Denita Dowell-Reavis
A shot of money is coming to help one Alexander County School improve student performance. The state announced June 5th an award of $25 million dollars that’ll go to 15 middle schools across North Carolina including portions of the funds for East Alexander Middle School.
The Golden Leaf Foundation, an organization funded by the state’s tobacco settlement since 1999, aims to help rural communities. The money will promote effective teaching in every classroom and a math curriculum that is student-centered. The initiative was launched by State School Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green.
“The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a powerful first step toward our goal of ensuring that North Carolina’s public schools are the best in the nation,” said Green. “By investing in middle school math instruction – especially in our rural and economically challenged communities – we are building a foundation that prepares every student for college, careers and lifelong community engagement,” he added.
Alexander County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin echoes what Green says about what the resources could mean for East. “I’m excited about East being one of the 15 schools selected to receive the support. It’s a testament to the work of all those who collaborated to apply for the money on behalf of our students” said Griffin.
According to the state release, the money will be aimed at curriculum, coaching, and support. To be eligible for the funds, schools had to be located in a rural county and be labeled low-performing based on standardized test scores.
Curriculum and Instruction Director Dr. Amy Bowles led the effort for the application, which was praised by evaluators for being well-organized, data-based, and sustainable. “The grant had specific criteria to apply, which East Alexander met, and we knew right away this was a strong compliment to the work they are already doing there,” says Bowles. She adds, “This grant gives staff the tools and resources to create lasting impact on our students’ success. We look forward to this initiative and sharing its success with our district, community, and state.”
Principal Lee Swanson has been at East since November 2024. While the grant criteria suggested the principal have three years of experience, evaluators noted the district’s strong support of Swanson is one reason the grant application stood out. “Our School is grateful and excited for the opportunities this grant provides. East Alexander wishes to thank the Golden Leaf Foundation along with Dr. Bowles and Dr. Griffin for their continued support in growing East,” says Swanson. He adds, “Our team at East is committed to making East the best learning experience possible for our students. The East Alexander team is focused on using every resource and opportunity as a way to constantly push our staff and students forward. It is a great day to be a Falcon.”