Caldwell County Schools: summer meal distribution and state approval for teacher-preparation program announced

Dr. Thomas How, superintendent of Caldwell County Schools, told the board on June 8 that the district began its summer-meals program at Dudley Scholes and Gable elementary schools and that staff distributed 1,541 boxes of food during a two-hour shift — which the district described as equating to about 21,574 meals for children birth through 18 in the county. "That is open to all kids ... you just have to show up at those sites," Dr. How said.

He also reported that, after discussions in Raleigh, the State Board of Education formally approved the district's educational preparation program the district has worked on for two years under the leadership of Angie Johnson. "We are ready to move forward with the plans for making that come to fruition," Dr. How said, adding that the program could begin as early as July or, at the latest, next spring.

District officials said the program is intended to support recruiting and retaining teachers by preparing educators locally; other districts have already expressed interest in participating. Dr. How credited human resources staff and mentors for the work to get the program approved and said the move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen staffing across schools.

The board did not take a separate vote on the meal program announcement; the State Board approval was reported as a completed action. Next steps reported to the board include local implementation planning and coordination with HR to identify pilot timelines and sites.