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WINDSOR – Bertie Middle School is among 15 middle schools statewide selected to participate in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a five-year, $25 million program made possible by funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The initiative aims to improve school performance through innovative educational strategies with a focus on mathematics and career development.

Led by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the initiative is conducted in partnership with Marzano Resources, a nationally recognized education research and professional development organization.

“We’re incredibly excited to be part of this game-changing initiative,” said Dr. Steven Howard, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Bertie County Schools. “The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative empowers us to elevate our teaching strategies, grow our staff’s expertise, and deliver top-notch learning experiences that set our students up for success, not just in high school, but in college and their future careers.”

Bertie Middle School Principal Ashley Bradley said the school is honored and energized to be selected as a part of the distinguished Golden LEAF Schools Initiative.

“This transformative opportunity equips us with powerful resources and forward-thinking strategies that will help us reimagine what’s possible for our students,” Bradley noted. “By zeroing in on mathematics and career readiness, we’re not just improving academic outcomes, we’re cultivating confident problem-solvers, future innovators, and career-ready leaders. We believe that when schools lead with purpose and passion, communities flourish and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that change.”

Bertie County Schools Superintendent Dr. Otis Smallwood also expressed his excitement over Bertie Middle Schools being selected to participate in this initiative.

“With this critical funding, we aim to redesign math instruction by incorporating innovative approaches that engage students, create student-centered learning opportunities, and ensure students achieve positive academic outcomes,” Dr. Smallwood said.

“The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a powerful first step toward our goal of ensuring that North Carolina’s public schools are the best in the nation,” said Maurice “Mo” Green, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “By investing in middle school math instruction – especially in our rural and economically challenged communities – we are building a foundation that prepares every student for college, careers, and lifelong community engagement.”

The selection process was highly competitive, involving a rigorous application and interview process that included input and commitment from both school and district leadership.

“Golden LEAF is proud to fund this bold, collaborative effort to improve student outcomes and build a stronger future for our state,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “By investing in middle schools through research-based strategies and intensive support, we are not only strengthening academic achievement in critical areas like math, but laying the groundwork for career readiness and long-term economic vitality in North Carolina’s rural communities.”

As a participating school, Bertie Middle School will receive tailored support to enhance instructional practices, build teacher capacity, and expand opportunities for students to connect academic learning with real-world

careers.