Rockingham County Head Start Community Assessment Report, 2012- 2013

2012

Rockingham County Head Start
Community Assessment Report

Prepared February 2011

Prepared and Submitted Week of

591 Hwy 65

Reidsville, NC 27320

336.349.4762 (telephone)

336.342.6634 (fax) 1

www.rockinghamcountyheadstart.org

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary Page 3

II. Methodology Page 4

III. Geographic Location Page 5-7

IV. Program Overview Page 8-12

V. Overview of Rockingham Co. Page 13 - 39
(Situational Analysis)

VI. Overview of RC Head Start Page 40 - 53

VII. SWOT Analysis Page 54
Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats

VIII. Appendix Page 55 -
2

Executive Summary

Using a holistic approach fastened in research on Rockingham County, its government, school system,
economic and political climate along with other relevant areas, Rockingham County Head Start was able
to develop a document that would allow the program to determine fourteen recommendations the program
would begin to develop and implement before the end of school year 2013.

The recommendations were developed at the nexus of the program’s strengths and weakness and the
opportunities and threats presented in the external environment.

The fourteen recommendations prove to position Rockingham County for success moving forward in the
areas of program quality, fiscal control and licensing and operations.

1. The program should implement a performance based budget process beginning school year
2012-2013 to coincide with the grantee’s financial management goals.

2. Rockingham County Head Start should educate the community at large on the services, programs
and relevancy of Head Start.

3. The program should undergo cost evaluations to maintain a work environment faced with limited
resources.

4. The program should increase the number of community partnerships and collaboration with both
the nonprofit and business sector.

5. Rockingham County Head Start should develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring plan.

6. A system that documents outcomes and requires a timetable for report submission should be
developed.

7. The program should develop a school readiness policy that incorporates all service areas of Head
Start.

8. The program should increase the understanding of all staff in the CLASS initiative.

9. The program should strategize a plan to increase parent involvement in all areas.

10. The program should strategize a plan to increase families/staff’s involvement and knowledge in
healthy living.

11. The program should seek other streams of revenue to sustain program operations and services.

12. The program should establish a culture and develop policies that support and increase
communications between staff, staff and families and staff and community partners.

13. The program should maximize the professional development plan to increase professionalism in
all areas.

14. The program should determine the use and functionality of the website for all key stakeholders.

3

Methodology

Under the direction of the program director, Mr. Ricky Graves, the management staff of Rockingham County Head Start
met to construct a working document that would assist the program in moving forward. At some level, parents, policy
council, management and staff assisted with the construction of the document through participation in surveys,
assessments, meetings and other applicable activities where information and feedback could be obtained.

The director and management team took approximately one week to gather information inclusive of but not limited to:

1. Socio-Economic Data
2. Demographic Information
3. Health Information
4. Emerging Trends
5. Strengths-Weakness of the County
6. Opportunities and Threats of the County
7. Crime Statistics
8. Educational Data
9. Program Performance and Outcome Measurements

Documents retrieved included research and data delineated in the following documents:

1. Rockingham County Competitive Assessment Report
2. Healthy Carolinian’s Report
3. Past PIR Data
4. Internal and External Advisory Board Meetings
5. Local Newspaper
6. County Commissioner and Departmental Minutes
7. 2010 Census Report
8. Parent Surveys
9. Past Self Assessments
10. Latest Monitoring Review

In addition, data was retrieved from the websites of key county departments and other organizations. Key websites were:

1. Department of Social Services
2. Public Health Department
3. County Government at Large
4. NC North Star
5. Rockingham County Schools
6. N.C. Department of Justice
7. Bestplaces.com

After all data had been retrieved, the director and management staff scheduled a two day and a half retreat to compile
and discuss all findings and begin the development of the Rockingham County Head Start’s 2012 Community
Assessment Report.

4

Geographic Location – Recruitment and Service Area

Situated in the middle of the state, Rockingham County is
just a 2-hour drive to either the breathtaking mountains in
the west or the sandy beaches in the east. Dubbed as North
Carolina’s North Star, Rockingham County is nestled at
the tip of the Northern Piedmont Triad region and cradled
by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Rockingham County is one of the 12 counties that make
up North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region. Other
counties include: Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie,
Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Stokes, Surry
and Yadkin Counties. According to Piedmont Triad NC,
every region is measured by what it offers it citizens and
corporate partners. The 12-county Piedmont Triad region
is a region of rich resources and vast potential.”

Rockingham County is rectangular in shape measuring approximately 29 miles East and West and 20 miles
North and South. The total area is 572 square miles bordered by Virginia to the north, Caswell County to
the east, Guilford County to the south, and Stokes County to the west. Located at 36’ 40” N latitude and
79’ 78” W longitude, Rockingham County has a land mass of approximately 364,000 acres. Five hundred
and sixty-six (566) square miles of the county is land and six square miles is water. Elevations range from
660 feet to 841 feet above sea level. The Dan River and the Mayo River flow through the north and
northwest part of the county. The climate in Rockingham County is as follows:

Because of the strategic location, Rockingham County has easy access to Interstates 40 and 85, making
Rockingham County a major logistical hub in the U.S. economy. Rockingham county is also traversed by
a network of U.S. (220 [future 1-73], 158, 311 and 29 [future 1-785]) and NC (87, 65, 68, 14, 135, 150,
700, 704, and 770) highways. A major four lane, north/south route from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta,
Georgia; U.S. Highway 29 (future I-785) links directly to Interstates 40 and 85 in Greensboro, North
Carolina.

Though Rockingham County is mostly rural, its communities still offer small-town living balanced with
21st century amenities. The county is divided into eleven townships: Huntsville, Leaksville, Madison,
Mayodan, New Bethel (Bethany), Price, Reidsville, Ruffin, Simpsonville (Monroeton), Wentworth, and
Williamsburg. Six townships are considered the municipalities which forms Rockingham County. Those
municipalities are Wentworth, Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Stoneville and Reidsville.
1

1
Rockingham County Community Health Assessment, Chapter 3

5

WENTWORTH:

Located in the center of the county, the Town of Wentworth,
population slightly less than 3,000, is the county seat and the hub
of the county’s governmental and judicial activities. In addition to
being the home of the Governmental Center and the newly
constructed Rockingham County Courthouse, Town Hall and
Emergency Management System facility, Wentworth is also the
location of Employment Security Commission and Rockingham
Community College.

REIDSVILLE

Reidsville, population of more than 14,500 people is located near the center of Rockingham County.
Tobacco was a mainstay of the local economy for many years, with the history of the city tightly woven
with that of American Tobacco Company. With the sale of American Tobacco in 1994, city leaders have
diversified the local economy and established Reidsville as a city that lives up to its motto, “Focused on a
better tomorrow” and focused, they are. In 2008, Reidsville was one of ten cities to receive the “All-
American City” Award from the National Civic League. This highly prestigious award recognizes
communities whose citizens’ work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and
achieve uncommon results. Reidsville also welcomed the newly constructed local office of the Division
of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

EDEN

Eden is the county’s largest city with a population of approximately 16,000 citizens. In 1967 the city was
incorporated through the consolidation of three separate towns: Leaksville, Spray, and Draper. Eden’s
economic progress is due in large part to water, its major resource, provided by the Dan and Smith
Rivers. The Smith and Dan Rivers have their confluence on the south side of Eden. The River flows
along Eden’s southern border while the Smith River flows from the north bisecting the city on its route to
meet the Dan River. Therefore, Eden is also known as the Land of Two Rivers. In April 2011, Eden
received the “All-American City” Award from the National Civic League. This highly prestigious award
recognizes communities whose citizen’s work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges
and achieve uncommon results. As mentioned above, Reidsville was a recipient in 2008. Rockingham
County is proud to have two cities recognized for their dedication to perseverance. 2

2

6

MADISON

Madison was named for the 4th president of the United States, President James Madison. Centrally
located with a population of just under 2,250, Madison is within 30 miles of major cities such as
Greensboro, NC, Winston-Salem, NC, Martinsville, VA, and Danville, VA. Madison is the home to the
corporate headquarters of Remington Arms. It is the oldest company in the United States which still
makes its original product, and is the oldest continuously operating manufacturer in North America. It is
the only U.S. company which produces both firearms and ammunition domestically, and is the largest
U.S. producer of shotguns and rifles. Madison is also the home of the only legal moonshine distillery in
the state of North Carolina.

MAYODAN

With a population of approximately 2,478 people, Mayodan is nestled in a valley along the Mayo River,
one of the best whitewater rafting and canoeing rivers in the Piedmont. Representing a success story of
what was old being made new; Autumn Creek Vineyards is situated along the beautiful rolling hills of
Mayodan. Located on a former hay, cattle, and tobacco farm more than 100 years old, Autumn Creek
Vineyards currently grows red and white French varietal as well as the North Carolina native Muscadine
grape.

STONEVILLE

With a population of approximately 1, 056 and total area of 1.2 square miles (3.1km 2), Stoneville is the
county’s smallest town.

On March 20, 1998, Stoneville was struck by a Category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado,
destroying much of the business district. Two people were killed and 27 were injured. However from
the moment the debris settled, plans were made to rebuild. Nothing can replace the lives lost, or the
historical buildings completely destroyed, but Stoneville united in an effort to rebuild their beloved
town.

Known for its many antique stores, Stoneville is treasured by residents as a place with ideal living
conditions, wonderful scenery, business opportunities and a community where the people are considered
to be “the salt of the earth.”3

3
Rockingham County Community Health Assessment

7

Progam Overview

Rockingham County Head Start is a standard-full day preschool program that is funded to serve 252 children.
The main source of funding is received through the Head Start grant, but for the past five years, the program
has received additional funding through the state of North Carolina to serve additional four year olds. The
amount of revenue received through the State of North Carolina varies year to year depending on the
availability of funds and the number of qualified staff that meet state requirements. Finally, through our
grantee, a vast amount of in-kind is received from managing the program. In addition the LEA contributes
tremendous in-kind through disability services and classroom space.

The service area of the program is Rockingham County only. When residency is questioned, the Head Start
program solicits the assistance of the Tax Department or Zoning and Planning to verify all addresses.

The Head Start program has 14 classes located in 12 centers throughout the county. Classrooms are located
in elementary schools, churches, housing authorities and private childcare establishments. Head Start
classrooms are assessed by the state of North Carolina through a “star-rating” process. As of today the
program has 10 out of 12 centers rated with the highest rating of 5-star. The remaining centers are ranked 4
and 3 star.

Historically, the top races enrolled into Rockingham County Head Start are Afro-Americans, Caucasians and
Hispanics. It should be stated the number of Hispanic families enrolled into the program has been growing over
the past years although the number of families classified as “migrant” has decreased. For the past 3 to 4 years,
the program has enrolled 1 to 2 families of Pakistani decent.

Historically, the program has without any challenges, been able to meet the required 10% of funded enrollment
allotted for children with diagnosed disabilities. The majority of these enrollees are diagnosed with speech and
language deficiencies. This is due in part to the Rockingham County School System’s preschool program that
is structured to serve the more severe disabled children. Head Start and the preschool program has a working
partnership that allows the preschool program to work with any disabled child enrolled in the Head Start
program. This allows Head Start to effectively serve the child and their family.

8

A five-member Board of Commissioners, elected at large to serve four-year terms, governs
Rockingham County Head Start. The Commissioners enact policies such as establishment of the
property tax rate, regulation of land use and zoning outside municipal jurisdiction, and adoption of the
annual budget. Commissioners meet on the second Tuesday and fourth Monday of each month, unless
the meeting date is changed due to holidays or other reasons. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m., with public
hearings scheduled for the second Tuesday meetings at 7:00 p.m. There is a Public Comment
Period at both meetings and citizens wishing to address the Board will be asked to sign up to speak.
All meetings are conducted in the Commissioners' Chambers in the Governmental Center in
Wentworth, unless otherwise stated, and are open to the public. Under the leadership of the County
Manager, the Commissioners' plans and objectives are carried out. Day-to-day operation of
Rockingham County Government is the responsibility of the Manager and his staff. The County
Manager has a variety of responsibilities, including the implementation of policies formed by the
commissioners, the organization and administration of county departments, and the preparation of the
recommended annual budget.4
The Head Start Director is supervised by the Health and Human Services Director who answers to the
county manager who in turns answers to the county commissioners. Rockingham County Head Start
has approximately 60 employees on staff.
This document known as the “Community Assessment Report” will be the foundation for all decision
making within the current fiscal year.

4
Rockingham County Community Health Assessment

9

1966- Children in Rockingham County were first served in a summer program in Reidsville at Franklin and Moss Street
Schools. The program operated under Rockingham County Fund located in Wentworth, NC. The program served 70
children.

1974/1975 - Became a half day program serving 40 children. Still operated under Rockingham County Fund. The
office moved to Reidsville, NC and employed three central staff persons.

1976-Established a collaborative program with Rockingham County Enrichment Center to serve more severely disabled
children. This initiative lasted until 1994 when schools began serving children 3 years old with disabilities.

1980- Served 80 children in half day programs in Eden, Reidsville and Madison. Four central staff were part of
Rockingham County Fund. Reidsville City Schools and Rockingham County Fund applied for and received the 1st
incentive grant for the program to provide speech/language services to Head Start pre-school children.

1982- Eden City Schools and Rockingham County Fund signed an agreement in which the school system screened and
evaluated Head Start children in the area of Speech and Language.

1986 - Rockingham County Fund closed and the Rockingham County Youth Involvement Program applied as the
grantee. The Youth Involvement Program was a department under the Rockingham County Government. The Youth
Involvement Program operated for two years as the grantee. At this time, Head Start became an independent department
under the Rockingham County government and became known as Rockingham County Head Start. The county
government was now the grantee for the Head Start program. The program had grown to a program serving 152
enrollees. There were seven central staff employed at the central office located in Reidsville, NC. When Head Start
became part of the local government, the program began increased collaborations with the local Health Department.
The health department provided a registered dietitian to oversee the program’s menus and WIC assisted with follow up
in nutritional areas. In addition, the health department clinic helped provide physicals, hemoglobin, hematocrits and
lead levels for Head Start children. The Rockingham County Mental Health Center began providing many of the
mandated Head Start mental health services.

1993- With the consolidation of the school systems in the county, Rockingham County Schools and Head Start
increased collaboration to screen and evaluate all Head Start enrollees in the area of speech and language. Children
needing services received services (IEP and all needed therapies) through the school system. The School System
provided certified BK teachers to provide all services. Head Start central staff and teaching staff were involved in all
areas of services. Rockingham County Head Start and Rockingham Community College joined together to serve 17
children in the community colleges childcare center. Rockingham Community College provided the facilities and staff.
Rockingham County Head Start paid salaries and the insurance of 2 teachers located at the childcare center until 2010
when the community college discontinued the childcare facility.

2000- North Carolina started the “Star Rating” for all daycare classrooms. At this time we started serving 18 children in
all classrooms to comply with NC mandates.

TODAY - Since the beginning, Rockingham County Head Start has been awarded funding to serve at various levels.
Since being established as a summer program, the program has enrolled children at levels 152, 234 and 252. Today the
program is funded to serve 252 children and families in a standard full day program.

10

HEAD START CENTERS
1. Lawsonville Elem. School Head Start I 2. Lawsonville Elem. School Head Start II
212 Lawsonville Avenue, Reidsville NC 212 Lawsonville Avenue, Reidsville NC
(336) 349-2071 (336) 349-3467
(Gina Dorsett-Teacher) (Annette Galloway - Teacher)
(Tamela Davis Slade-Teacher Asst.) (Linda Bullock - Teacher Asst.)

3. Williamsburg Elem. School Head Start 4. Stoneville Elem. School
2830 NC Hwy #87, Reidsville NC 203 Stone Street, Stoneville NC
(336) 342-8586 (336) 573-9865
(Etta Nicky Washington-Teacher) (Doris Minter-Teacher)
(Davida Watlington-Teacher Asst.) (Robin Mansfield-Teacher Asst.)

5. Moss Street Elem. Head Start 6. Wentworth Elem. School Head Start
419 Moss Street, NC 27320 8806 NC Hwy #87, Wentworth NC
(336) 342-0751 (336) 634-3250 ext. 2824
(Charryse Jones-Teacher) (LaTasha Dalton-Teacher)
(Kenyana Turner-Teacher Asst.) (Wenona Simpson-Teacher Asst.)

7. Lincoln Elem. School Head Start 8. J.A. Bell Head Start
2660 Oregon Hill Road, Ruffin NC 1316 Mizpah Church Road, Reidsville NC
(336) 348-2929 (336) 349-1006
(Monica Stubblefield-Teacher) (Angela Elliott-Teacher)
(Sharon Broadnax-Teacher Asst.) (Phyllis Neal-Teacher Asst.)

9. Draper Elem. School Head Start I 10. Draper Elem. School Head Start II
1719 E. Stadium Drive, Eden NC NC Pre-K
(336) 635-1269 1719 E. Stadium Drive, Eden NC
(Henrietta Sparks-Teacher) (Colette Broadnax-Teacher)
(Valerie Ellis-Teacher Asst.) (Jennifer Giles-Teacher Asst.)

11. Kid’s World Head Start 12. Trinity Wesleyan Head Start (NC Pre-K)
445 W. King’s Hwy, Eden NC 186 E. Aiken Road, Eden NC
(336) 623-9230 (336) 627-5489
(Leigh Ann Slaughter-Teacher) (Sherry Broadnax-Teacher)
(Camika Martin-Teacher Asst.) (Gloria Hendley-Teacher Asst.)

13. St. Paul Church Head Start 14. Madison Head Start
104 W. Harrison Road, Reidsville NC 112 Fern Street, Madison NC
(336) 349-4663 (336) 427-4681
(Brittany Parker-Teacher) (Amanda Hairston-Teacher)
(Karen Robin Bridges-Teacher Asst.) (Debra Geer-Teacher Asst.)

11

Bus Staff
BUS 228 – Cathy Long (Driver) and Fleecie Ellington (Monitor)
Lincoln/Lawsonville I & II, Moss St)
(336) 613-6776

BUS 226 – Johnnie Jones (Driver) and Lorie McLaughlin (Monitor)
Williamsburg, J A Bell, St. Paul, Wentworth
(336) 613-6795

BUS 227 – Robert Slagter (Driver) and Christine Slagter (Monitor)
Stoneville and Madison
(336) 552-4548

BUS 229 – Diane Hill (Driver) and Margie Grant (Monitor)
EDEN AREA (Trinity, Kid’s World, Draper I & II)
(336) 613-6804

CENTRAL STAFF
Ricky Graves, Director

Angela Johnson, Office Assistant IV

Kim Moyer, Education Manager

Amy Bradshaw, Education Assistant

Joan Spain, Health Manager

Andrea Barker, Disability/Mental Health/Nutrition Manager

Miranda Dalton, SS/PI Manager
Sharon Yates, SS/PI Assistant
Charlene Royster, SS/PI Assistant
Rosa Becerra, SS/PI Assistant/Translator
Amber Cruz, SS/PI Assistant/Translator
Nadia Smith, SS/PI Assistant
Emily Dillard, SS/PI Assistant
Jasper Moyer, Custodian

12

Overview of Rockingham County
An in-depth analysis called a “situational analysis” of Rockingham County was conducted to determine the emerging
trends and changes that faced the agency. Rockingham County was assessed through the following areas:

Demographics

Economic Trends

Social Trends

Infrastructure and Transportation

Technology

Political Climate

Criminal Activity

Education

Health

Mental Health

Nutrition

From the information mentioned above, the organization could surmise the opportunities and threats that could be
capitalized upon and overcame respectively strategic planning.

Mission of Rockingham County5

The mission of Rockingham County Government is three pronged. First, the county government will serve
citizens with efficient and quality services. Second, provide open government for all citizens to participate.
Finally, promote opportunities for citizens to reach their best attainable quality of life.

Challenges Facing the County6

The county commissioners determined that the following are challenges facing the county:

 Jobs and economic development for businesses large and small
 Mental Health System
 Cooperation and collaboration between political units(cities, state, etc..)
 Preparing workforce for the 21st century
 Aging population
 Brain Drain – youth leaving
 Money to meet needs

5
Board of Commissioner’s Meeting Minutes Dated 1.30.12
6

13

 Communication between county entities (board, staff, etc…)
 Gang activity/violence
 Direct communications to citizens
 Solid waste/recycling – State mandates
 Keeping taxes low
 Funding what is needed

Successes of the County7

The county determines that the following lists are some of the items that are successes for the
county:

 Highway infrastructure
 Knowledge of staff
 Methane Project
 Economic Development Staff
 Citizen’s Academy
 Project S.A.F.E. (gang violence)
 Recycling Project
 Water supply (rivers, infrastructure, capacity)
 Quality education system
 Rural character
 Natural resources
 Parks, environment
 Population
 Land Development
 Installation of new county manager

Demographic Information

Between 2000 and 2009 Rockingham County experienced a population gain of 235 citizens.
This is an increase percentage of 0.3% which pales in comparison to the statewide population
growth rate of 16.1%. The areas of Mayodan and Reidsville account for the modest growth
experienced in the county. Table 1 below reveals the population change for each city in
Rockingham County. 8

7
8
Rockingham County Competitive Assessment Report January 2011

14

Population Change for NC and Rockingham County 2000-2011

Area 2009 Population Absolute Percent Change 2010 2011
Change 2000-2009
2000-2009
North Carolina 9,380,884 1,3021 16.1% 93,643 N/A
Rockingham 92,252 253 0.3%
County
Eden 15,350 -502 -3.2%
Madison 2,246 -17 -0.8%
Mayodan 2608 110 4.5%
Reidsville 14,723 71 0.5%
Stoneville 971 -34 -3.4%
Wentworth 2,758 -21 -0.8%
Table 1

According to quickfact.census.gov, the overall population for Rockingham County has been
estimated at 93,643 individuals for the year 2010. The population estimate for 2011 had not been
revealed at the date of this assessment.

When studying the population mix of Rockingham County between 2000-2009, the number of
blacks and whites declined. This has been offset by the migration of Hispanics and other groups
of color into the county. Table 2 below reveals detailed information about the racial mix of
Rockingham County between 200-2010.9

9

15

Rockingham County Population Change by Race and Hispanic Origin 2000-2010

Area 2009 Population Absolute Change Percent Change 2010
2000-2009 2000-2009 Population
Total 92,252 253 0.3% 93,643
Non-Hispanic 87,117 -2043 -2.3% 88,484
White 68,211 -1900 -2.7% 70,875
Black 17,403 -621 -3.4% 17,655
AIAN 270 39 16.9% 345
Asian 438 176 67.2% 430
NHPI 32 7 28.0 60
Two or More 763 256 50.5% 1,670
Races
Hispanic 5,135 2,296 80.9% 5,159
Table 2

At the date of this report 2011 estimates were not available.

Migration has been a driving force behind the county’s changing racial and ethnic composition
during the first decade of the new millennium. Table 3 below reveals the number of migrants
arriving and departing from Rockingham County. When the racial composition is factored into
the migration discussion, the Hispanic population is the key driving force.10

Number of Arriving and Departing Migrants, Rockingham County 2004-2008

Origin/Destination Arriving Migrants Departing Migrants Difference in Number
of Arriving and
Departing Migrants
Total 6,226 6,202 +24
Same State 3,688 4,131 -443
Different State 2,515 2,038 +477
Northeast 383 161 +222
Midwest 234 171 +63
South 1,153 1,059 +94
West 200 17 +183
Abroad 23 33 -10
Table 3

The increase in net migration has been offset by the net out migration of Rockingham County
Residents.

10

16

Table 4 and 5 delineates the makeup of Rockingham County by age. From the information
below, it can be surmised that greater demand has been placed on the working population, age
18-64, to generate the tax revenues to take care of residents who are too old or too young to
contribute to the tax base. The population 65 years old, generally known as a non-income
generating population increased more rapidly than the working age population. This is opposite
from the trend seen state wide which reveals that the working age population increased by 15%
between 2000 and 2009. Rockingham County’s decline in the working age population may be
due to the lack of availability of jobs in the area.11

Rockingham County Population Change by Age 2000-2009

Age 2009 Population Absolute Percent 2010
Population Population Population
Change 00-09 Change 00-09

<25 27,827 -650 -2.3 27,903

25-44 22,768 -4,171 -15.5% 22,637

45-64 26,905 3,996 17.4% 27,932

65+ 14,752 1,078 7.9% 15,171

Total 92,252 253 0.3% 93,643

Table 4

Dependency Ratios for Rockingham County 2000-2009

Indicator 2000 2009 Percentage Change

Total Dependency .62 .63 1.6
Ratio

Old Age Dependency .24 .26 8.3
Ratio

Ratio of Seniors to 2.4 : 1 2.7 : 1 12.5
Children <5

Table 5

11

17

2010 Preschool Age Data12

Number of Males Number of Total Number % of Males % of Females
Under the Age of Females Under of 5 Year Old
4 Years Old the Age of 5
Years Old

2,638 2,567 5,205 51% 50%

Table 6

Number of Households with Children Under the Age of 18 years Old13

Tot. # of Average Average 2 Parent Male One Female One
households Household Size Family Size Homes Parent Home Parent Home
In Rockingham
County
38,693 2.39 persons 2.90 persons 6,400 965 2,817

Table 7

Housing Occupancy14

Tot. Occupied Vacant For Rent Rented For sale Sold, Not Seasonal, Other
Housing but not only Occupied Recreational Vacancies
Units occupied Occasional
Use

43,696 38,693 5,003 1,618 63 673 136 391 2,122

Table 8

Economic Data

Rockingham County continues to suffer from both the national economic recession and the local
economic decline in our agricultural, tobacco and manufacturing base. All three of our major
revenue sources (property taxes, sales taxes and investment earnings) remain below historic
levels of growth, although sales tax revenue is projected to grow by 4 % in the coming year. For
the first time in recent history the tax base value declined 0.64%

12
Rockingham County Quick Facts From the US Census Bureau
13
14

18

from 2010. Investment earnings were expected to decline from $350,000 budgeted in the 2011
to only $100,000 in 2012. The county use to expect close to $1 million in investment earnings
per year. Interest rates are at near record lows and as County investments mature, they are
unfortunately being replaced with extremely low yielding investments.15

For the past nine years Rockingham County has been in “budget reduction mode.” The major
source of revenue for the county has been the ad valorem tax growing at a rate of 1% to 1.5% per
year while expenses have been growing at 3% to 4% per year. Five years ago the general fund
was approximately 94 million dollars with 780 employees compared to the 82.6 million dollars
with 658 employees recommended for the 2011 fiscal year. The county manager at that time
was very concerned that if expenses continued to outgrow revenue that the county had to face the
difficult decision to determine the level of services to its citizens over the next two or more
years. As of June 2011, the county’s current tax base per capita was only 66% of the State’s
average. HE is quoted as saying “ it is very difficult, if not impossible, to provide the services
our citizen’s have come to expect and hold their tax rate down when available revenues are so
inadequate.” 16

In recommendations for the 2010-2011 fiscal year the previous county manager recommended a
2% midyear, cost of living increase for all county employees. At that time he was concerned that
the county’s pay plan had fallen so far behind market value that the potential for key department
heads and other professionals would leave the county for greater opportunities.17

Over the past two decades, Rockingham County has not been a major hub for major employment
or job generation. Between 1990 and 2007, the state of North Carolina created approximately
one million jobs. During this same time period, Rockingham County only created 2,609 jobs.18

Employment Trends in North Carolina and Rockingham County 1990-2007

Area Total Jobs Created Total Jobs Lost Net Employment
Change

North Carolina 6,476,262 5,481,467 994,795

Rockingham County 50,479 47,870 2,609

Table 9

15
Budget Message to the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners and Citizens Dated 6.1.11
16
17
18

19

Between 1990 and 2007, the North Carolina economy created 6.5 million jobs but lost 5.5
million jobs between 1990 and 2006. This is a net difference of approximately one million jobs
stated earlier, more specifically, 995,000 jobs. The majority of the jobs created in North
Carolina, 61% was due to firm expansion.19

When Rockingham County is examined during the same time period, 50,479 jobs were created.
Approximately 58% of these jobs were the result of employment generated by newly created
firms. The remaining percentages of jobs were mostly created by existing firms expanding
their operations. When the number of jobs losses are examined, data reveals that 47, 870 jobs
(66%) disappeared between 1990 and 2007. The majority of losses were due to what is known
as “firm death.” Firm Death is defined as firms going out of business. Research reveals that the
majority of these jobs in Rockingham County are manufacturing jobs.20

Research reveals that Rockingham County has a strong entrepreneurial spirit which is reflected
in the number of firm births in the area. The down side of this statement is that there is a high
failure rate of firms among newly created firms. To counteract the problem, the Rockingham
County Technology and Business Center is available to assist business owners with their
business plan needs.21

Finally, Rockingham County has been unsuccessful in recruiting new firms to the county. This is
evident in the fact that only 2% of in-migrating firms relocated to Rockingham County between
1990 and 2007. 22

Jobs Created Jobs Lost Net Employment Change

Firm Births Firms Deaths Births-Deaths
29,373 34,487 -2,114
Firm Expansions Firm Contractions Expansions – Contractions
20,192 16,383 3,809
In-Migrant Out-Migration Firms In-Migration – Out-
914 0 Migration
Firms
914
Total Jobs Created Total Jobs Loss Total Created –Total Loss
50,479 47, 870 2,69
Table 10

19
20
21
22

20

At this point in the assessment it is now appropriate to discuss the unemployment rate in
Rockingham County. According to the Rockingham County Competitive Assessment Report, the
county has been severely affected by both structural (ex. plant closings) and cyclical (ex.
recession) changes in the U.S. economy.

The table below will detail the civilian labor force estimates.23

Labor Force and Unemployment Rate of Rockingham County 2011

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Labor Force 42586 42450 42586 42602 42408 42825 43037 42651 42925 43028 43157 43146

Employed 36974 37117 37673 37697 37757 37915 38158 37618 37949 38191 38345 38219

Unemployed 5612 5333 4913 4905 4651 4910 4879 5033 4976 4837 4812 4927

Rate % 13.2 12.6 11.5 11.5 11.0 11.5 11.3 11.8 11.6 11.2 11.1 11.4

Table 11

Historical data reveals that the unemployment rate in the county has steadily increased over the
past decade. In 2000 the unemployment rate was approximately 2.8% and jumped as high as
15.1% in February 2010. The figure below gives a pictorial description of the unemployment
trend in Rockingham County over the past decade.24

Figure 1
23
Employment Security Commission -
http://eslmi40.esc.state.nc.us/ThematicLAUS/clfasp/CLFSAAYResults.asp
24
The Capitalist Manifesto -http://www.economagic.com/em-cgi/data.exe/blsla/laupa37140003

21

The N.C. Department of Commerce annually ranks the state’s 100 counties based on economic
well-being and assigns each a tier designation. The 40 most distressed counties are designated as
Tier 1, the next 40 are Tier 2 and the 20 least distressed as Tier 3. The rankings are based on an
assessment of each county’s unemployment rate, median
household income, population growth, and assessed
property value per capita.25

Rockingham County continues to be
Designated as a Tier I county meaning an economically
distressed county Figure 2

The table below will provide data demonstrating median family, household and disposable
incomes and income per capita for Rockingham County compared to North Carolina for years
2000, 2010 and 2015 projections.26
Location 2000 2010 2015 2010 2000 2010 2015
Median Median Median Disposable Per Per Per
Household Household Household Income Capita Capita Capita
Income Income Income Income Income Income

Rockingham $33,915 $41,806 $47,798 $34,508 $17,120 $20,607 $22,680
County

Table 12

25
26

22

Table 13

Poverty estimates for Rockingham County are revealed below.27

According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, there were 38,693 households in Rockingham
County. This is an increase of 1,693 (4.4%) households since 2006. Households owned with a
mortgage or loan were 16,871 (43.6%), owned free and clear 10,149 (26.2%), and renter
occupied were 11,673 (30.2%). The average household size was 2.39 and family size was 2.9. 28

Rockingham County Household Type

Household Type Number Percent
The homeless rate in Rockingham County
Total Households 38,693 100% According to the Homeless count conducted
February 2012 revealed 236 individuals.
Family Households [1] 26,168 67.6% According to Rockingham County Schools,
Homeless Liason, Ken Scott, the school
Male Householder 17,728 45.8%
system has served 53 homeless students thus
Female Householder 8,440 21.8% far in the 2011 school year. The number of
students served this time last year by the
Nonfamily Households 12,525 32.4% school system was 36 students. This is a 47%
increase.29
Male Householder 5,652 14.6%

Living Alone 4,725 12.2%

Female Householder 6,873 17.8%

Living Alone 6,166 15.9%

Table 14

27
28

23

The Department of Social Services for the County released the following information on Public
Assisted families and Foster Care/Child Protective Services.29

Recipient count for Workfirst: 481
Recipient count for Child Support: 4534
Recipient count for Adult Medicaid: 2,016
Recipient count for Food Stamps: 4,669
Recipient count for Food Stamps, Medicaid, and WorkFirst: 8,257
Recipient count for WorkFirst and Medicaid: 3,582
Recipient count for children under 5 recieving WIC: 1289
Number of child abuse and neglect suspected cases as of June 2011: 822
Number of suspected sexual abuse: 36
Number who is in need of services: 182
Foster Care Placement: 129

Based on reports given above and the reports given at the 2010 Social Service Advisory Board
Meeting, the number of children entering into foster care has been increasing over the past
several years. Professionals in this area are attributing the rise in the number of foster care
placements to increasing substance abuse usage and the economic strain on families. The number
of families receiving TANF, called Workfirst North Carolina is decreasing. This is attributed to
North Carolina’s “pay after performance” policy implemented October 2009. This means that
individuals receive their money after they complete 35 hours in the current month instead at the
beginning of the month. This policy came as a result of the budget shortage in North Carolina
and “pay after performance” was a strategy implemented by the state.30

The Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development and the Reidsville Area Foundation
recently hired Dr. James Johnson with the UNC School of Business to conduct an assessment of
the County and to help determine the most important things that the County as a whole needs to
do to promote a prosperous future. These six areas are as follows.31

1. Develop sustainable community economic development strategies
– rebrand Rockingham County as a sustainable community
2. Embrace diversity and make talent recruitment a core element of the sustainable community
economic development re-branding effort
3. WEB based re-branding and marketing strategy
4. Re-engineer K-12 education – especially around intellectual entrepreneurship
5. Nurture and grow the local elder care economy
6. Aggressively pursue regional collaborations.

29
Rockingham County Department Social Service as of February 2012
30
Minutes From 2011 Social Service Advisory Board Meeting
31

24

The former county manager stated ‘”these recommendations will take bold and community-wide
thinking and effort to bring about, but they are so important to reversing the downward course
the County is on now. The County government has a leadership role in helping to bring about
these strategies through responsible budgeting. The easy thing to do is to retrench, but the thing
that is needed most is to invest in the county’s future with responsible budgeting.”32

Social Climate

Rockingham County has recreational activities, restaurants, antique shops and other. The area
has two main rivers – The Mayo and Dan Rivers in Eden- that offer canoeing, rafting and other
boating type activities. There are several parks, local and state parks located within the boarders
of the county also. Unique antique shops are fluent in Reidsville, Eden and Madison-Mayodan.
Many chain restaurants and local ones are available for family dinning. The Reid House was
recently visited by President Obama for lunch on his return trip to the White House.33

Despite not having any major transportation system within the county, Rockingham County has
two cities of All American Cities status – Reidsville and Eden. Reidsville has been since 2008
and in 2011 Eden joined the ranks of the All American Cities Status.34

According to City-Data- 2012, the total number of adherents (individuals who hold a particular
belief in a faith or church) in Rockingham County is 35,686 compared to the state total of
3,651,416. The total number of congregations in Rockingham County is estimated at 162
compared to 11,132 in North Carolina.35

32
33
www.ncnorthstar.com
34
www.ci.eden.nc.us
35

25

Religion Profile in Rockingham
Adherents County
S outhern B aptis t W es leyan C hurch
United Methodis t O ther

Number of Adherents
31%
39% Southern Baptist 14,130

United Methodist 8,421

24% 6% Wesleyan Church 2,114

Other 11,021
Table 15
Table 16

Historically, the faith community has served as a vital institutional structure in Rockingham
County communities. Because leaders from faith and public health share the goal of improving
suffering to advance community health and wholeness, the faith community is a critical partner
in shifting social, behavioral, political, and economic determinants of health.36

According to Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development, the
terrain of Rockingham County is the perfect place to experience nature’s playground and the
numerous recreational activities that are found in our six municipalities. In Rockingham County,
you can play a round of golf, hit the lakes, go horseback riding, paddle the rivers, stroll along
greenways and trails, play in a park, visit historic sites or simply soak up the sun.37

In addition to providing amenities suitable for a day of fun for you and your family, Rockingham
County is equipped with facilities to host a variety of recreational and sporting events, whether
that is a baseball tournament, bike tour, golf tournament, canoe race or a team building event.
Table 17 will provide additional information of the types of recreational facilities/opportunities
available in Rockingham County.

36
37
http://www.ncnorthstar.com/

26

Table 17

Amenity Reidsville Wentworth Eden Madison Mayodan Stoneville

Parks and Recreation 14 1 11 5 4 1

Walking Trails and 4 2 6 2 3 1
Greenways

State Parks 0 0 0 0 1 0

Lakes and Rivers 2 0 4 2 2 1

Golf Courses 5 0 2 0 0 3

Equestrian Facilities 5 0 0 1 0 0

Local YMCAs offer family scholarships for memberships and after school care. Head Start has
benefited from these scholarships and water safety programs

In addition to the Rockingham County Sports and Recreation Facilities Guide, Rockingham
County Healthy Carolinians Partnership has provided a Physical Activity Resource Guide for
many years. This pocket size resource guide provides a listing of available physical activity
opportunities throughout the county and is updated annually.

Infrastructure and Transportation

The counties infrastructure allows access by two major by passes.
By pass 29 and 220, support commercial trucking. 220 is also the
future juncture for I73 and 29 and future I 785. When businesses consider
locating their business in the county, the infrastructure of the county,
plays a key role in the decision to relocate.38

Public transportation is limited in the county. The public transportation that is available to
citizens in the county consists of two taxi services in the county – Central Taxi Service in
Reidsville and Hamptons in Mayodan. Other providers are Pelham Transportation, Aging,
Disability, and Transit Authority and C&J Medical Transportation. These transportation
providers assist primarily in medical appointments. Unless individuals have their own methods
of transportation, they must rely on family, friends or one of the other methods.

38
http://www.ncnorthstar.com/

27

Technology

Citizens of Rockingham County have access to the internet if it is not available in their homes.
Libraries, job training centers and business centers throughout the county have computers
available for individuals use. There are hotspots throughout the county that allows citizens to
access the internet through a public network. An ongoing challenge of the county is its ability to
stay current with technological trends. For example, most neighboring counties have upgraded
to 4G network and Rockingham County still operates in 3G. In addition, cell phone coverage for
most of the major carriers is spotty both in town and in rural areas.

The Rockingham County Technology and Business Center is available to assist business owners
with their technology needs.

Political Climate

According to the Rockingham County Competitive Assessment report developed by the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it stated that sectionalism was a deterrent of
economic growth in Rockingham County. Sectionalism is defined as excessive regard for local
interest and possessing regional and local prejudices.39

Rockingham County has 58,706 registered voters. Of that number, 27,745 are registered
democrats and 18,430 registered republicans. Sixty-eight registered voters are Libertarians and
12,463 are unaffiliated.40

39
40

28

Criminal Activity

According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, There were a total of 155
registered sex offenders in Rockingham County in 2011.41

Table 8 will show Rockingham County’s County Offence Rates –Ten Year Trend and Table 9
will provide an Index Crime for each law enforcement agency in Rockingham County, 2009-
2010.42

Rockingham County, NC

County Offence Rates – Ten Year Trend

Index Violent Property Murder Rape Robbery Assault Burglary Larceny MVT Arson
Year
Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate

2001 3,562.6 292.1 3,270.5 4.4 19.8 53.8 214.2 914.8 2,220.6 135.1 16.5

2002 4,169.1 305.0 3,864.1 4.4 12.1 91.4 197.1 1,285.1 2,412.7 166.3 6.6

2003 4,418.3 306.8 4,111.5 8.7 14.2 88.4 195.4 1,096.1 2,844.0 171.4 8.7

2004 4,466.9 274.5 4,192.3 9.8 6.6 96.2 161.9 1,180.2 2,829.5 182.7 17.5

2005 4,437.6 277.6 4,160.0 4.4 16.5 68.0 188.7 1,325.6 2,640.2 194.2 20.8

2006 4,718.4 258.7 4,459.7 6.6 6.6 68.3 177.2 1,301.2 2,922.8 235.6 14.3

2007 4,388.4 343.4 4,045.0 5.5 13.2 98.0 226.7 1,196.4 2,625.1 223.4 25.3

2008 4,606.6 339.7 4,266.9 5.5 15.4 75.0 243.7 1,288.1 2,752.7 226.1 9.9

2009 4,100.7 402.4 3,698.3 2.2 16.4 74.2 309.7 1,156.1 2,379.7 162.5 19.6

2010 4,051.0 318.9 3,732.1 3.3 8.7 63.1 243.8 1,159.1 2,389.0 183.9 7.6

Table 18

41
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, 2011
42 42

29

Total
Agg. MV
Agency Year Index Murder Rape Robbery Burglary Larceny
Assault Theft
Crime

Rockingham Co. Sheriff 2009 1,480 1 2 22 83 542 754 76

Rockingham Co. Sheriff 2010 1,367 1 2 16 54 480 721 93

Eden 2009 808 1 5 27 55 204 482 34

Eden 2010 925 5 19 68 232 556 45

Madison 2009 251 1 66 40 144

Madison 2010 190 45 36 107 2

Mayodan 2009 179 0 1 21 16 138 3

Mayodan 2010 261 1 4 17 24 212 3

Reidsville 2009 994 8 16 54 242 639 35

Reidsville 2010 941 2 0 19 36 279 579 26

Stoneville 2009 48 0 1 5 16 25 1

Stoneville 2010 38 4 14 20

Offense Totals 2009 3,760 2 15 68 284 1,060 2,182 149

Offense Totals 2010 3,722 3 8 58 224 1,065 2,195 169

Table 19

The information above reflects that most of the crimes committed in Rockingham County over
the past ten years were property rate, larceny and burglary with an average of 3980, 6202 and
1190 respectively. When individual cities are examined, larcenies and burglaries occurred the
most in the county region and in Reidsville years 2009 and 20010.43

Our research indicates that gang violence is increasing in the county.

43 43

30

Education

Rockingham County education system offers parents the opportunity to send their children to
preschool to secondary education. Besides Head Start there are two other major preschool
programs that are offered at no costs to parents. Preschool which is offered through the school
system, serves children mainly with a diagnosed disability. NC Pre-K is a state supported
program that serves four year old children entering kindergarten the following year. It should be
stated that Head Start, Preschool and NC Pre-K have working partnerships to serve the children
and families of Rockingham County. There are a number of private childcare facilities in the
county in which Head Start has a working partnership with one establishment n Eden, NC. The
Rockingham County School System has several schools recognized as schools of distinction.
The school system is a major player in the role of housing Head Start classrooms. The
Rockingham Community College offers local training and two year degree programs. After an
absence for years, there are several athletic programs to attract more students to its campus. The
woodworking and industrial technology programs are two of the main programs for the college.
There are job training facilities in each major city through Goodwill Industries. They offer
training in Reidsville and recently Eden. Plans are to do the same in Madison in the near future.
Also in Madison is the JRTC location. All of these sites also provide employment readiness/ job
search opportunities. Area universities and colleges in surrounding counties and states also
contribute to the educational opportunities.44

Rockingham County school system consists of 26 schools that
cover the Reidsville, Eden, Madison, Wentworth, Ruffin
and Stoneville areas. There are 16 elementary schools (K-5),
4 middle schools (6-8), high school (9-12), alternative (1).
Student enrollment for the 2010-2011 was 14,500.45

The Rockingham County Schools ethnic composition is comprised of the following: Multiracial-
4.9%; American Indian-0.3%; Asian-0.5%; Hispanic-9.9%; Black-20.8%; White-63.5%. 25 of
the 26 schools met their expected growth and the graduation rate from 2010 to 2011 was down
by .5%. The dropout rate decreased from 5.15% in 2009-2010 to 4.58% for the 2010-2011
school year.46

44
http://www.rock.k12.nc.us/site/default.aspx?PageID=1
45
46

31

Average SAT Scores

Table 20
Reading Math Writing Total
2011 471 487 456 1414
2010 472 494 457 1423
2009 464 488 457 1409

Graduation Rate
Table 21
2010 - 2011 72.4%
2009 - 2010 72.9%
2008 - 2009 68.0%

Further examination of the charts below delineating the performance of Rockingham County
Schools, reveal that three of the four schools identified as priority schools during the 2010-2011
school year were elementary schools in which Head Start classrooms are located.47

2010-2011 School Performance Results
Met Met
School Expected High Met AYP Target Goals ABCs Status % Prof
Growth Growth
Bethany Elementary X 12 out of 13 School of Distinction 80.8
Central Elementary X 11 out of 17 School of Progress 69.6
Dillard Elementary X X 13 out of 13 School of Progress 70.9
Douglass Elementary X 14 out of 19 School of Progress 70.4
Draper Elementary X X 13 out of 13 School of Priority 59.0
Huntsville Elementary X 13 out of 17 School of Progress 77.1
Lawsonville Avenue Elem. 9 out of 15 School of Priority 53.8
Leaksville-Spray Elem. X X X 17 out of 17 School of Distinction 80.2
Lincoln Elementary X X 14 out of 19 School of Progress 67.4
Monroeton Elementary X 10 out of 13 School of Progress 77.2
Moss Street Elementary X 10 out of 13 School of Priority 59.2
New Vision School X X 9 out of 9 School of Distinction 84.3
South End Elementary X X 11 out of 17 School of Progress 70.7
Stoneville Elementary X 9 out of 17 School of Progress 66.7
Wentworth Elementary X 12 out of 13 School of Distinction 80.9
Williamsburg Elementary X X 21 out of 23 School of Progress 71.6
Holmes Middle 18 out of 29 No Recognition 63.2
Reidsville Middle X 18 out of 29 School of Progress 62.7
Rockingham County Mid X X X 25 out of 25 School of Progress 79.4
Western Rockingham Mid X 17 out of 25 School of Progress 70.5
McMichael High X 9 out of 13 School of Progress 75.8
Morehead High X 15 out of 17 School of Progress 69.3

47

32

Reidsville High X X 12 out of 17 School of Progress 68.4
Rockingham County High X X 12 out of 13 School of Distinction 84.8
Rockingham Early College X X 9 out of 9 Honor School of Excellence 92.8
The SCORE CENTER X X X Special Eval. ---------------------- ----
RCS District-wide X 37 out of 60 ----------------------- ----
Table 22

SCHOOL STATUS LABELS48

PERFORMANCE LEVEL ACADEMIC GROWTH
Based on Percent of Students' Scores at or Schools Making Less
Above Schools Making Expected Growth or High
than Expected
Achievement Level III Growth
Growth
Met AYP Honor Schools of Excellence
90% to 100%
AYP Not Met Schools of Excellence
No Recognition
80% to 89% Schools of Distinction
60% to 79% Schools of Progress
50% to 59% Priority Schools
Less than 50% Priority Schools Low-Performing*
Table 23

Rockingham County Schools-- CURRICULUM/ACADEMIC STANDARDS

All 26 schools in Rockingham County are part of the North Carolina's ABC's Testing and
Accountability Model. Rockingham County Schools have a strong emphasis in reading. These
fundamental concepts are integrated in all core and co-curricular areas. Math and science are
taught using inquiry based instruction with hands-on activities for students. In addition, they
have a well-rounded Cultural Arts Program and Career and Technical Education Program for all
students. Furthermore the schools offer a wide variety of instructional and extracurricular
programs to students. In addition to the North Carolina Standard Course of Students, students
have the opportunity to enroll in electives to enrich their educational experience.49

The Rockingham County Schools use the North Carolina Standard Course
of Study, the state's standards that teachers are required to teach at each
grade level. These are the standards that are assessed on the Literacy and
Mathematics Assessments in kindergarten through second grade and on the
End-of-Grade tests in grades three through five. The following link will lead
readers to NC Standard Course of Study. NC Standard Course of Study

48
49

33

The information below defines the school board’s educational goals. Rockingham County Head
Start fully supports the goals and academic standards of the Rockingham County Consolidated
Schools and has worked to align its academic goals with those of the school system in order to
ensure a smooth transition between agencies.50

North Carolina Public Schools' State Goal:
North Carolina Public Schools will produce globally competitive students.

Rockingham County Schools' Goals:
1. Develop and maintain career technical pathways which are designed to meet the
economic needs of the area.
2. All students achieve academic proficiency at the end of each grade level (K-12).
3. Continue to improve under-performing schools by providing the necessary resources.
4. Eliminate the achievement gaps (race, gender and socioeconomic).
5. Increase the number of schools that meet both federal and state academic goals.
6. Define measurable achievement goals for each individual school as well as the district.

North Carolina Public Schools will be leading twenty-first century professionals.

7. Every effort will be made to retain twenty-first century professionals to meet the
demands of a global economy.
8. Maintain a strong induction program for beginning teachers, as well as new teachers to
the district.
9. Focus recruiting efforts on attracting high quality personnel.

North Carolina Public Schools students will be healthy and responsible.

10. Continue to implement Character Education Programs for all students K-12.
11. Continuous planning and development of programs to promote schools which are free of
drugs, weapons, and disruptive behavior.
12. Create a customer-friendly environment for our students, parents, staff, and community.

Leadership will guide innovation in the North Carolina Public Schools.

50

34

13. Educational professionals will make decisions in collaboration with parents, students,
businesses, education institutions, faith-based organizations, and other community/civic
organizations to impact student success.
14. School leaders will create a culture that embraces change and promotes dynamic,
continuous improvement.
15. Continue to develop twenty-first century teaching and learning skills to promote a global
understanding as well as preparation for post secondary education.

North Carolina Public Schools will be governed and supported by twenty-first century systems.

16. Continue to move schools toward improving student achievement through alignment of
resources that are prioritized.
17. Begin work on Phase III construction projects, which are designed to provide twenty-first
century access to technology within a safe learning environment for students and staff.

There are challenges that affect service delivery of the school system as it pertains to Head Start.
Severe budget cuts in the school system may affect the amount of money charged for space
rental and other services received by Head Start students, which will mean a reduction in
available funds needed for daily classroom operations. Our research indicates that the school
system currently spends $4582.00 per student and if the funds are cut, Head Start will be
required to pay additional fees which may not be reflected in the program’s budget. The
diagrams below outlines the financial data for Rockingham County Schools outlined in their
2010-2011 Annual Report.51

Figure 3

Because of the economic situation and resulting issues in staff reduction, new teachers are not
attracted to Rockingham County. New teachers have a tendency to gravitate toward the bigger
school systems located in nearby counties such as Guilford and Forsyth because of greater
opportunities. As a result, competition for talent is increased. Staff reduction also affects the
frequency of services from professionals other than the regular teaching staff such as exceptional
child specialists, etc.

51

35

On a brighter note, the collaboration between the Rockingham County Head Start and the
Rockingham County Schools has been a beneficial one. Many of our classrooms are housed in
the school system which provides access to extracurricular activities and other services with little
to no costs as of the date of this report. The transition to Kindergarten is also smoother because
the families are already familiar with public school policies. However, the connection between
Head Start and kindergarten staff can be enhanced to ensure total success of not only the child
but the family as well.

Health/Nutrition/Mental Health/Disability

Rockingham County has two hospitals that serve Rockingham County. Morehead Memorial
Hospital located in Eden, NC and Annie Penn Hospital located in Reidsville. Annie Penn
Hospital no longer has a birthing center. Patients that have doctors in the Reidsville area are
forced to drive to Women’s Hospital in Greensboro to deliver.52

This becomes a problem for mothers who have limited transportation and income. The table
below outlines the number of births in Rockingham County and surrounding areas.

52
Community Health Assessment – Physical Health – Chapter 7

36

Number of Births Between 2002-200553

Hospital & County Total # of Births % of All
Where Birth for 2002-2005 Births Our research indicates that
Occurred Rockingham County has a lower
infant mortality rate than the state’s
Morehead Memorial average. In Rockingham County
Hospital there are 1,545 Primary Care doctors.
(Rockingham) 1572 36.97%
Among county residents surveyed,
Annie Penn Hospital 84.7% of the population reported that
(Rockingham) they have a primary-care doctor
1257 29.56%
while 15.3% reported that they didn’t
Women’s Hospital have a primary-care doctor.
(Guilford)
1157 27.21%

Forsyth Memorial
Hospital (Forsyth)
165 3.88%

Other Rockingham 101 2.38%

Total 4252 100%

Table 24

Our research indicates that Rockingham County has a lower infant mortality rate than the state’s
average.

A major player in services is the Public Health Department provider. Citizens without family
physicians can go there for medical and dental services. Certain services are still provided to all
citizens and little or no cost, for example, students needing certain immunizations can get them
there for free until they become 18 years old. In Reidsville, the Free Clinic aids in assisting those
without any medical insurance coverage. Through faith based efforts, such as Reidsville First
Baptist Church on Main Street in Reidsville, NC, a free dental clinics help hundreds receive the
necessary dental care. Due to lack of dentists who accept Medicaid, referrals are often made to
dentist in neighboring counties.54

In Rockingham County the uninsured rate is 18%. These residents are using the free clinic and
health department as their primary-care doctors. Residents often have to commute 30 miles or
more to surrounding counties for specialized healthcare. Rockingham County is limited in the

53
54
Community Health Assessment – Progress – Chapter 2

37

number of physicians offering specialized care. For residents with transportation issues, this can
be a life threatening or life altering consequence.55

Residents of Rockingham County are unhealthy compared to
the state’s Human Development Index according to the County’s
Competitive Assessment Report. The leading cause of death among
citizens is heart disease. Today’s current obesity rate for 2 to 20 year
olds is 19.4%.56

According to DayMark Recovery, reported at Rockingham County Head Start’s 2010 Social
Service Advisory Board Meeting the following information was revealed:57
 Increase in substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness/personality
disorders, and child behavior problems
 Mental illness/personality disorders are often undocumented due to no/limited
access to health care/resources
 Child behaviors results from what is going on in the home.
 There’s an increase in children living outside of the home with relatives; many
with grandparents.
 Increase in young mothers with substance abuse issues and/or pregnant
 More cases of aspergers syndrome which is similar to autism; and there’s been an
increase in 6yr/7yr old cases of bipolar diagnoses
 During the last fiscal year (July 1-June 30), there were 1750 adults/children walk-
in cases to the Emergency Services

Rockingham County Schools has extensive programs to meet the needs of students with
disabilities. As of April 1, 2010, the school system identified and served 1,997 special needs
students ranging between the ages 3-21. About 12.5% of school age students are identified as
having a disability. Services for students with disabilities ranged from minor classroom and/or
therapy supports to extensive full time programs. According to the Department of Public
Instruction, the November 2007 edition amended June 2010, services in the school system are
provided under the following categorical designations:58

Autistic Hearing Impaired Intellectually Disabled - Severe
Multihandicapped Speech/Language Impaired Visually Impaired
Behaviorally Emotionally Disabled Intellectually Disabled - Mild
Orthopedically Impaired Traumatic Brain Injured
Deaf/Blind
Other Health Impaired
Developmentally Delayed – Specific Learning Disabled – Intellectually Disabled(moderate)

55 Through Vocational Rehabilitation
Services, adults with disabilities can
56
Community Health Assessment – Physical Health – Chapter 7 receive job training to enter the
57
workforce.
Minutes From 2011 Social Service Advisory Board Meeting
58

38

A Snapshot of Rockingham
County
Demographically
 Aging community Socially
 Working class leaving the
Mental Health  Religious
 Increasing substance  Small town appeal
county
 Increased migration of the abuse, mental illness,  Limited activities for
Hispanic community personality disorders, children, youth and
 Increasing foster care cases domestic violence and young adults
 Decreasing TANF cases child behavior problems

Political Climate
Economically  Disunity and sectionalism
 Economically distressed among certain sectors of
region leadership
 High unemployment rate  More registered democrats
in the county
 County budget shrinking

Educationally
 The three elementary
schools identified as
“schools of priority” have
Disability Head Start classrooms
Technology
 Resources in the 
 Slower implementation of 3 of the 4 schools identified
county to serve adults as “schools of distinction
technology advancements
and children with do not have Head Start
disabilities. classrooms
 3 of the 9 schools identified
as “schools of progress has
Head Start classrooms
Infrastructure/Transportation Health  School System
 Near major highways  Unhealthy compared to the experiencing major budget
 Limited public state in the Human cuts
transportation Development Index  Working partnership with
 Leading cause of death is the two major preschool
heart disease programs in the county
 Limited dentist who accept
Criminal Activity Medicaid
 Property damage,  Limited doctors who offer
burglaries and specialized care
Larcenies the largest
crimes committed Nutrition
 Gang violence  Increasing obesity rate
increasing

39

Overview of Rockingham County Head Start

A Closer Look at Rockingham County Head Start

Mission Statement

We will provide a safe, nurturing, engaging, enjoyable, secure learning
environment, provide comprehensive child development services
(education, health, nutrition, disability, social services, and parent
involvement services) for children from three through five years of age.

The program will provide adequate, formally trained professional staff who are loving and
caring, and who focus on meeting the needs of all of our children and assisting families in
becoming self sufficient by addressing goals, concerns and their individual needs.

Staff will collaborate and establish partnerships with county agencies, schools, the community
college, and other county resources, to carry out the mission of Rockingham County Head Start.

Overview

Rockingham County Head Start has been progressive in its approach to serve the children and
families of Rockingham County. This is reflective in the programs last triennial review
conducted 5/1/11 to 5/6/11. The review indicated that Rockingham County Head Start was in
compliance with all applicable Head Start Performance Standards, laws, regulations and policy
requirements. Our 14 classrooms are designed to promote a safe, educational and fun learning
environment that enhances social-emotional growth. The teaching staff uses the Teaching
strategies Gold as a development guide when writing lesson plans, setting goals, and charting the
progress of each child. They also us the Be Active Kids Curriculum which allows an integration
of physical activities and food into the lesson plan. This also aids in the staff’s approach to
combating obesity. A Head Start Body Start grant was received in 2010-11 to increase physical
activity, outdoor play and healthy eating among Head Start children and families. More than
90% of the program staff continued to participate in some aspect of the County Wellness
program. This has enabled staff to be healthier and be examples to Head Start children and
families. Conscious Discipline is the approach used to direct and monitor behavior.

Staff Education, Skills and Training

To better serve and educate Head Start children, Rockingham County Head Start is taking the
needed steps to ensure all teachers and teacher assistants have the required degrees mandated
by the federal government. The table below outlines the teaching staff’s credentials. four year
and two year degrees respectively. The Education Manager continues to work close with
teaching staff to help them meet their goals. It should be stated that the program is on target in
meeting the educational requirements of both lead teacher and teacher assistants.

40

Teacher Staff Educational Attainment
At least a Four Graduate At Least at Two Working Working
Year in Related Degeree Year in Related Towards a Two Towards a Four
Field Field Year Degree in a Year Degree in a
Related Field Related Field
Out of 14 Lead 8
Teacher 2 of which have a 1 5 n/a n/a
Birth to
Kindergarten
Licensure
Out of 13
Teacher 1 6 6 1
Assistant
Table 25

There is one teacher vacancy, but all vacancies are filled with teachers with a four year degree in
a related field.

The Social Service/Parent Involvement staff are the individuals responsible for the Family
Partnership Agreement. The staff have undergoes ongoing training in the areas inclusive of but
not limited to parent involvement, effective case management, fatherhood and factors that place
families at risk. The staff’s educational attainment and skills are listed below.

Social Service Parent Involvement Education and Skills
High School At least a Family Graduate Fluent
Diploma Four Year Development Certifications Spanish both
Degree Credential written and
verbal
Out of 6
Family 4 2 4 1 2
Workers
Table 26

Currently there are two family service workers who are fluently both written and verbally in
Spanish. The issue in hiring more ESL staff is due to the limited pool of applicants with legal
standing and the competitive wages offered by the school system to employ ESL staff.

The management staff of Rockingham County Head Start has a plethora of trainings inclusive of
but not limited to: effective case management, parent involvement, health related issues, child
development, nutrition and federal monitoring reviews.

Management Education
High School Diploma At least a Graduate Currently Credential in
Four Year Degree enrolled Childcare
Degree courses related Health
to management Advocate
Out of 5
Family 1 4 1 2 2
Workers
Table 27

41

Parent Involvement and Volunteerism

Head Start values the volunteer participation from the parent/guardians, other individuals and
support agencies. The in-kind that is received is generally better than the required rate. The
program usually generates around 25% from volunteers. These funds are required to help offset
non-federal related costs.

One area of concern in volunteering is the lack of male participation. Although the male
participation has not become as strong as the program would like, over the past three program
years, there has been an average of 35 fathers/males participating. One success of our program is
that parent involvement from our Hispanic parents is very high. Our Hispanic mothers enjoy
attending parent workshops and support groups. The program has headsets that our parents use
to hear the translation of the workshops and trainings. The parent involvement of our English
speaking parents is not as great or consistent as our Hispanic parents. The program continues to
seek new ways to get English speaking and fathers involved. The Head Start directly provides
parent trainings each month and conducts parent meetings each month at each center location.

Community Partnerships

Rockingham County Head Start has a great rapport with other support agencies. Currently, we
partner with the Rockingham County School system, NC Pre-K, North Carolina Senior Rural
Program and other human service agencies/churches in order to meet the needs of the families at
little or no cost. Collaborating with Rockingham Community College, Partnership for Children
and other training facilities, enable the staff to stay abreast of the latest trends in preschool
education. The program is exploring avenues to capture all community partnerships in a
informal contract by delineating the strengths of both programs and how each program will
benefit each other and the shared clientele.

Key Current Community Partnerships

This provided list is not the programs comprehensive list of community partners. The program’s
software, childplus, houses the information of all partners or agencies the program works with
throughout the year.59

Emergency/Crisis
Salvation Army- Medical prescriptions, food, rental assistance, utility assistance, clothing and
other emergency needs
Rockingham County Department of Social Services- Financial services to children and
families, food stamps, medical aid, rent assistance, and utility assistance
Northwestern Rockingham Ministries (Hands of God)- Food, medical prescriptions, utility
assistance, and other emergency needs

59
Rockingham County Community Resource List 2012-2012

42

Rockingham County Head Start Community Assessment Report, 2012- 2013

Rockingham County Head Start Community Assessment Report, 2012- 2013

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