Schools recognized for achievements at CCS meeting

From left, CCS School Board members, Walter S. Spurling; Ron Humphries; Chairman Joel Shores, Vice-Chairman Aaron Bridges; Ronnie Grigg; Gloria Sherman and Kenneth Ledford at the Sept. 8. 2025 meeting.

‘Great schools don’t happen by accident’ was the de facto theme of Monday night’s Cleveland County School Board meeting.

With two board members unable to attend, David Fisher and also Danny Blanton, due to a death in the Blanton family, the Cleveland County Schools Board of Education recognized several schools that have performed, or outperformed over the last several years.

Superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher spoke to the school board, “It’s an honor to serve Cleveland County. We have a lot going on in the county – not just in the school system.” Fisher noted that it's a great place to live and raise their kids.

Moving along, Fisher highlighted the great things going on in the school system.

“We have great schools and they don’t happen by accident,” he said.

Fisher proceeded to thank the teachers, staff members, bus drivers and everyone that worked to maintain the schools and make them operate efficiently.

“Academic performance is a reflection of school culture.” He noted, adding, “We have a lot to be thankful for.”

He recognized several schools that performed well and those that pulled themselves up from the low performing category, according to state standards.

Superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher addresses the school board Monday night.

In only one school year, Cleveland County Schools reduced the number of low performing schools from nine to two; a 78% reduction. “That is a significant accomplishment in just one year,” noted Fisher.

What caused the reduction?

“The work done by faculty and staff throughout our district,” said Fisher. “They have done a tremendous job moving the needle.”

He informed the board that more students are now proficient in reading, math and science than in the recent past, noting almost two dozen school systems that are low performing across the state.

“We’re so proud of the work being done at all of our schools in our district,” Fisher lauded.

Currently, Cleveland County Schools have 27% of schools that have an A/B grading, which is par for the state, but 92% of all CCS schools are on the A/B/C scale, with the state average being much lower at 65%. Only 8% of schools in the County are low performing. Something Fisher and the board were proud to acknowledge Monday night.

“We can celebrate the work being done at our schools,” added Fisher.

CCS Board Member Walter Spurling expressed his excitement, “It takes a whole team to do this; if you have one member of a team not doing what they’re supposed to do you don’t get these results, so congratulations and I cannot tell you how proud I am.”

Board Member Gloria Sherman extended the bragging rights, talking to teachers in attendance, “I am so proud of each and every one of you.” Sherman noted that she believes CCS will become a model for underperforming schools to follow.

“I’m not just a board member, I am a parent, too, and I stand firm and proud,” added Vice-Chairman Aaron Bridges. “This school system impacts our students in a positive way.” Bridges congratulated all employees of CCS, adding, “I think these successes are just stepping stones for what will happen next.”

Bridges also noted there’s always going to be negativity from media and others on social media, but he stands proud of what Cleveland County Schools had accomplished.

Kenneth Ledford also congratulated everyone from the teachers to bus drivers, and included tutors in his remarks, stating, “They are the ones that helped the students get a further ways along. That includes everyone, full time and part time. Thank you for a job well done and we hope you will all keep up the hard work.” Ledford closed his remarks by thanking Superintendent Fisher.  

Ron Humphries, another board member, said this was ‘near and dear to his heart’ and also commended the community for their participation in supporting students and employees.

“The biggest thing though, are the boots on the ground, the teachers and other employees,” Humphries added.

Ronnie Grigg told teachers and staff to reach out to the board, if needed, while also adding, “I think that as a team, this is what you get when you have a team. Keep up the good work.”

CCS Board of Education Chairman Joel Shores added, “Some of you I know personally, some of you I don’t, but I am proud to be sitting up here tonight as chairman of the school board and thank you so much.”

He also added his thoughts on the negative comments, first mentioned by Bridges.

“Stay positive, stay focused,” Shores said to teachers.  

Fisher added that the families and students should be lauded for their accomplishments. He then recognized five schools that exceed growth by achieving more than one year’s worth of growth within one school year:

Casar Elementary School has had seven consecutive years and 10 out of 12 for growth.

Cleveland Early College High School achieved two years of high performance and highest overall student performance last year.

 Shelby Middle School with seven consecutive years of growth.

Washington Elementary was recognized for their rapid ascent from a low-performing school.

“We challenged them and they met that challenge. I am extremely proud of what they accomplished there. They leapfrogged the D status and moved to the C status. Very few schools have achieved that status (in a year),” said Fisher. 

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter for The Shelby Independent.