The State of NC recently completed its annual inspection of all GCPS buses, including an audit of the Transportation Department’s inventory, control processes, and safety records. In conducting the inspection, officials assign point values to violations or defects, so the lower the score, the better the overall results. 

This year’s score was 45.75. For the third year in a row, the score is lower than the regional average of 50.26. After reviewing the final official report, Superintendent Winborne offered his thoughts, saying, “Our Transportation Department continues to show they are dedicated to ensuring our bus fleet is as safe as possible for our students and staff. They have also proven to be great stewards of financial resources and inventory. The Transportation Department continues to do an excellent job.”

All public school transportation departments receive an annual inspection from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and use a standardized inspection process. This process is extremely strict and allows for minimal errors of any kind related to the safe operation of school buses.

Dr. Winborne went on to say, “While this report shows outstanding work from our Transportation Department, it also reflects our bus drivers’ daily commitment to bus safety. Our drivers are on the front lines of keeping our students safe as we transport them to and from school. Their contribution to our education program is immeasurable.”

Mr. Kevin Ferrell, the Director of Transportation, offered his perspective, stating, “We are proud of our annual bus inspection report! Our mechanics take great pride in providing excellent service to our fleet of buses and vehicles. Our drivers and school administrators do an excellent job partnering with the bus garage to ensure bus safety and smooth operations. We are especially proud that our overall inspection score was better than the state average for the third consecutive year.”

Granville County Public Schools proudly announces that Dr. Courtney Currin was among 39 distinguished school and district leaders across the state to graduate from the tenth cohort of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) Aspiring Superintendents Program.

"The program is designed to support the growth, expansion, and enhancement of school and district leaders in their current roles while providing high-quality professional development to strengthen their knowledge of the skills and dispositions required for future superintendents," said Jack Hoke, Executive Director of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association.

The North Carolina Aspiring Superintendents Program is a highly specialized leadership development initiative tailored for select district leaders who have demonstrated exceptional success in their administrative roles and aspire to the superintendency. Offered through the NCSSA and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development, the program equips future superintendents with technical expertise, leadership strategies for navigating the complexities of the role, and contemporary skills essential for 21st-century educational leadership. Participants engage in multiple face-to-face leadership development sessions and benefit from an embedded Executive Coaching component with proven leaders in the field. To date, 60 alumni from the program’s ten cohorts have been appointed to superintendencies across North Carolina.

Reflecting on Currin’s participation, Hoke remarked, “Dr. Currin cultivated a strong network of district leaders and actively contributed to discussions on emerging challenges, innovative practices, and strategic solutions impacting Granville County Public Schools.”

Dr. Stan Winborne, Superintendent of GCPS, offered his thoughts, sharing, “Completing this program is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates Dr. Currin’s commitment to improving her leadership capabilities.  She is a tremendous asset to GCPS and has a bright future ahead of her.  I am particularly proud of her commitment to always putting what is best for our students FIRST.”

About the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA)

The North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) is dedicated to supporting the state’s 115 superintendents through high-quality professional development, leadership training, and advocacy for strong public schools. NCSSA provides a range of resources, including two statewide leadership conferences, executive coaching for new superintendents, webinars, and a weekly email update, ensuring that educational leaders are well-equipped to guide their districts effectively.

Membership in NCSSA is available to all 115 local superintendents in North Carolina, as well as the directors of the state’s Regional Education Service Alliances (RESAs). Superintendents and their local boards of education may also choose to join NCSSA’s umbrella organization, the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA), as a District Member. This membership extends NCSSA benefits to the entire leadership team—including principals and assistant principals—while providing access to NCASA’s premier professional development, timely communications, and effective nonpartisan advocacy in education policy and law.

Jack Hoke serves as the Executive Director of NCSSA, bringing over three decades of experience in school administration, including 12 years as superintendent of Alexander County Schools. He leads NCSSA with the support of the NCASA team, ensuring a strong foundation for educational leadership across the state.

As a trusted resource for North Carolina’s educational leaders, NCSSA plays a vital role in strengthening public education. As a core affiliate of NCASA, NCSSA membership includes privileges in both organizations, providing a comprehensive network of support for superintendents and school administrators statewide.

For more information about the NCSSA Aspiring Superintendents Program, visit https://www.ncssa.net.

GRANVILLE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM: The Pizza Hut Foundation, in partnership with the iconic BOOK IT! reading program, recently awarded a $10,000 Slice of Literacy Grant to the Granville County Library System in
recognition of the Library System’s commitment to promote literacy and empower people of all ages in Granville County. The Pizza Hut Foundation presented the check to members of the Board of County Commissioners and library staff at the Richard H. Thornton Library.

The grant supports the Pizza Hut Foundation’s goal to expand the Pizza Hut BOOK IT!® reading program through additional literacy-focused initiatives. The BOOK IT!® program, which has inspired generations of young readers for over 40 years, continues to fuel literacy efforts nationwide through customer donations and community partnerships.

The funds will help the library expand its literacy programs and continue its mission to make learning accessible to everyone. Granville County Library System will use funds from this grant in collaboration with Granville County Public Schools to promote reading and literacy initiatives at C.G. Credle Elementary School to host a month-long read-a-thon with all students next school year.

The Pizza Hut Foundation’s Slice of Literacy Grant Program supports nonprofits located within 15 miles of a Pizza Hut restaurant that are actively working to improve literacy outcomes in their communities.
For more information about the Pizza Hut Foundation and its programs, visit www.PizzaHutFoundation.org.

For more information about library services and programs, visit the Library System website: https://www.granvillecounty.org/157/Library-System.

HENDERSON, NC (March 19, 2026) — VGCC Drama is back on stage this spring with Yasmina Reza's “God of Carnage,” winner of three 2009 Tony Awards (including Best Play) and the 2009 Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

This internationally acclaimed comedy takes you deep into the most dangerous place on Earth: parenthood. What happens when two sets of parents meet up to deal with the unruly behavior of their children? A calm and rational debate between grown-ups about the need to teach kids how to behave properly, or a hysterical night of name-calling, tantrums, and tears before bedtime? Boys will be boys, but the adults are worse…much worse. “God of Carnage” is a comedy of manners, without the manners.

The student cast includes Annie Walker as Veronica, Jordon Medlin as Michael, Sophie Blair as Annette, and Elijah Moss as Alan. Riley Stone is the stage manager, Isabela De La Joya is assistant stage manager, and Joshua Ramsey serves on the crew. Department Chair Betsy Henderson acts as the play's director.

The students’ hard work will culminate in four performances:

· Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m.

· Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m.

· Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.

· Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. All shows will take place in the Small

Auditorium on Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus in Henderson. The venue is located on the lower level of Building 2, which is accessible from the campus courtyard.

Following the Thursday night performance, a special talk-back discussion will be moderated by VGCC sociology professor Leslie Hurt. The conversation will explore the play’s central themes, including conflict, civility, and the complexities of human behavior. Hurt will be joined by members of the cast and crew, who will share insights into their creative process, character development, and the challenges of bringing the production to life. This engaging discussion will offer audience members a deeper understanding of the show while creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between performers and the community.

Tickets are on sale now. The cost is $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors/military, and $10 for students and VGCC faculty/staff. Purchase tickets online at www.vgcc.edu/god-of-carnage.

VGCC Drama presents “God of Carnage” by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. Please be advised that this production contains adult and/or offensive language...and vomit.

To learn more about VGCC Drama or Fine Arts at Vance-Granville Community College, contact Betsy Henderson, Department Chair of Fine Arts & Humanities, at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3371.

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About Vance-Granville Community College: Your community, your college. Since its founding in 1969, Vance-Granville Community College has proudly educated, inspired, and supported a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. VGCC offers 40+ Curriculum programs, as well as short-term Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs. Located in North Carolina's Triangle region, VGCC serves the counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, and beyond!

For the latest college news, visit www.vgcc.edu or follow Vance-Granville on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

VGCC Community Band to perform free public concert March 17 at the Civic Center

HENDERSON, N.C. — The Vance County America 250 Committee invites the public to a free patriotic concert by the Vance-Granville Community College Community Band on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The concert will be held at the VGCC Civic Center on the college’s main campus in Henderson and marks the first America 250 event of the year in Vance County.

The concert will feature patriotic music in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, which will be marked by commemorative events throughout the year. The VGCC Community Band is a long-standing fixture in Henderson and the surrounding region, with regular concerts annually. Under the direction of Brian D. Miller, the ensemble draws members from across VGCC’s four-county service area and beyond, ranging from college students to adult community members of all backgrounds and experience levels. All VGCC Community Band performances are free to the public.

The March 17 concert is one of several events planned throughout the year by the Vance County America 250 Committee. Formed as part of a statewide effort coordinated by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, local committees like Vance County’s exist to bring the commemoration to life at the local level—honoring the nation’s past, engaging residents in the present, and inspiring future generations. Vance County is among 89 of North Carolina’s 100 counties with an officially recognized America 250 committee.

The Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission serves as a supporting partner of the Vance County America 250 Committee, helping to promote events and organize partners.

“Vance County has a lot to celebrate. We’re glad to partner with the America 250 Committee to make sure our community has opportunities to come together and mark this historic anniversary,” said Ferdinand Rouse, Director of the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission. “We’re excited to see Vance County take part in this national milestone. This concert is a great way to kick off what promises to be a memorable year.”

The concert is free and open to the public. The VGCC Civic Center is located on the college’s main campus at 200 Community College Road. Parking is available on campus at no charge.

For more information about the Vance County America 250 Committee and upcoming events, view the Community Calendar on the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission’s website at vancecountyedc.com.

About the Vance County America 250 Committee: The Vance County America 250 Committee is a volunteer body dedicated to planning and organizing local events and initiatives in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The committee is part of the statewide America 250 NC commemoration, led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

About the VGCC Community Band: The Vance-Granville Community College Community Band is open to students and adult community members at no cost. The band rehearses Monday evenings on VGCC’s main campus in Henderson and performs free p