Buncombe County Schools

Congratulations, Mr. Dale!

Buncombe County Schools (BCS) employs thousands of extraordinary staff across the district. BCS takes pride in recruiting the best in order to inspire, educate, encourage, and elevate students on a daily basis. As a way to honor the hard work and dedication that staff pour into our school community, we are recognizing those who go above and beyond to make BCS the best. This BCS Staff Spotlight is in honor of National School Social Worker Week, and highlights the important work done by social worker Ami Greene. Ms. Greene serves Barnardsville Elementary, North Windy Ridge Intermediate, and North Buncombe Middle School. She has had the opportunity to watch students grow through their educational journey in the North Buncombe District. For her this career is rewarding as she knows she is making a difference. “Social work is an important role in our schools, because we assist students with concerns that are impacting their academic success,” she explained. “We work as a team with the school counselors to provide mental health support in the day to day and other situations that arise. I know I have successfully completed my job when I help students and families find solutions.” Across three different schools, Ms. Greene pours her heart into those she helps on a daily basis. Her love is far bigger than being a social worker. “Being a school social worker keeps me on my toes, and I learn something new most days,” she said. “Although there are some days that are really hard, I still feel so fortunate to have this opportunity. Those hard days get a little sweeter when a student runs up to give me a hug. I truly love the students I serve.” Principal of Barnardsville Elementary, Holly Houchard said that Ms. Greene is devoted to making a difference in the North Buncombe area. “Ms. Greene is superwoman,” she said. “She amazingly juggles three schools, and does that in a way that gives equal importance to all three schools. Ms. Greene advocates for each child and is passionate about all kids having a fair chance at being successful.” Buncombe County Schools is fortunate to have a wonderful team of social workers advocating daily for the well being of all children. Thank you to all of our dedicated social workers for everything you do. 

Congratulations to our finalists for the 2025 Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year. The seven finalists, one from each district, were revealed at the March meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Education. They are: Caitlin Burnett of Nesbitt Discovery Academy (At-Large District) Martha Tallent of Enka Middle School (Enka District) Jessica Jones of Erwin High School (Erwin District) Lee Jamison of Weaverville Primary (North Buncombe District) Laura Josey of Black Mountain Elementary (Owen District) Taylor Sanders of Fairview Elementary (Reynolds District) Jeffrey Eckler of Avery's Creek Elementary (Roberson District) One of the finalists will be named Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year at the Board meeting in June.

BCS DECA students representing North Carolina among the best creative, young business minds in the world at the 2024 International Career Development Conference.

What if you could start your career journey while still in high school – exploring workflows, networking with business leaders, and building direct experiences through internships? That’s the premise of the Buncombe County Center for Career Innovation (BCCI), and last week, students in BCCI’s first class got to share their stories and successes during a community showcase at the A-B Tech Conference Center. The showcase featured vision boards where rising 10th graders from across the county made collages about how they would like to design their lives. Current BCCI students had presentation boards arrayed across the room and held a panel discussion explaining their own journeys. Guests also heard insights from business partners in fields ranging from advanced manufacturing to health care to sustainable energy. “We’re doing this to show how great BCCI is,” said Jordyn White, a student on the Professional Services pathway at BCCI who helped promote the event. “If you’re not sure what you want to do, this might be the place for you. All the experiences we’ve had have really helped us figure that out. I used to be really shy, but when I found out about BCCI, I really wanted to get the word out to students like me who want to have a career right after high school but don’t know where to start.” BCCI’s career pathways include Skilled Technologies (advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy, construction), Professional Services (education, health care, hospitality and tourism), and Information Technology (networking, cybersecurity, software development). BCCI Principal Anna Austin said the showcase provided a venue for students to describe how they’ve explored careers in these pathways and pursued real-world experiences with local businesses. “They identify their pathway and look at the different ways to get where they want to be, whether that’s joining the workforce right after graduating high school, earning credentials along with their high school diploma, or picking up college credits on their way to a four-year school,” she said. “This event is their way of showing the community what the first year of BCCI has been like and to help the community celebrate how far they’ve come from August to April.” BCCI is accepting applications from rising ninth and 10th graders. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/eUED8uZp. #BCS #WeAreBCS #BCSadvantage #BCSisbest #avlmoms #avldads #WNC #ncpublicschools #publicschoolproud #greaterheights #buncombecounty #avltoday

Enka High School’s staff gathered in the media center to celebrate custodian Ralph Bonham, who is retiring after serving the school for 50 years. Mr. Bonham, a Vietnam Veteran, inspired generations of kids and adults alike with his commitment to excellence. At the celebration, his positive influence wove through stories from coworkers, administrators, and family members. “Ralph was a pillar of this school before I ever got here,” said Enka High Principal Jeff Burleson. “He is always wanting to make sure things are done right, not just as a custodian but as a human being. And we love him. Fifty years is special.” Enka District School Board Member Judy Lewis expressed gratitude for Mr. Bonham's exemplary character. “Thank you for your tireless dedication to our community and our school,” she said. “You have been a beacon of integrity, hard work, and kindness, serving as a role model for us all.” BCS Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson echoed these sentiments, expressing his honor in attending Mr. Bonham’s retirement celebration. “I can see you wearing your Vietnam Veteran hat, and it makes me think of that lifetime of service,” he said. “That service to our children, that loyalty and dedication, I wish that was more present in our society. We are so very grateful for your service, and I salute you, sir.” View more photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Congratulations to our 2024 BCS Top Scholars! Thank you to all our partners who helped create a special evening for these amazing students.

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Coach Mark Harris of Enka High stands as a paragon of excellence in the realm of high school wrestling, leading his team to consecutive victories with a blend of skill, strategy, and unyielding dedication. With an impressive array of coaching accolades adorning his illustrious career, including North Carolina Coach of the year AAA, NCHSAA Toby Webb Outstanding Coach Award, National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Enka High School Hall of Fame, and much more. This track record proves he is making a difference in more than one way. Beyond the world of wrestling, Coach Harris serves as a mentor, guiding his students to success by instilling values of perseverance, discipline and teamwork that will serve them throughout life. “Coach builds self discipline within all of us, not just in this sport but school as well,” said senior Bodhi. “He gets us ready not only for wrestling, but life as well. Coach Harris is someone I can count on when I need extra guidance. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today, or the person I am if it wasn’t for Coach Harris.” When Coach Harris isn’t teaching or on the wrestling mat he serves in various organizations including; the Board of Directors for the National Wrestling Coaches Association, the NC Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the NC Wrestling Coaches Association, and the Scholastic Chairman for the Southeast (section 3) for the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Coach Harris also runs the Hominy Valley Youth Wrestling Program, and coaches EHS boys and girls cross country. In his 28 years of coaching, Mr. Harris says he has seen some changes for the betterment of the program. “I have witnessed the growth of girls wrestling and the addition of a girls team at EHS,” he said. “This has been a positive change that’s brought more athletes, parents, energy and fans into the program. For the 23/24 school year we had 12 girls on the roster, and are working to grow the program more in the future.” A female wrestler said that Coach Harris is unlike any other wrestling coach when it comes to females in the program. “Coach Harris has supported the women in this sport since EHS had their first female on the team,” said senior Hodge. “During a match he is there in our corner, and makes sure we have what we need. Coach supports us as much if not more than the boys. Knowing that I have a coach like Mr. Harris has helped me a lot this year. I know I can go to him no matter what.” Coach Harris is not only making strides in the athletics department. His involvement and dedication permeates Enka High School. “Mr. Harris is an asset to our faculty and coaching staff because of his commitment to excellence in everything he does,” said Principal Jeffery Burleson. “Mr. Harris goes above and beyond the call of duty for anything he is involved in. Mark Harris is one of many reasons the faculty, students, alumni and community are so ‘Proud to be a JET!’”