Haywood County Schools welcome social worker at every school
School board meets, substitute teachers needed

The Board of Education convened last Thursday evening with school administrators and community partners for their regular monthly meeting. Of greatest note on the agenda was the introduction of the individuals pictured above.

Beginning this school year, each Haywood County school now has its own onsite social worker – something that has never been done before in this district. Executive Director of Equity, Learning Loss, and Stakeholder Engagement Corey Currie said of these six new employees, “They will impact this county in a way never seen before. They are sharp and they are ready!” Stephanie Jones, Breelan McKinney, Ana Rosa Henderson, Lenora Oldham, Dimitrius Sneed and Twyla King will play a critical role in providing services to students to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their academic performance. School social workers are often called on to help students, families, and teachers address problems such as language barriers, truancy, social withdrawal, overaggressive behaviors, rebelliousness, and the effects of physical, emotional, or economic problems.

On the docket at every September board meeting is the election of the board’s chair- and vice-chairperson for the current school year. Allen Currie was re-elected as Chairman while Betsy Reid will serve as Vice Chair.

The board discussed several pandemic-related matters and unanimously agreed to add ten additional sick days for every employee to help counter COVID-related absences, which, according to Superintendent Joey Hassel, are on the rise. Subsequently, senior leadership discussed the shortage of substitute teachers. Now, more than ever, the district is seeking additional substitute teachers. If you are interested or know someone who may be, please visit haywoodschools.tedk12.com/hire

Photo cutline: Haywood County Schools adds a social worker at every school in the district for the first time in school history. Pictured L-R: Stephanie Jones – Haywood High School/Student Options Academy, Breelan McKinney – Anderson Early Childhood Center, Ana Rosa Henderson – East Side Elementary School, Corey Currie -Executive Director of Equity, Learning Loss, & Stakeholder Engagement, Lenora Oldham – Haywood Middle School, Dimitrius Sneed – Sunny Hill Intermediate School, Twyla King – Haywood Elementary School and Superintendent Joey Hassell.