HALIFAX — “The winds of change” is an often heard description for the Halifax County Schools District these days and those breezes are blowing exceptionally strong with the resignation of the superintendent and implementation of a controversial school plan.

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The winds of change blew in over summer as the district announced plans to close three schools — Brawley, McIver and Eastman —and consolidate their students at other schools.

The dust hadn’t settled from that controversy when Superintendent Geraldine Middleton ended her two-year effort to turn the district around with Monday’s announcement she is taking a job in Chicago.

And above it all looms the presence of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction armed with a court order to improve the student’s test scores and their educational opportunities.

But with all the controversy and change, some district leaders and state experts say the winds of change are actually opportunities for growth and improvement.

“We feel fortunate to be in a partnership with the Department of Public Instruction as well as our central team to continue our focus on student achievement,” said school board chair Debbie Hardy.

That “partnership” means DPI will be more involved with the selection of a new superintendent than usual, but DPI’s Director of District and School Transformation Pat Ashley said, “I think the board and state will work collaboratively,” said Ashley. “I don’t think the process is finalized yet. Dr. (William) Harrison (chair of the state board of education) and the (district) board chair will be talking soon.”

Ashley said the entire staff of the Halifax County district and many DPI staff have been working together in recent weeks during professional development training and it’s given the district and her department a great opportunity to get to know each other. “We formed a close working relationship with all the people working in the district,” she said.

Ashley assured the public, “I’m confident that the transfer in leadership will move along quickly and that there will be a new superintendent identified that has the best interest of Halifax County students at heart.”

“The board is committed to the master plan mandated to achieve academic excellence for our children entrusted to “the new” Halifax County Schools System. Change is here and we stand together as a team ready to run the race before us,” said Hardy.

Hardy solicited support from the community during this time of change for the district and assured the public the board will do it’s part in making the transition smooth. “The Halifax County Board of Education asks each and everyone in whatever capacity to help us meet this monumental challenge. The Halifax County Board of Education believes with all parties working smart together, we will be successful.”