ROANOKE RAPIDS — Master training sessions, professional development and a blossoming partnership with the Department of Public Instruction seem to be paying off for Halifax County Schools, at least in the eyes of N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue.

Della Batts | The Daily Herald Gov. Bev Perdue paid a visit to Halifax County Schools Wednesday and reported she likes the changes she’s seeing in the classroom. At a reception at William R. Davie School, Perdue shook hands and talked with parents and students. While Perdue admitted there was still plenty of work to be done, she said the state was going to stick with the district “for the long haul.” Advertisement

It wasn’t long ago, the governor declared her misgivings about Halifax County Schools and the quality of education they were providing for students.

On her visit to Halifax County Wednesday, she claimed she’s starting to see the changes — and she likes it.

“Last spring I left the county really worried, because you all were really worried,” she said, then added, “I feel like we’ve turned the corner, but we still have a long way to go.” She gave her assurance the state is in this partnership with the schools “for the long haul.”

Perdue said students impressed her during her visit to Southeast High School Wednesday and that was her favorite part of her trip. “They are learning good thinking and leadership skills,” she said.

Perdue took a tour of schools, talking with teachers, administrators and students. She asked students what made the difference and brought on the changes she’s seeing. She said their response was that expectations for them are higher. Perdue said one student went so far as to say, “Because I finally know the teachers believe in me and know I can do good work.”

Perdue said she’s aware of a reoccurring problem — disruptive students in the classroom — and she’s interested in doing something about it.

The governor said many students expressed their desire to learn, but that disruptive classmates were preventing it. “I have to think about that,” she said. “I have to think about where we’re going to put them. But by the fall, we will have a good answer.” Perdue received an ovation for her promise.

Once again, Perdue stressed the importance of students receiving a quality education. “We need students to know if they work hard and get a good education they can be somebody.”

Her message was simple — it takes everyone in the community and everyone needs to take an ownership in graduating qualified people from our high schools.

She said students must graduate with skill sets, which prepare them for the future. She encouraged the community to get involved. She asked business people and churches to step up and give students a chance to gain experience before they graduate. “Give them the opportunity to know what it’s like to run a company,” she said.

Perdue admitted Halifax County is not the only school system in the state with issues. She said low scores put the district in the situation it’s in now and, at one point, school leaders and administrators didn’t understand the demands of a 21st century education. “They understand now,” she said, and through rigorous training and commitment, the partnership with the State is putting things back together again.

Of course, “the proof is in the pudding,” she said, as she expressed her pleasure in the mid-term grades were up and expectation for end of grade testing is very good.