RSSS News Service

The Rowan-Salisbury School System (RSS) has announced that Mt. Ulla Elementary School has been recognized as an Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School by the North Carolina Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (NCFEPA). This prestigious honor, based on data from the 2023-2024 academic year, highlights the school’s exceptional efforts in closing achievement gaps.

Out of over 2,700 schools in North Carolina receiving federal funds, Mt. Ulla Elementary was one of only 20 schools recognized at a luncheon held in Greensboro. Notably, Mt. Ulla ranked among the top 10 schools statewide for closing the achievement gap between its lowest-performing subgroup and highest-performing subgroup.

The ESEA Distinguished Schools Program, established in 1996, publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievement of their students.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the Mt. Ulla staff, students, and families,” said Dr. Kelly Withers, RSS superintendent. “This honor reflects the focus and collaboration required to ensure that all students achieve academic success, regardless of their background.”

Brenda Sokolowski, principal at Mt. Ulla,  attended the luncheon with other RSS representatives and received a commemorative banner, which will be proudly displayed at the school. The banner serves as a symbol of Mt. Ulla’s commitment to equity and excellence in education.

For more information about this recognition or other initiatives within Rowan-Salisbury Schools, go to RSSed.org