August 2012
From the Desk of the Superintendent
Welcome to the Gates County Schools webpage. As the superintendent of Gates County Schools, it is an honor and a pleasure to become a part of a community that values education and is always striving for the best. I am proud of our outstanding teachers, staff, and support personnel who put students first to create a caring and positive environment at every grade level. Gates County Schools has received excellent marks through the ABC accountability model. In Gates County Schools,97.6% of the annual measurable objectives (AMO) were met which is the second highest in the Northeast Region of the state out of 15 school districts. Two elementary schools achieved the status of Schools of Distinction. In comparison to the state of North Carolina, Gates County is in the top 12% of school districts meeting the annual targets ranking 14th out of 115 school districts.
I am honored and humbled to take on the responsibility of leading this organization and, most importantly, to ensure that every student graduates from Gates County School District future ready. In the process of becoming your superintendent, I shared with parents, staff and community members my beliefs and commitments. I share them again in writing here.
First, I believe strongly in our mission and in our vision of “promoting achievement through teaching, engaging and helping students become successful.” Our mission and vision is focused on collaboration,commitment, and inspiring students to reach their maximum potential. As a public school district, we are responsible for the futures of all students. I believe that every student can learn. It is our responsibility to help students to learn, grow, and be challenged to do their very best each and every day.
As an educational leader, I value learning,and I believe in the importance of student learning, professional learning and organizational learning. We must continue to improve student learning, and the professionals in the system must continue to learn and grow so we can best serve our students. As an organization, we must continue to learn ways to our systems and processes. This is challenging work that requires collaboration, respectful working relationships, and a positive attitude.
I also believe that strong school systems are an integral and important part of strong communities. Families want the best for their children and are attracted to areas with good schools; strong communities build strong schools, and strong schools build strong communities.
I am currently working with our Board of Education and leadership team to develop a comprehensive six-year strategic plan for the district. My goal is to ensure that we focus our resources and efforts on the work that will improve learning. In addition to our exceptional academic success, we emphasize educating the whole child. Quality experiences in the visual and performing arts, extracurricular activities, and athletics are critical in preparing our kids to have every available option as they move on from our system. Also essential are leadership, community service, and personal responsibility, and we strive to help students develop strengths in those areas.
I am very proud of the district for the work we have been doing and the work we have yet to do. As superintendent you can expect me to lead ethically, and with integrity and transparency. I believe the superintendent should be visible and involved, and I will work hard for the betterment of the Gates County School District and the communities and students we serve. I look forward to many future years of service as Gates County School District superintendent.
Respectfully,
Phillip Barry Williams, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Gates County Schools
