Board approves athlete transfer policy without path for implementation

Despite having no recommendation to do so from its policy committee, legal advice outlining the complications of such a move, opposition from principals at both high schools and calls for caution from several board members, Haywood County’s school board decided to enact a policy that will require students who transfer from one high school to another to be ineligible for athletics for one full year. 

HCS considers change to student athlete transfer policy

The Haywood County Board of Education is considering a change to its policy that governs transfers by student athletes between Pisgah and Tuscola, and with board members in disagreement on the issue, the board is welcoming public input. 

Haywood schools face repair work, shifting student enrollment

Following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Haywood County Schools reopened its doors to students and staff last week. 

Testing data is in, HCS reaches sixth in the state

This month the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released performance and growth data for the 2023-24 school year, and for another year in a row, Haywood County dominated regional rankings with the top two high schools in the western region. 

Bus drivers wanted: Local schools face non-certified staffing shortages

Finding enough bus drivers to operate all necessary routes has become a common issue for school systems across North Carolina and districts in the westernmost part of the state are not immune.

Haywood County Schools to bring back middle school academy

The Academy, an alternative service for middle grades students, will return to Haywood County Schools in the coming year as one of the school system’s budget expansion priorities. 

Celebrating libraries means ending book bans

I’m no extremist. I like discourse with people who hold opposing viewpoints. You can sway me with sound arguments. I feel enlightened when coming away with a better understanding of why people think the way they do. 

Making do: Haywood Schools budgets for post-mill future

When Pactiv Evergreen announced it would close its Canton paper mill last year, Haywood County Schools was already facing a host of other challenges, among them a declining student population, costs incurred from damages caused during the Pigeon River flood in 2021, and the impending end of COVID-era relief funds. 

HCS mental health services report

Haywood County Schools has increased the number of people it employs to care for and monitor students’ mental health this year, largely due to increased funding from the county commission that allowed for additional school resource officers. 

New leadership for Haywood County Schools: Finance director returns, two schools see new principals

The Haywood County School Board approved several personnel recommendations last week that saw the return of a previous finance director and new principals for two schools.

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