Buncombe County Commission Wins Award from NC School Board Association

Buncombe County Commissioners (L-R): Mike Fryar, Holly Jones, Brownie Newman, David Gantt - Chairman, Ellen Frost, Joe Belcher, and Miranda DeBruhl.
Buncombe County Commissioners (L-R): Mike Fryar, Holly Jones, Brownie Newman, David Gantt – Chairman, Ellen Frost, Joe Belcher, and Miranda DeBruhl.

The North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) recently presented its prestigious County Commission of the Year Award to the Buncombe County Board of County Commissioners at an awards ceremony in Greensboro.

Touted by both Asheville City and Buncombe County school boards as county commissioners who “get it,” the Buncombe County Commissioners consider the education of their children priority one. They have increased local education spending, preserving numerous teacher and teacher assistant positions. The Commission has also provided funding for four new schools, two in each school district. These commissioners stand with the two districts daily, providing support to dozens of schools and nearly 30,000 students in a variety of ways.

“It’s my honor to accept this award on behalf of all the people of Buncombe County,” Commission Chair David Gantt said in his acceptance speech. “We have a great partnership here in Buncombe County. We meet, we talk, and we work our problems.”

“It’s nice to have a good relationship with the County Commissioners,” Buncombe County Board of Education chairman Bob Rhinehart said. “Our partnership has allowed us to work together and collaborate for the students, faculty, and staff of Buncombe County Schools.”

Asheville City Schools Board chairman Jacquelyn Hallum concurs. “Our Commissioners value public education and we, likewise, value them for their sustained support of the children and families we serve. We could not ask for a more practical partnership!”

The award, presented during NCSBA’s Annual Conference for Board Member Development, is given to a board of county commissioners, nominated by the local board of education, in recognition of their extraordinary efforts. Unfortunately, the commissioners had a meeting that night and were unable to attend the ceremony. The Asheville City and Buncombe County Boards of Education accepted the award on their behalf, and the commissioners sent a video acceptance for conference attendees to view (see link below).

NCSBA was established in 1937 as an advocate for public school education. Its mission is to provide leadership and services that enable local boards of education to govern effectively.

See Buncombe County Commission Chairman David Gantt’s video acceptance speech at www.vimeo.com/112189707.