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2026-2031 Strategic PlanCommitted to Student Success, Every Day ... No Excuses!Committed to Student Success, Every Day ... No Excuses!Committed to Student Success, Every Day ... No Excuses!
The Bertie County Public Schools 2026–2031 Strategic Plan represents a shared commitment to the success of every student in our district. Education is the foundation upon which strong communities are built, and our schools play a vital role in shaping the future of Bertie County. This plan reflects the voices and perspectives of educators, families, community members, and partners who believe deeply in the potential of our students and the promise of our schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students have access and opportunities to reach their full potential in a global and complex society. To fulfill this vision, Bertie County Public Schools remains steadfast in its mission to empower every student to succeed in school and life. Over the next five years, this strategic plan will guide our work as we strengthen teaching and learning, expand opportunities for students, support our dedicated staff, and cultivate meaningful partnerships with families and the community. The plan is built upon four commitments that represent our most important priorities: High Quality and Engaging Instruction; Career, College and Workforce Readiness; Employee Talent Development and Retention; and Culture, Belonging, and Community Engagement. These commitments will serve as the framework for our decision-making, ensuring that resources, programs, and initiatives remain focused on what matters most—student success. Our work is also aligned with the priorities of the North Carolina State Board of Education, ensuring that the goals of Bertie County Public Schools contribute to the broader vision for public education across our state. Together, we will continue to strengthen our schools, support our educators, and provide learning environments where students are challenged, inspired, and prepared for their next phase in life. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and invite you to join us in this important work. By working together, we will create opportunities that empower every student in Bertie County to thrive. Educationally Yours, Otis L. Smallwood Dr. Otis L. Smallwood Superintendent Bertie County Public SchoolSUPERINTENDENTS MESSAGE
Enrichment MindsetAccountabilityFostering community partnerships and interpersonal connections to support lifelong learning.Relationship BuildingSupporting the Whole ChildKeeping the Main Thing, The Main Thing (Students)Core ValuesMission, Vision, & Core ValuesEnsuring the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student are met.Maintaining high standards and responsibility for student growth and achievement.MISSION: Bertie County Public Schools empowers EVERY student to succeed in school and life. VISION: Provide ALL students access and opportunities to reach their full potential in a global and complex society. VALUES: Bertie County Public Schools has five core values that permeate all our educational endeavors. They are the pillars for the four continuous improvement commitments outlined in this strategic plan.Prioritizing student needs above all other considerations in decision-making.Encouraging students to reach beyond their comfort zones to achieve their full potential.
COMMITMENT 1 High Quality, Engaging InstructionEvidence-Based PracticesImplement instructional practices and programming backed by proven educational research.Academic Excellence for ALLActively promote high standards of achievement across the entire student population.Problem-Based LearningExpand opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based educational experiences.Advanced CourseworkEnsure equitable access to high-level academic tracks for all students.Key Performance Indicators to Attain by 2031 for Commitment 1Increase Learning Walks Attain 85% Proficient Rating or Higher on Standard 4 of North Carolina Teacher Evaluation Rubric Increase PLCs across the district. Increase Grade 3 Reading Proficiency to 85% Increase Grades 3-8 Reading to 85% Increase Grades 3-8 Mathematics to 90% Increase Grades 5 & 8 Science to 95% Increase Mathematics I to 70% Increase Mathematics III to >95% Increase Biology to 85% Increase English II to 80% Increase mClass Reading Assessment (K-3) to 83% Increase ACT Passing Rate to 60% Increase Advanced Placement Passing Rate to 60% Increase Problem-Based Learning in Science, CTE, and Social Studies Increase number of students taking College & Career Promise Courses Increase AIG Enrollment to 5% of school district population
COMMITMENT 2 College, Career & Workforce ReadinessIncrease Graduation & Post-Secondary Readiness RatesIncrease the percentage ofstudents graduating and prepared for post-secondary success.Improve Career and Technical Education Performance IndicatorsImprove measurable outcomes for Career and Technical Education Programs.Strengthen Partnerships That Provide Real-World Learning Experiences.Strengthen ties with external partners to provide students with practical, work-based experiences.Key Performance Indicators to Attain by 2031 for Commitment 2Increase the Cohort Graduation Rate for Bertie County Public Schools to 99% Increase yearly graduation rates to 90% Increase ACT passing rate to 60% Increase Level IV and V proficiency of Reading EOG to 85% Increase Level IV and V proficiency of Math EOG to 60% Increase Level IV an V proficiency of Science EOG to 70% Increase Level IV and V proficiency of Math I to 65% Increase Level IV and V proficiency of Math III to 75% Increase Level IV and V proficiency of English II to 70% Increase Level IV and V proficiency of Biology to 75% Increase ASVAB participation to 20% of eligible students Increase CTE credentialiing to 100% Increase CTE completers to ## Increase CTE & District Partnerships for learning opportunities. Increase Student Participation in real-world learning experiences to 10%.
COMMITMENT 3 Talent Development and RetentionRevere Bertie County Public School EmployeesCultivate a culture of respect and appreciation for all staff members.Recruit & Retain Highly Effective TeachersFocus on attracting and keeping high-performing educators in the district.Strengthen Beginning Teacher ProgramStrengthen the support systems and mentorship for educators new to the profession.Offer Differentiated Professional DevelopmentOffer tailored training opportunities that meet the specific needs of diverse staff roles.Develop Career PathwaysDevelop clear internal trajectories for professional growth and leadership within the district.Key Performance Indicators to Attain by 2031 for Commitment 3Increase metrics on the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey to 98% (by 2030) Increase the Teacher Attrition Rate to 90% Increase the number of Exceeds Growth teachers in EVAAS to 50% Increase Beginning Teacher Survey Results Increase retention in Advaned Teacher Roles Increase the number of differentiated professional learning offerings. Monitor the number of leadership opportunities from district, departments, and schools. Monitor the number of Teacher Asisstants to Teachers Monitor the number of Staff Members to Administration
COMMITMENT 4 Culture, Belonging, & Community EngagementExpand Community Schools ModelIncrease the Community Schools framework to encompass every school in the district.Strengthen Family and Community EngagementDeepen the involvement of families and local stakeholders in the educational process.Embed Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Across All Subjects.Embed SEL principles across alls ubject areas to support student well-being.Decrease Exclusionary Discipline PracticesImplement strategies to reduce discipline practices that remove students from the learning environment.Increase VisibilityIncrease the district's presence and recognition within the local community, state, and region.Stakeholder CommunicationEnsure timely and transparent communication through a variety of media outlets.Key Performance Indicators to Attain by 2031 for Commitment 4Increase Community Schools Model to all six (6) schools. Measure the number of hands-on engagement events for stakeholders occurring at schools. Measure the number of student-led conferences happening across the district. Measure the number of Student and Parent College Visits. Decrease the number of In-School Suspensions (ISS) to 100 or less. Decrease the number of Out Of School Suspensions (OSS) to 150 or less. Decrease the number of School Expulsions (SE) or Long-Term Suspensions (LTS) to 0. Increase the number of clubs and extra-curricular activities across K-12. Increase the number of presentations by school personnel at regional, state, and national conferences. Increase transparent communication via our social media channels, printed material, newsletters, published calendars, phone calls, and text messages.
Bertie County Board of Education Mrs. Vernetta M. Henderson, Chair Mr. Rickey Freeman, Vice-Chair Ms. Christine Dudley Mrs. Tarsha B. Dudley Mrs. Reba Cooper CarltonBertie County Public Schools Senior Leadership Dr. Otis L. Smallwood, Superintendent Dr. Michael W. White, Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Charlene C. Jones, Executive Director of Finance Dr. Steven E. Howard, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction Published August, 2026 Follow us on the web - www.bertie.k12.nc.us