State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt Visits Davie County High School

(L to R) - Board of Education Member Dub Potts,  Board of Education Chairman Clint Junker, Davie County Schools Superintendent Jeff Wallace, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, Davie County Manager Brian Barnett, and Special Advisor for Teacher Engagement Julie Pittman tour Davie County High School.
(L to R) – Board of Education Member Dub Potts, Board of Education Chairman Clint Junker, Davie County Schools Superintendent Jeff Wallace, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, Davie County Manager Brian Barnett, and Special Advisor for Teacher Engagement Julie Pittman tour Davie County High School.

Davie County Schools welcomed State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt to Davie County High School last week to talk with students and teachers, observe the exciting Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, and experience firsthand all that the school has to offer.

Truitt, who took office in January 2021, has toured dozens of schools across the state as she focuses on improving the state’s public schools, expanding innovation, and creating new opportunities for students to learn, grow, and successfully transition into the post-secondary plans of their choice.

When Wallace invited her to visit Davie County, she jumped at the chance. “I’ve been impressed with Davie County Schools dating back to when Jeff Wallace was the assistant superintendent. When he invited me as Superintendent, I immediately said yes. I’ve always admired Davie County’s commitment to innovation and to ensuring that all kids have unique and engaging opportunities to learn,” Truitt said. “It’s clear that Davie County High School is, first and foremost, interested in supporting their students.”

(L to R) Michael Pruitt, Anthony Davis, Catherine Truitt, Julie Pittman, Jeff Wallace, Clint Junker, Jinda Haynes, Jenn Lynde, Dub Potts, and Representative Julia Howard tour the barn at Davie High used by the CTE agricultural program.
(L to R) Michael Pruitt, Anthony Davis, Catherine Truitt, Julie Pittman, Jeff Wallace, Clint Junker, Jinda Haynes, Jenn Lynde, Dub Potts, and Representative Julia Howard tour the barn at Davie High used by the CTE agricultural program.

Truitt was joined by Julie Pittman, special advisor for teacher engagement and former western regional teacher of the year. They began their visit by talking with students. A panel of sophomores and juniors shared their educational experiences during and post-COVID closures and talked about the value of taking CTE classes and their future career goals.  

“It was clear that the students view this high school as a small community and feel connected to all their teachers. When students are quick to share high praise in their teachers and school environment, you know it’s going to be an awesome visit and a special place,” said Truitt. 

Following the discussion with students, Truitt and Pittman, along with Representative Julia Howard and County Manager Brian Barnett, took a tour of the facility, focusing on the CTE building.  

The group stopped by the mechatronics classroom, a STEM English class, and the Soaring Eagles classroom,  before heading to the CTE building where they observed the masonry lab, auto shop, carpentry shop, ag mechanics shop, and the sheep barn. DCHS Principal Michael Pruitt explained that ag students would be showing the sheep at the fair and expressed his pride in the way that students took responsibility for caring for the school’s animals, even on the weekends. 

Having visited CTE programs across the state, Truitt commented that DCHS had one of the best, most comprehensive programs in the state.       

(L to R)  DCHS Principal Michael Pruitt, Grayson Haynes, Rylan Koontz, Amber Lynde,   Harmony Young, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, Katie Lewis, Julie Pittman, Taha Guver,  discussed issues affecting students.
(L to R) DCHS Principal Michael Pruitt, Grayson Haynes, Rylan Koontz, Amber Lynde, Harmony Young, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, Katie Lewis, Julie Pittman, Taha Guver, discussed issues affecting students.

“I’ve seen really impressive CTE programs across the state, but after seeing Davie County High’s program in person, I’m a firm believer that they should be a model for career and technical education across the state. The wide variety of options they provide to students, from auto repair to ag mechanics, is incredible as there is truly something for everyone. It’s exactly the type of hands-on and work-based learning opportunities I am hopeful that all North Carolina students have the chance to experience before graduating and entering the real world.” 

(L to R) Catherine Truitt and Julie Pittman check out the sheep raised by students in Davie High’s agricultural program. Students will be showing the sheep at the fair.
(L to R) Catherine Truitt and Julie Pittman check out the sheep raised by students in Davie High’s agricultural program. Students will be showing the sheep at the fair.

“Something that was really unique to Davie County High was the masonry lab. In my travels to schools, I’ve not seen this before and it was really unique to see the students learn how to lay brick. I’d be remiss if I left out the sheep – they were really cute,” she added with a grin. 

Following the building tour, Truitt, Pittman, and Howard returned to the library to meet with teachers. 

Superintendent Truitt answered teachers’ questions about a proposed model that would change the way teachers are licensed and compensated.
Superintendent Truitt answered teachers’ questions about a proposed model that would change the way teachers are licensed and compensated.

“We requested to meet with teachers so we could answer their questions about a new proposed model that would change the way we license and compensate teachers,” said Truitt. “The teachers asked really thoughtful questions. While it’s natural for any teacher to want to know where they would fit into a new scenario, they were very excited about how this plan could increase teacher compensation overall.” 

(L to R) Principal Michael Pruitt shows State Superintendent Truitt the high school’s automotive shop, part of the school’s career and technical education program.
(L to R) Principal Michael Pruitt shows State Superintendent Truitt the high school’s automotive shop, part of the school’s career and technical education program.

Wallace considered the visit a success. “We are very grateful Superintendent Truitt would visit Davie County Schools; moreover, we appreciate her genuine interest in hearing from students and teachers.  Superintendent Truitt spent over an hour speaking with each group to discuss important topics. We also appreciate Representative Julia Howard and County Manager Brian Barnett joining the tour.  Davie County is so fortunate to have engaged leaders who genuinely care about education.”  

Photos courtesy of John Marshall, Davie County Schools