Dear Vance County Schools Families:
It is with great humility, gratitude, and an unwavering sense of purpose that I begin my service as Superintendent of Vance County Schools.
As a proud graduate of Vance County Schools, the parent of Vance County students, and an educator who has dedicated nearly two decades to serving this district, this appointment is deeply personal. This community helped shape me, and I consider it both an honor and a tremendous responsibility to help shape its future.
My vision is to build a school system where every student is safe, supported, and prepared for success beyond graduation. Achieving that vision requires more than great instruction; it requires great systems. Great school systems are not built by chance. They are built through intentional leadership, strong systems, and people who believe every child deserves our very best. That belief will guide every decision we make together.
As I begin this journey, I am committed to listening first, leading with integrity, and making decisions that keep students at the center. I believe lasting improvement is built through collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning.
To guide this important transition, I have developed a 100-Day Entry Plan that will serve as our roadmap for listening, learning, evaluating, and taking meaningful action. Throughout this process, I will regularly share updates with the Board of Education, our employees, families, and the community as we move forward together.
The five priorities of my entry plan are:
- Priority 1: Listen, Learn, and Build Trust Through Stakeholder Engagement
- Priority 2: Strengthen Teaching, Learning, and Student Success
- Priority 3: Build Leadership Capacity and Organizational Excellence
- Priority 4: Strengthen Financial Stewardship, Operations & Organizational Systems
- Priority 5: Strengthen School Safety, Student Support, and District Culture
I am incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen our systems, elevate student outcomes, and build a school district that every member of our community is proud to call home.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to the children of Vance County. I look forward to listening, learning, and leading alongside you as we write the next chapter of excellence for Vance County Schools.
Sincerely,
Destiney Ross-Putney, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Vance County Schools
