GOLDSBORO — Wayne STEM Academy held its Annual Board Retreat at their September Board of Directors meeting. This important event brought together board members, school administrators, and community stakeholders to discuss strategic planning, review progress, and set goals for the upcoming academic year.
The retreat focused on the school’s mission to provide an innovative, high-quality, inclusive education that empowers all students to reach their fullest potential. Board members engaged in collaborative sessions on topics such as academic performance, financial sustainability, community engagement, and future growth opportunities. The agenda included presentations from school leadership, a facility and development update from the school’s support group, Legacy Impact Group, and a presentation on mental health from Kelley Greer with EACHH Consulting. Board member Christina Watts was elected by the board to serve as chairperson for the next year.
“Wayne STEM Academy provides an answer to a glaring problem within our community, the lack of an innovative elementary school option,” Watts said. “The academic model focuses on competency-based learning, daily in-class coaching for professionals, and high levels of teacher-student engagement and those components are what create a firm academic foundation for all students. As Dr. Forgette and his team continue to cultivate a positive and safe learning environment for all, it is my honor to serve as the Wayne STEM Academy Board Chair.”
Dr. Todd Forgette, executive director, shared “I was impressed with our recent annual board meeting, as our directors were focused on the vision and the future growth of the school. Our Board of Directors celebrated our initial success and challenged me and my team with continual improvement with a focus on making decisions based on the needs of our scholars rather than on the ‘mere whims’ of adults.”
According to Forgette, Wayne STEM Academy’s 3rd grade students met or exceeded proficiencies when compared to Wayne County Public Schools.
“We are pleased with our first year’s scores,” Forgette said. “Having inherited scholars from surrounding counties and only having one year to address their academic needs, we attribute our success to a combination of our academic model and the added value of our teachers and supporting staff. As we continue to progress in future years, we expect an even greater impact on student growth and achievement as our scholars continue to advance through our academic model.”