Dr. Otis L. Smallwood, Superintendent

A Message From the Superintendent

 

 

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Dear Bertie County Public Schools Stakeholders,

We are upon the opening of another school year of Student Success…Every Day…No Excuses!, and I am incredibly excited about all of the possibilities that await our students, staff, families, and community.

I am already looking forward to the First Day of School—not only so I can greet our students as they enter the schoolhouse doors, but also because I want to experience something that may sound a little crazy to some: the fragrance of the First Day of School!

Yes, believe it or not, the First Day of School has a certain smell to it. It is a scent I have experienced since returning to school as a child, and there is something about it that still brings a sense of excitement, anticipation, and possibility. Perhaps it is the smell of freshly cleaned hallways, new school supplies, or simply the feeling that a new beginning is upon us. Whatever it is, I look forward to it every year.

As in previous years, we are expecting great things to happen throughout our schools that will positively impact student outcomes. However, 2026–2027 is already proving to be a year filled with even greater possibilities and opportunities for our students.

First, on August 13, 2026, we celebrated the ribbon cutting of our new $15 million Career and Technical Education (CTE) Wing at Bertie High School. This state-of-the-art addition provides our students with access to the latest technology, equipment, and career-focused programs. Even more importantly, these programs are aligned with the needs of local and regional industries, helping our students develop skills that can lead directly to good-paying, sustainable careers right here in our region. This new facility creates even greater opportunities for our students to move seamlessly from high school into college, industry-recognized credentials and certifications, and ultimately into the workforce. We also recognize the importance of our partnership with Martin Community College in making these opportunities possible. This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when educational institutions work together with a common purpose: to create brighter futures for our students.What makes this moment even more significant is that we are able to provide this tremendous opportunity without placing an additional financial burden on our local taxpayers. Funding for this project was made possible through the North Carolina Education Lottery. That is something worth celebrating and a reflection of what can happen when we are good stewards of resources and remain committed to doing what is best for our students.

Second, the Bertie County Board of Education unanimously adopted a bold new Strategic Plan that will guide our work for the next five years. This plan establishes four strategic commitments that will keep us focused on what matters most: Student Success.

Our four commitments are: 1)High-Quality & Engaging Instruction; 2)College, Career & Workforce Readiness; 3)Talent Development & Recruitment; 4)Culture, Belonging, & Community Engagement

These commitments provide a clear roadmap for how we will continue to improve student outcomes, support our employees, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that every student has access to meaningful opportunities to reach their full potential.

But a plan, by itself, does not produce results. It requires a level of commitment from every stakeholder—students, educators, administrators, families, community members, business and industry partners, elected officials, and everyone who believes in the future of Bertie County. We have to live it, breathe it, walk it, and talk it every single day—with intention.

There are so many exciting things happening throughout Bertie County Schools for our young scholars, and we want you to be a part of it.

So, to everyone reading this letter, I extend an invitation to:

COMMIT YOUR TALENTS.

COMMIT YOUR TIME.

COMMIT YOUR RESOURCES.

COMMIT TO OUR STUDENTS.

Together, we can ensure that our students continue to rise! It truly takes a village. We know that schools are the cornerstone of our community, and when our community is strong, our schools will be strong as well. The success of our students is not the responsibility of schools alone—it is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity.

I encourage you to stay connected and engaged with Bertie County Public Schools throughout the year. Visit our website and follow our social media platforms frequently to learn more about the exciting things happening in our schools and the many ways you can become involved.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the students, families, and staff of Bertie County Public Schools. Let us continue to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing—student success—and let’s continue to Build A Better Bertie!

Educationally yours,

Dr. Otis L. Smallwood
Superintendent
Bertie County Public Schools