Alamance-Burlington School System

 Educating for Impact

Focused Career Pathways That Drive Workforce Readiness

 

On any given morning in Alamance County, classrooms are quietly shaping more than academic outcomes. They are shaping future nurses, technicians, engineers, builders, entrepreneurs, and educators who will live, work, and invest in the same communities where they grew up. At Alamance-Burlington School System, education is viewed not as a standalone system but as an interconnected engine of long-term community strength. Every decision, from early career exploration to capital planning, is guided by a single question: how do we prepare students to step confidently into the world ahead of them?

That question sits at the heart of a district experiencing growth on multiple fronts. Population growth, regional industry expansion, and evolving workforce demands have prompted education systems to rethink their role. For the Alamance-Burlington School System, the response has been intentional, strategic, and deeply rooted in community partnerships.

A Mission Built Around Real-World Outcomes

For Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming, the district’s mission is clear and practical, focused on outcomes that extend well beyond graduation day.

“We want to ensure that when students graduate from high school, they are prepared for a world of work, a world of further education, or serving our country,” Dr. Fleming explains. “Regardless of the path they choose, it comes down to being a productive citizen, being able to contribute to the workforce, and being able to live and work in this region.”

That regional emphasis reflects the district’s understanding of its role within a growing local economy. Alamance County is attracting new residents, new employers, and expanded infrastructure, all of which rely on a skilled and adaptable workforce. The school district sees itself as a foundational partner in that ecosystem.

Education, in this context, is not simply about academic achievement. It is about relevance, access, and long-term opportunity for students and the community alike.

Supporting the Whole Student

Academic success is closely tied to student well-being, a reality that has become increasingly clear in the years following the pandemic. The Alamance-Burlington School System has responded by strengthening wraparound services to address the full range of student needs.

“We are very fortunate to provide wraparound services in all of our schools,” Terri Drummond, Director of Career and Technical Education, notes. “We have school counselors, nurses, and social workers who work closely with teachers and families to ensure students have the services they need.”

Those services span mental health, physical health, and social support, with the shared goal of removing barriers to learning. “The biggest thing is mitigating barriers,” Drummond emphasizes. “We want students to come to school ready to learn and to have what they need to be successful.”

This collaborative model ensures that educators are not working in isolation. Support staff, families, and teachers are aligned around student success, reinforcing the district’s belief that learning thrives when students feel supported and seen.

Supporting Teachers as Professionals and People

That same philosophy extends to educators. Dr. Fleming underscores that teacher support, particularly for those early in their careers, is a critical investment.

“In all the districts I’ve been with, ABSS does a wonderful job supporting teachers, especially beginning teachers,” Dr. Fleming reflects. “We have staff who work one-on-one with them to ensure they are successful, not just in content, but in feeling supported as part of this team.”

As a district competing with surrounding urban systems for talent, Alamance Burlington has focused on retention through culture rather than incentives alone. “Teachers know they are known here by name, not by number,” Fleming adds. “That sense of belonging is something we work hard to maintain.”

Drummond points out that many new teachers enter the district through alternative licensure pathways, bringing industry experience into the classroom. “They may come to us from careers in marketing, design, or other fields,” she explains. “Our beginning teacher program works closely with them to make sure they are successful in earning their license and teaching here.”

This blend of instructional training and real-world experience strengthens classroom learning and reinforces the connection between education and employment.

Career Exploration Begins Early

Career readiness in the Alamance-Burlington School System does not begin in high school. Instead, it is intentionally introduced during the middle school years.

“We offer career and technical education courses from sixth through twelfth grade,” Drummond says. “Every middle school has CTE teachers, and students participate in career exploration labs.”

Those labs expose students to a wide range of fields while helping them understand how early interests connect to future opportunities. “The labs align with high school courses and community college offerings,” Drummond explains. “Students can see how what they’re working on now leads into high school and beyond.”

Hands-on learning is central to this approach. Students explore fields such as forensic science, computer science, health sciences, and carpentry, gaining practical experience that informs future decisions. “This helps students find their passion,” Drummond notes. “They use that knowledge when planning their high school courses.”

Balancing Digital Access

Technology plays an important role in career exploration, but the district is careful to balance digital access with hands-on experience.

“We are in a really good place as far as technology goes,” Drummond shares. “Most of our schools are one-to-one, so students have access to devices starting in elementary school.”

At the same time, educators recognize that real-world skills often require physical tools and materials. “We understand the importance of hands-on learning,” she adds. “Students need experience with what they’ll actually use in the workplace.” By combining technology with tactile learning, the district prepares students for a range of career environments.

Evolving Career Pathways for a Dynamic Economy

With 28 career pathways across 14 federally recognized clusters, Alamance Burlington School District regularly evaluates its offerings to ensure they align with regional needs. “We look closely at industry demand in our community,” Drummond explains. “Every two years, we complete a local assessment and meet with our business advisory board.”

Those conversations include input from employers and students alike. “We talk to students about what they’re interested in,” Drummond says. “Some interests, like artificial intelligence, weren’t part of the conversation years ago, but they are now.” This ongoing dialogue allows the district to adapt as industries evolve.

Building Strong Industry Connections

“We have extremely strong partnerships with our Chamber of Commerce, our local community college, and Elon University,” Drummond notes. “Our advisory meetings often include around 100 industry participants.”

One standout collaboration is with the Alamance-Caswell Builders Association. “They work with our construction teachers to provide real-world experience,” Drummond recalls. “Students have built chicken coops, dog houses, and this year they are building Adirondack chairs that the community can purchase.”

Healthcare partnerships also play a critical role. Students in health sciences programs can earn certifications, such as Certified Nursing Assistant, before graduation. “They complete clinical hours at our local hospital and facilities,” Drummond explains. “Some enter the workforce immediately, while others continue their education.”

Facilities Designed for Growth

As enrollment increases, facilities planning has become a priority. “We recently opened a new high school with extensive CTE offerings,” Dr. Fleming says. “Now we’re focused on elementary and middle school capacity, especially on the eastern side of the county.”

Plans include new schools to accommodate growth, while broadband expansion remains a parallel focus. “We are working with state agencies to expand connectivity,” Dr. Fleming adds. “Learning doesn’t stop when students go home.”

Healthcare expansion adds urgency. A proposed new hospital in the county will require a skilled workforce. “That means expanding dual enrollment and early college opportunities,” Dr. Fleming notes.

Setting the Standard for Career and Technical Education

The district’s Career and Technical Education Center stands as a flagship facility. “We have one of the nicest career centers in the state,” Dr. Fleming remarks. “Demand is so strong we could double its size and still fill programs.”

Drummond credits industry guidance for keeping the center current. “Our advisory boards guide us on equipment and technology,” she explains. “We ensure classrooms meet industry standards.”

Specialized programs, including Adobe Academy, engineering, and 3D modeling, are housed at the center, providing students with access to advanced resources.

Looking Ahead with Focus

As the district looks toward 2026 and beyond, priorities are well defined.

“Academics are a major focus,” Dr. Fleming says. “We are implementing new technology that helps us identify students who need support earlier.”

Expanded work-based learning, apprenticeships, and community engagement remain central goals. “Getting students into the community benefits everyone,” Dr. Fleming adds. “It supports employers and reinforces our role as a community asset.”

A Community Investment in the Future

As the Alamance-Burlington School System approaches its 30th anniversary, reflection and celebration are intertwined.

“This is truly a community school system,” Dr. Fleming concludes. “We want to celebrate that with the people we serve.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Alamance-Burlington School System

What: A public education district that prepares students for life beyond graduation by combining strong academics, career and technical pathways, and deep community partnerships

Where: Alamance County, North Carolina

Website: www.abss.k12.nc.us