Albemarle High School Principal Emily Shaw appeared before Albemarle City Council to give an update on the status of the school prior to the upcoming school year.

“I’m pleased to announce that AHS is fully staffed with certified teachers in all positions,” she said. “We had no trouble filling the vacancies, and for two years in a row, AHS has had one of the lowest turnover rates in the county. The teachers that are here want to be here.”

Shaw reported on a number of additions to CTE classes offered, as well as AP core classes, electives and Stanly Community College and Career Promise classes.

“All students at AHS had access to register for any class that is offered in Stanly County,” she said. “A restructured bell schedule at the school will create a 30-minute block for tutorials, and AHS will also participate in a number of community outreach projects.”

Shaw asked council members visit the school, support its teachers and staff, provide funding to expand existing programs and provide afterschool programs for at-risk youth.

“Every child deserves a champion,” said Shaw, quoting educator Rita Pierson. “And I’m committed to being their champion…will you join me?”

In other actions, the council:

• Approved an agreement with Stanly County Schools to place resource officers in each of the city’s four schools;

• Received an update on preparations for the 2020 census;

• Approved a resolution to hire Cranfill, Sumner, and Harzog to petition the N.C. Supreme Court in the matter of City of Albemarle vs. Nance;

• Received a report from the council’s Citizen Special Events Committee;

• Set a meeting to discuss current and past activities on the Pfeiffer project for 7 p.m. Aug. 19; and

• Rescheduled the first September meeting for 7 p.m. Sept. 3 due to the Labor Day holiday.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News & Press.