By Charlotte Smith
On Monday evening, at a regularly scheduled Bladen County Board of Education meeting, three citizens approached the Board to honor two Coaches. Coach Patty Evers and Coach Ken Cross were publicly nominated to have gymnasiums named after them.
First, Bobby Kinlaw, a lifelong Bladen County resident, distributed a list of awards and accolades Coach Patty Evers, East Bladen Girls Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, has obtained over the years. Then he talked about Coach Evers’s history of outstanding accomplishments.
Mr. Kinlaw said, “Coach Evers has accomplished so many things, I don’t think it should go without notice, so I am here tonight to request the gymnasium at East Bladen High School to be named after Coach Patty Evers.”
The list Mr. Kinlaw gave the board members highlight as a record of Coach Patty’s meritorious appeal is below.
NCHSAA Coach of the Year Awards:
- 2006 Homer Thompson 8 Who Make a Difference Award
- 2007 Toby Webb Award
- 2007 Region 4 Award of Merit
- 2011 Pat Gainey Coach of the Year Award
- 2014 Doris Howard Top Female Coach of the Year
- 2020 Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award
2010 East/West Basketball Game Assistant Coach
2015-2019 North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors
2019 North Carolina/South Carolina Game Head Coach
2019 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association 500 Win Club
2021 North Carolina John Wooden Award (National Award)
14 Conference Championships
14 Conference Coach of the Year Awards
9 Regional Appearances
7 Regional Final Appearances
4 Regional Championships
4 State Runner-Up Finishes
And at the end of this month, she will be the Head Girls Basketball Coach at the “McDonalds All American” game in Chicago. She is the first-ever invited from North Carolina to coach this game.
Next, Nathan Priest and Faith Inman approached the Board with a request to honor Coach Ken Cross, a retired Bladen County teacher and coach, by having the West Bladen High School gym named after him.
Mr. Priest, a former basketball player in Bladen County, said, “Coach Cross meant more than just basketball.” Priest gave examples of how Coach Cross was a successful coach and a leader in the community.
Miss Inman, a former student of Coach Cross, then addressed the Board. She told the Board, “He taught me a lot about leadership and hard work, and the essence of honesty.” She explained Coach Cross was not only an accomplished coach but one of the best teachers she ever had.
“I can not think of a better person more deserving of having this gym named after him,” Miss Inman said, “I’m very thankful for Coach, and I know a lot of people can attest to him and the impact he had on their careers.”
According to Inman, Coach Cross had 650 plus wins, and numerous collegiate athletes on his resume that he helped coach over the years.
Coach Cross retired in 2016 from Bladen County Schools but continues to reside in Bladen County. Since retiring, Coach Cross has continued coaching sports at area schools.
Dr. Jason Atkinson, Bladen County Schools Superintendent, stated there was a Policy 9300, which references the steps to take to have a facility named. According to the policy, a request form must be completed and submitted before a facility can be named after someone. He gave the Facility Request forms to all three citizens to complete.
Coach Patty Evers was also recognized at the meeting by the Board of Education with a plaque for being named one of the head coaches for the “McDonalds All American” game.
Other matters addressed during the meeting:
Bladen County Schools Counselors Liz Ruffin-Cox and Donnell Goins addressed the Board about the falling graduation rate (91.5% in 2021), declining teaching staff, and lack of student services. Mr. Goins reported 37 students at East Bladen did not receive mandated services from August 2021 to November 2021.
An update on the new Tar Heel School construction was given to the Board by the Project Team with Bordeaux Construction. The representatives told Chair of the Board Vince Rozier a maximum price would be submitted to the Board for the project by the end of March.
All the consent items were approved unanimously.
The Board voted to keep the Face Coverings policy at option B, making it optional to wear masks for Bladen County Schools’ students and staff. Dr. Atkinson noted that bus riders could also wear a face covering or not wear a face covering while riding the bus.
The Board approved the Community Use of Facilities Policy allowing the public to use Blade County Schools facilities.
The Board approved the new School Uniforms (Policy #4316 – Student Dress Code) to include jeans with no holes. Dr. Atkinson said he would address the changes and how they will affect the Bladen County Schools students and staff members with the local principles.
The Board also approved deleting the first guideline in the Employee Dress and Appearance – Policy 7340.
The Board approved for the students attending the National Beta Club Convention to receive $150 per student to cover transportation expenses.
The Board also approved the Supplemental Funds for Teacher Compensation (PRC 071) which will pay each certified teacher an extra $2,000 this month. Dr. Atkinson noted any part-time certified teacher would have their pay pro-rated because they are part-time.
The Board then closed sessions for personnel, student transfer, and legal issues. The Board approved a personnel action item presented by Dr. Beatty once reconvened into an open session.
Dr. Atkinson gave his report. He mentioned the following items:
- Social Workers’ Week
- Moving the May Board meeting to Elizabethtown Middle School to house the spotlight and recognition ceremonies.
- Federal funds to upgrade the wireless access areas
- A grant to improve the athletic facilities.
- A ceremony to honor students who have maintained a 90 or above average for the year.
- The new Director of Communications and Family Engagement Ms. Elly Johnson
View the board meeting that was live on the YouTube Channel Bladen Live Streamed linked below.
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