Robert Moody
Robbinsville – New Graham County Schools Superintendent Robert Moody has a lot of goals in mind for his administration, but everything centers around one commonality: the betterment of the district’s students.
The first board of education meeting with Moody at the helm took place Aug. 6 and spread among a newsworthy gathering – including a lengthy closed session, aimed at new hires and reshuffling current employees to round out what Moody believes to be 50 system-wide personnel moves since he assumed the role July 1 – was a feeling of renewed determination.
Not that complacency had taken center stage while now-retired superintendent Angie Knight was in the chair; but with all the strategic maneuvers in place – including new principals and assistant principals at the three main schools – everyone is eager to see how things go.
Structural updates
New facilities director David Matheson had several updates for the board, including:
* Greensboro-based architectural firm LS3P has projected that final plans for the remodel of Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium should arrive by the end of the month;
* Due to foundational issues, the ticket booth at the lower gate of the stadium has been demolished. A new one should be constructed by the Sept. 6 home opener;
* Staff training will begin next month on the newly-installed intercom system at Robbinsville Middle/High School. Matheson said the new system has 100-percent coverage;
* Thanks to a grant from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the weight room inside the Teddy Phillips Healthy Living Center will be completely upgraded. The overhaul of equipment is scheduled to take place over the next four weeks.
Other news & notes
* New Robbinsville Middle School Principal Stuart Nelms announced that class times have been extended from 55 minutes to 60 – a plan already in motion before a state-mandated law was handed down over the summer, which requires at least 60 minutes of instruction time for students.
* The district’s 21st Century (Afterschool) Program will continue for at least five years, thanks to a grant renewal. Moody noted that Graham County Schools is fortunate as a few surrounding counties did not make the cut.
* Interim attorney John Henning was officially hired as the board’s full-time legal counsel. Henning works with Franklin-based Campbell Shatley, PLLC.