Celebrating every moment and staying the course

As we move forward into this new year, let’s take time to look back and count the many blessings bestowed upon us during 2023.  United as “One Family,” our amazing students, staff, parents/guardians and community/business partners stopped at nothing to ensure the very best opportunities for our children in the classroom and at home. Our business partners have been instrumental and we are grateful for their continued support of our schools through mentoring programs, grant opportunities, staff celebrations, moral support, and so much more. Not only did we pull together to overcome educational and/or family challenges that tried to get in our way, we came together to fellowship and celebrate one another and the growth of our precious students. As your humble servant, I am so grateful for our DCS family and our unwavering determination to do all we can for one another and the amazing students of this magnificent county.

Looking back on our blessings, we are thankful for State and Federal ESSER/CARES funding that is assisting in the District’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.  Expenditures have included items such as staffing, tutoring, academic recovery programs, digital learning and technology, facility enhancements, HVAC upgrades, cleaning and equipping schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19, recruitment/retention initiatives, funding positions to avoid layoffs, etc. Thanks to the financial due diligence of our Board of Education, administrative team and all staff, through CARES funding, we have been able to address immediate academic recovery needs and much needed facility improvements/upgrades that will benefit the whole school system for years to come.

Let’s be grateful for and make the most out of every blessing we have received.  I encourage our students to continue to work hard, do your homework and seek help from your peers and teachers whenever the need arises.  I encourage our educators to stay true to your calling and always remember how much you are valued and appreciated.  Together and through God’s guidance, we can all make a positive difference in the lives of our children!

On behalf of our Board of Education and my family, best wishes for a very blessed holiday season.

Dr. Austin Obasohan is the Duplin County Schools Superintendent.