5

• 6 p.m. – Title I Stakeholder Event, Professional Development Center, 110 Blade Street, Edenton. A meal will be served. RSVP required by contacting Renee Davidson at 252-482-4436 or rdavidson@ecps.k12.nc.us.

The March 5 session will focus specifically on families whose children participate in Title I programs, which provide federal funding to schools serving higher percentages of students from low-income households.

Timeline

According to the timeline presented to the board, feedback gathered in February and early March will be reviewed in March. A draft plan is expected in April, with board review in May and potential approval in June. Implementation would begin in July.

For a district serving roughly 1,833 students across John A. Holmes High School, Chowan Middle School, White Oak Elementary and D.F. Walker Elementary, the plan will help determine how resources are allocated and which goals rise to the top.

But before any document is written, officials say they want to hear directly from parents, teachers, students and residents.

Community members may attend any session that fits their schedule.

More information about Edenton-Chowan Schools is available at www.ecps.k12.nc.us