Local

Access to Averett Means Access to Community

In 2014, the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness (CCECC) was established to be the regional hub for linking students and faculty with community partners to create distinctive learning experiences and career opportunities as well as to strengthen the social and economic vitality of our region. Dr. Alexis Ehrhardt, Executive Director of CCECC says,... Read More

Averett, Local

October 10, 2017

Access to Averett Means Access to Relationships

In 2009, the city of Danville and Averett University formed one of the first public private partnerships in the tobacco warehouse district now known as the booming River District. Averett, along with Danville Regional Foundation, took over the former Dimon, Inc. headquarters building that had sat vacant for eight years. The building was transformed into... Read More

Averett, Local, People

October 3, 2017

Renewed Energy

In Danville, Averett University is known as “your hometown university.” It’s a title Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks doesn’t take lightly. “I feel the label ‘hometown university’ is earned not given. It comes from tremendous community engagement and outreach on our part, and the things we do to enhance the quality of life in the... Read More

Community Strong, Local, People

October 3, 2017

How Do We Reach the Extraordinary?

We are presently living in remarkable times. The first three months of school have been uniquely successful largely due to the very positive opening of school in August, followed by significant changes in school climate and culture in many of our schools. These changes are the result of a host of strategies including: changes... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

September 13, 2017

Violence is an Epidemic Destroying Southern Virginia

If you listen to the well-informed leaders in our community, there are many issues facing Danville and surrounding areas. Turn in one direction and you’ll hear that obesity is the greatest health danger we face. Turn in another direction and it’s the school system. One leader will say it’s a lack of jobs, while others... Read More

Health, Lifestyles, Local, News, Publisher's Letter, Web Exclusive

September 4, 2017

Accreditation Results – What is Being Measured?

The VDOE publicly released overall statewide school division and school pass rates for 2016-2017 state assessments on August 15. State accreditation ratings will be released to the news media and general public on September 13. As superintendent, I am the first to acknowledge that the accreditation process is only “one” measure of school performance. The challenge with the... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

August 3, 2017

How Do We Interrogate Our Own Reality as a Learning Organization?

Happy New Year and Welcome Back as we begin the 2017 – 2018 school-year. While many businesses have only one grand opening, Danville Public Schools has a grand opening every year. We are excited to begin the new year of learning not only for our students but for ourselves as leaders of learning. By... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

July 5, 2017

Reflections on Year Two

July 1, 2017 will mark the beginning of my third year as superintendent of Danville Public Schools. I am very happy to have the opportunity to serve in this role, and I continue to believe we are moving in the right direction to improve learning for our school community. As I reflect on the... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

June 5, 2017

Is the Cost of Public Education an Investment or Expense?

There are moments when it is beneficial for me to step outside of the public education realm to carefully consider the idea that public education is an investment rather than an expense. This perspective may be a direct result of what has been a lengthy but successful budget season for Danville Public Schools. As... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

May 6, 2017

A Perspective on Leading in Difficult Times

As you are well aware, the challenges of working in public education are not becoming any easier. In fact, I am first to acknowledge that there is always a desire to improve our work and optimize our success. Our staff, especially our teachers, continue to give more and more time toward the demands placed upon... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent