Buncombe County Schools

BCS DECA students representing North Carolina among the best creative, young business minds in the world at the 2024 International Career Development Conference.

What if you could start your career journey while still in high school – exploring workflows, networking with business leaders, and building direct experiences through internships? That’s the premise of the Buncombe County Center for Career Innovation (BCCI), and last week, students in BCCI’s first class got to share their stories and successes during a community showcase at the A-B Tech Conference Center. The showcase featured vision boards where rising 10th graders from across the county made collages about how they would like to design their lives. Current BCCI students had presentation boards arrayed across the room and held a panel discussion explaining their own journeys. Guests also heard insights from business partners in fields ranging from advanced manufacturing to health care to sustainable energy. “We’re doing this to show how great BCCI is,” said Jordyn White, a student on the Professional Services pathway at BCCI who helped promote the event. “If you’re not sure what you want to do, this might be the place for you. All the experiences we’ve had have really helped us figure that out. I used to be really shy, but when I found out about BCCI, I really wanted to get the word out to students like me who want to have a career right after high school but don’t know where to start.” BCCI’s career pathways include Skilled Technologies (advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy, construction), Professional Services (education, health care, hospitality and tourism), and Information Technology (networking, cybersecurity, software development). BCCI Principal Anna Austin said the showcase provided a venue for students to describe how they’ve explored careers in these pathways and pursued real-world experiences with local businesses. “They identify their pathway and look at the different ways to get where they want to be, whether that’s joining the workforce right after graduating high school, earning credentials along with their high school diploma, or picking up college credits on their way to a four-year school,” she said. “This event is their way of showing the community what the first year of BCCI has been like and to help the community celebrate how far they’ve come from August to April.” BCCI is accepting applications from rising ninth and 10th graders. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/eUED8uZp. #BCS #WeAreBCS #BCSadvantage #BCSisbest #avlmoms #avldads #WNC #ncpublicschools #publicschoolproud #greaterheights #buncombecounty #avltoday

Enka High School’s staff gathered in the media center to celebrate custodian Ralph Bonham, who is retiring after serving the school for 50 years. Mr. Bonham, a Vietnam Veteran, inspired generations of kids and adults alike with his commitment to excellence. At the celebration, his positive influence wove through stories from coworkers, administrators, and family members. “Ralph was a pillar of this school before I ever got here,” said Enka High Principal Jeff Burleson. “He is always wanting to make sure things are done right, not just as a custodian but as a human being. And we love him. Fifty years is special.” Enka District School Board Member Judy Lewis expressed gratitude for Mr. Bonham's exemplary character. “Thank you for your tireless dedication to our community and our school,” she said. “You have been a beacon of integrity, hard work, and kindness, serving as a role model for us all.” BCS Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson echoed these sentiments, expressing his honor in attending Mr. Bonham’s retirement celebration. “I can see you wearing your Vietnam Veteran hat, and it makes me think of that lifetime of service,” he said. “That service to our children, that loyalty and dedication, I wish that was more present in our society. We are so very grateful for your service, and I salute you, sir.” View more photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Congratulations to our 2024 BCS Top Scholars! Thank you to all our partners who helped create a special evening for these amazing students.

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Coach Mark Harris of Enka High stands as a paragon of excellence in the realm of high school wrestling, leading his team to consecutive victories with a blend of skill, strategy, and unyielding dedication. With an impressive array of coaching accolades adorning his illustrious career, including North Carolina Coach of the year AAA, NCHSAA Toby Webb Outstanding Coach Award, National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Enka High School Hall of Fame, and much more. This track record proves he is making a difference in more than one way. Beyond the world of wrestling, Coach Harris serves as a mentor, guiding his students to success by instilling values of perseverance, discipline and teamwork that will serve them throughout life. “Coach builds self discipline within all of us, not just in this sport but school as well,” said senior Bodhi. “He gets us ready not only for wrestling, but life as well. Coach Harris is someone I can count on when I need extra guidance. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today, or the person I am if it wasn’t for Coach Harris.” When Coach Harris isn’t teaching or on the wrestling mat he serves in various organizations including; the Board of Directors for the National Wrestling Coaches Association, the NC Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the NC Wrestling Coaches Association, and the Scholastic Chairman for the Southeast (section 3) for the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Coach Harris also runs the Hominy Valley Youth Wrestling Program, and coaches EHS boys and girls cross country. In his 28 years of coaching, Mr. Harris says he has seen some changes for the betterment of the program. “I have witnessed the growth of girls wrestling and the addition of a girls team at EHS,” he said. “This has been a positive change that’s brought more athletes, parents, energy and fans into the program. For the 23/24 school year we had 12 girls on the roster, and are working to grow the program more in the future.” A female wrestler said that Coach Harris is unlike any other wrestling coach when it comes to females in the program. “Coach Harris has supported the women in this sport since EHS had their first female on the team,” said senior Hodge. “During a match he is there in our corner, and makes sure we have what we need. Coach supports us as much if not more than the boys. Knowing that I have a coach like Mr. Harris has helped me a lot this year. I know I can go to him no matter what.” Coach Harris is not only making strides in the athletics department. His involvement and dedication permeates Enka High School. “Mr. Harris is an asset to our faculty and coaching staff because of his commitment to excellence in everything he does,” said Principal Jeffery Burleson. “Mr. Harris goes above and beyond the call of duty for anything he is involved in. Mark Harris is one of many reasons the faculty, students, alumni and community are so ‘Proud to be a JET!’”

It’s crucial to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our student's daily commute – the dedicated mechanics and transportation staff who ensure the safety and reliability of our school buses. These individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes, performing the essential tasks and inspections that allow our students to travel safely to and from school every day. “We have 205 yellow buses on the road each day and approximately 50 white activity buses,” said transportation director Jeremy Stowe. “Each day, our yellow buses travel over 15,000 miles carrying approximately 10,000 students.” Buncombe County Schools’ skilled mechanics take great pride in their work, understanding the important responsibility they bear. With meticulous attention to detail, they conduct monthly inspections and routine maintenance on every vehicle in our fleet. From engine checks to brake system overhauls, they make sure we uphold the highest safety standards for our students. “Each bus must undergo a thorough 30 day safety inspection each school month,” said Mr. Stowe. “The inspections are very extensive and cover well over 500 different items to inspect - from brakes to fluids to lights to seat padding. The concentration of the inspections is to ensure that every bus is safe for every student.” We hold our mechanics and transportation staff in high regard, not only for their technical expertise but for their unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of each person who steps on to one of our buses. They take pride in their proactive approach, anticipating and addressing issues before they become problems. This commitment extends beyond mechanics; it’s the hallmark of our transportation department. “Each year we have a surprise inspection from NCDPI,” said Mr. Stowe. “This inspection looks at our entire department, from fleet safety and stability, to inventory control and standard operating procedures. We had a score of 19.96 this year which is considerably lower than the state average. The lower the score the better the inspection.” Thanks to the efforts of our mechanics and transportation staff, parents can have peace of mind knowing their children and in safe hands. Their work ensures that our buses are a safe haven to transport our students to a brighter future.

Congratulations to A.C. Reynolds High School Media Coordinator Leigh Armistead, Buncombe County Schools’ (BCS) inaugural Media Coordinator of the Year! A team of Reynolds High and Central Services leadership staff surprised Ms. Armistead in the school’s media center on Friday. She received balloons and flowers while wearing a “fabulous” green and gold tutu skirt and a crown – in preparation for a pep rally later that day. “Reynolds High School would not be Reynolds High School without Ms. Armistead,” said Principal Ben Alexander. “Everything – computers, books, helping kids, talking with kids, being with kids – she’s all about it, and we love her so much.” Armistead’s coworkers call her the hub of the school’s faculty who keeps a finger on the pulse of student interests and makes sure the media center has what it needs. “Leigh not only provides tech assistance to teachers and students, but she actively seeks ways to engage the students and teachers with tech integration via her Media Minute newsletter and by collaborating with teachers on lessons to use tech such as VR and 3D printing,” read one of the nomination letters. “Leigh’s biggest strength, however, is how she cultivates a welcoming space for students and teachers. She builds relationships and is genuine in her efforts to support her school community.” Media coordinators like Ms. Armistead promote a collaborative learning community, both inside and outside the library walls, that engages students to read, explore, analyze, reflect, synthesize, and create new ideas and information to adapt and contribute to a global society. “I see being a media coordinator as a way to be a partner in learning, a collaborator with the whole school, not just my classroom of students,” Ms. Armistead explained. “I want to be the person other media coordinators have been for me – being there for teachers and students in whatever way is needed.” She was the first media coordinator to buy and implement virtual reality headsets in 2019. This year, she won a Buncombe County Schools Foundation grant to buy books for her school’s Multi-Language Learners, Occupational Course of Study students, and Intensive Intervention students. Ms. Armistead has been with BCS for 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Dramatic Arts and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, both from UNC-Chapel Hill. She also is a National Board-Certified Teacher. She is married and has two beautiful daughters.

Buncombe County Schools (BCS) employs thousands of extraordinary staff across the district. BCS takes pride in recruiting the best in order to inspire, educate, encourage, and elevate students on a daily basis. As a way to honor the hard work and dedication that staff pour into our school community, we are recognizing those who go above and beyond to make BCS the best. This BCS Staff Spotlight is in honor of Love the Bus Week and recognizes bus driver Gloria Lewis of Woodfin Elementary School (WES). Ms. Lewis logs many miles a day not only transporting students to and from school, but she also offers the extra love and support each student needs. She takes every child under her wing as if they are her own. “From the first day of school to the last day of fourth grade, I tell the students that I love them like they are my kids,” she said. “I know that their parents trust me to ensure that their babies get to and from school safely, and it is something I hold dear to my heart.” Principal Nicole Roberts said that Ms. Lewis exemplifies that same nurturing care to everyone she comes in contact with. “Ms. Lewis makes our school and community a better place with her kindness and dedication to helping others,” Mrs. Roberts explained. “When anyone comes in contact with Ms. Lewis she has a smile on her face and words of encouragement.” For over 20 years, Ms. Lewis has poured her heart and soul into the school community. She started her career when she was the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) president, and the school needed an extra driver for field trips. Since then she has been cruising alongside students through their educational journeys at WES and beyond. “I love all the kids I’ve met over the years, I really do,” she said with a tear running down her face. “I saw a former student the other day who is now a nurse, and I was overjoyed with emotions that she achieved her goals. I tell every student to pursue their dreams and education, and sometimes they just need that extra love and support.” Ms. Lewis feels that the Woodfin community is a special place to live and work. It’s something she says makes this school a one of a kind place to be. “The children are the most rewarding part of this career,” she said. “The best part is seeing them get on the bus in the morning and being one of the first to tell them good morning as they start their day. This is my community. I know the majority of the families in this area and have watched them grow up. WES is filled with many loving and supportive staff that only want the best for each student.” Buncombe County Schools operates 220 buses each school day transporting approximately 10,000 students 15,000 miles each day.