Eleven questions for Carol Arnold

by Harrison Keely

 What is your role in this year's graduation?

I announce the honor graduates and the honor societies and those members. This will be my fourth graduation at Hayesville High School.

So you've been employed here for four years?

Yes. I finished my fourth year here December 1. So I start year five here December 1.

So what's an average day like for you?

I'm an associate superintendent of schools. My job responsibilities are curriculum and instruction, staff development, I'm in charge of personnel services, human services, exceptional children's programs and federal programs for the school system, grades pre-school through twelfth grade.

So any given day it depends on what I'm doing. Some times throughout the year I work with all new teachers.

Are you involved with the hiring of all-new teachers?

Actually, what we try to do in Clay County, when we have a position available, we have applications, and people come in and express interest. We receive a numerous amount of applications, and then we categorize that, organize that information. The principals usually come and pick up applications and they will interview perspective applicants. Then they will make a recommendation to Mr. Penland, our superintendent....He makes his recommendation to the board of education and then they act on that.

Why do you think you have so many applications?

A lot of people are interested in coming to Clay County because it's a wonderful place to work, it's a wonderful place to be, and it's a great place to raise children. Our school system is exemplary.

I used to work for the Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh and did that for six years before coming to Clay County Schools. And Clay County Schools was always a highlight of conversation because we have a wonderful school system. A lot of people talk about what a wonderful place it is, our test scores are very good, our students do well... We have a low teacher turnover rate due to the fact that when the teachers are employed and they come to Clay County Schools, they want to stay because they realize what a great place it is.

How did your early schooling compare to Hayesville?

I live in Macon County, I commute daily, I went to elementary school in Macon County and graduated from Franklin High School and I did my education work at Western Carolina University. I've always wanted to be a teacher; I love children. I love working with children so my degree and my master's degree are in elementary education. I taught school for ten years, I loved it. I was teacher of the year for Macon County Schools. I taught school in Swain County. I just love teaching. I went into administration in 1988, working with exceptional children's programs. I taught for four years at Macon Middle School. I love working with children with disabilities. I think it's such a challenge; I think they have such an amazing future ahead of them and I like to be a part of that.

What led you into Clay County?

When I worked for the state department of public instruction I worked through the exceptional children's division. I worked in policy monitoring. I was a regional consultant for the western region and served 18 school systems in the far west. If a school system had questions... I was the one that they would call. I visited school systems on a daily basis.... I did a lot of driving.... I was housed at Western Carolina University, where I taught education courses for teachers. I was an adjunct professor... So I've known the Clay County system for a long time. It's one of a kind. I mean, the things that Clay County Schools does for children with disabilities is phenomenal. Not only is it a school system endeavor, but the community embrace the school system. It is a community project, and you don't find that many places. There are a lot of schools many places where children-- they are numbers. When you look at Clay County, children have names. And names have personalities. Personalities have families. And that's what makes Clay County Schools so successful.

What do you think is the best thing about the school system as a whole?

In my opinion, the people involved in the community and in the system and the leadership. Mr. Penland is phenomenal. He is a wonderful superintendent. His leadership and his vision for Clay County over a period of time is one of it's greatest assets. He has set a vision for this school system that they have been following and that's how we got to where we are today.... I've never seen a board of education function like this one. They are very committed and very supportive of our staff and they're committed to the students of Clay County, making sure they receive all possible opportunities.

I served on the board of education for Macon County for four years myself. I was an elected board member. When I worked for the state, many times you have different viewpoints, sometimes controversies... I haven't seen that here. It's just a consolidated effort. Everybody has embraced the whole school system. You don't see that many places anymore because you've got such a diverse population, you've got diversity moving into communities. And, as you know, Clay County's growing. Rapidly. I think that the leadership in this system is really wonderful. All of our teachers are highly qualified. They work very hard.

I just think that the community, the schools, and everybody... they put the children of Clay County first. They're our future.

What can you tell me about the moving of the Clay County Schools office?

When I came to Clay County Schools I worked in the little house. It was a piece of history, you know. And that's what we're founded on: history.... When we moved over across the street, it's just because we're growing. We've got so many programs, so many things we need to offer for our employees and for our kids that it's just an expansion thing... it was inevitable. Besides, the building was really getting old.

Where do you expect the school system to be 20 years from now?

I think that with our technology, under the direction of our superintendent and board,  we're going to be in the superior range. With grants we have received and everything that Mr. Gibson and his staff are doing with technology, I think that we're far and above the majority of the school systems in the state. I think we'll continue to be there because we're there now. They keep progressing with the future. Academically, I think our students are very good and they're going to be prepared for the future. We're looking at global education. At the high school, Dr. Criss is doing a remarkable job...  I think our test scores are right at the top of everybody else in the state. I think that our elementary and middle school principals are preparing their students for the advancement. With regard to early education, I think that actually most of our four-year olds now in Clay County are coming to our pre-school program. We're adding another class next year so what we're trying to do is prepare our students. Instead of 13 years, now it's 14 years. I think that we will be prepared. Clay County is growing leaps and bounds.

What is the next school project in the works?

With regard to Clay County Schools, we need to be ready, we need another school. We are in the planning stages. We have committees working on the building project.... With the number of kids we're just constantly growing and we're actually outgrowing our campus.... We're growing to the point that we actually need another school in order to house all of our children. Our pre-school program is licensed now; we're a five-star rated facility. Which is the best you can be.

What's prompted the purchase of security cameras around the campus?

I think we're keeping up with the times. We have a safe and orderly school environment. We've got to maintain security on this campus and that's what they're for, the protection and the security of our students and staff and community members here.

How often do you get to interact with the students?

Not as often as I would like to. I try to be in all three schools daily.... I miss the classroom tremendously. When I went into central office administration twenty years ago, my dream was to help teachers be the best they can be. That is what I'm here to do.... Somedays, I really enjoy going to the preschool. You can see a little light just beam with those small children. For them to enjoy the school experience, that's what makes it worth it.

Do you get a summer break?

No. I work 12 months. In the summertime we're already preparing for next year. We start that process early spring.

What advice do you have for this year's graduating class?

My advice to this graduating class would be to be the best you can be, to hopefully take the experiences you have learned from Clay County Schools and to apply them. Go out and further your education. It doesn't stop here. You need to go out and continue your education. We've laid the foundation for our graduates. Hopefully they will go on in their interest areas and be productive citizens. I want them to remember where they came from and to always give back to the community that gave to them.