Blue Ridge Elementary will soon welcome Callie Grubb, currently an assistant principal at Ashe County High School, as its new principal.
On Tuesday, May 15, the Ashe County Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Grubb as the replacement for interim BRES principal John Gregory, who has filled the post since Dec. 1, 2011 following the departure of former principal Rick Powers who took a job with the NC Department of Public Instruction late last year.
Grubb received a bachelor of science degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a master of science in school administration from Appalachian State University.
Superintendent of Ashe County Schools Dr. Travis Reeves met with Blue Ridge Elementary’s 15-member school improvement team when the hiring process began in late February, according to a press release issued by the school system, to share and gather information and to identify the characteristics they valued in a principal.
“From this group, a sub-group was formed to comprise the first interview team,” read the release. “Thirteen applicants were screened and seven were interviewed. Three names were recommended for the second round of interviews.”
Teachers, principals, a retired principal, and central office administration formed the second interview panel. The three candidates were required to develop and present a 15 minute presentation on their vision for the future of Blue Ridge Elementary prior to their interview. Interview panel members then used their analysis of the presentation to guide their questioning.
“I am confident in Mrs. Grubb’s ability to lead Blue Ridge Elementary school,” said Reeves after completion of the interview process. “Mrs. Grubb has a history of integrity and strong work ethic. Her education philosophy including putting children first and building teamwork in a collegial setting. She believes in working together, growing together, and learning together. I feel her leadership will bring long-term sustained growth in academic achievement and she will welcome the community to be a part of this excellent school.”
Grubb has been employed with Ashe County Schools since February 2003, with the past five years in an administrative role.
“My education has definitely supplied me with the knowledge and tools to become an effective educational leader while my varied employment experiences have taught me the value of teamwork and collaboration,” said Grubb.
Carmen Wilson, a math teacher at Ashe County High School, and former North Carolina Teacher of the Year said, “Mrs. Grubb is highly organized and gives attention to detail. She is a very hard-working individual with high expectations for both herself and those around her. Mrs. Grubb emphasizes the importance of communication by being a good listener and by seeking to understand and finding solutions for issues that are brought to her attention.”
Wilson also said, “It is clear that she truly cares about the students and staff of Ashe County Schools.”
Ashe County High School Principal Jason Krider said Grubb is a pleasure to work with and will be a great addition to Blue Ridge Elementary.
“Mrs. Grubb has shown that she is willing to do what it takes to ensure students reach their potential and meet the expectations that are set for them,” said Krider. “Her student-centered approach to decision making will make for a smooth transition to Blue Ridge. Ashe County High School will miss the hard work, enthusiasm, and love for the kids that Mrs. Grubb brings to school each day. We wish her well on her new endeavor.”
Grubb will take the reigns at Blue Ridge as the state, and Ashe County, make major curriculum changes and place a greater emphasis on kindergarten through second grade literacy skills.
“Teacher preparation with this new reform will be of utmost priority and Mrs. Grubb and her team will focus on student relationships and academic rigor,” read the release. “Communication with all stakeholders will be essential as Blue Ridge Elementary moves forward in 2012-2013.”
In July 2011, NCDPI released results of its Adequate Yearly Progress, the national measure of student proficiency in meeting the targets set forth by federal requirements under No Child Left Behind and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Though Mountain View Elementary was Ashe County’s lone school to meet all its targets, BRES met the fewest percentage of proficiency targets in the county at 58.8 percent, or 10 of 17 targets.
In comparison, Ashe County High School, which met 92.3 percent, or 12 of 13 targets, of its goals was the county’s second lowest AYP percentage.
Grubb resides in Ashe County and is married to Jason Grubb of Boone.
Turner appointed as coordinator of child nutrition
On May 15, Ashe County Schools announced the appointment of Martha Turner as the school district’s new coordinator of child nutrition.
Turner, who has had the opportunity to work and train with the current coordinator of child nutrition, Angelina Thompson, brings “leadership skills, team collaboration, and business knowledge to the position,” according to a press release issued by Ashe County Schools.
“Mrs. Turner has a leadership style that rallies all stakeholders,” read the release. “Her communication skills and ability to adapt will assist in this transition. Her experience with the school system as a classroom teacher will provide an avenue to educate students and staff regarding nutrition and developing a healthier lifestyle.”
Turner will also be instrumental in developing and incorporating nutritional elements into lessons, “within the curriculum based on new federal guidelines,” according to the release.
Turner takes over the post from the retiring Thompson, who has served in the position for the past four years.
“This position has been challenging due to reform in child nutrition services at both the state and federal levels,” said Thompson. “However, this has been a very rewarding experience as I have been able to work with all the students and staff of Ashe County Schools. They have given me suggestions on how to improve the child nutrition program and increase participation. I personally have enjoyed working closely with the managers and all cafeteria staff. They have worked hard on a daily basis and adapt to the many changes in child nutrition.”
As the county’s child nutrition coordinator, Thompson was responsible for the continuation of the US Department of Agriculture’s the fruit and veggie grant that provides a fresh fruit or vegetable snack to each of Ashe County’s elementary school students four times per week.
In cooperation with administration and staff at Blue Ridge Elementary, Thompson also implemented the Universal Breakfast Program at BRES, a program that provided all the school’s students the opportunity to eat a free breakfast regardless of the student’s free or reduced lunch status.
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