PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Mark III Employee Benefits www.markiiieb.com As one of North Carolina’s few remaining independent brokerages, Mark III has been family-owned and locally operated since 1973. Focused on North Carolina’s K–12 schools, we provide customized benefits for your employees, combining local knowledge with personalized service while maintaining a commitment to you, the local public servant. want to make sure that we’re preparing students that when they walk out of school, they are really good readers, strong readers,” Ayers says. The district recently launched a JROTC program that attracted significant student interest. While not all participants will pursue military careers, the program offers leadership development that serves students regardless of their post-graduation plans. The district’s vision isn’t just about preparing students for external opportunities. “We want to prepare students to be successful in high school and then be able to go out into the world and make a name for themselves,” Ayers says.“That name could be you’re the best plumber in Jackson County, or you might be the next doctor that is coming from Duke Hospital or the next farmer.” The approach requires ongoing dialogue with businesses about workforce needs and constant evaluation of program offerings. Collaboration with community partners ensures graduates can contribute to the local economy. In a county where tourism draws millions to mountain vistas and where Western Carolina University’s 10,000 students nearly match the population of neighboring Cullowhee, Jackson County Public Schools has built an educational model that serves its place.The focus remains preparing every student for enrollment, enlistment, or employment while giving back to a community that continues to invest in its schools and its future. 284 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
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