
Lincoln County Schools Teacher of the Year and Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Melissa Culp of St. James Elementary School, was present today as Josh Stein signed North Carolina's new state budget. Joining the Governor were North Carolina State Superintendent Mo Green, North Carolina's State Principal of the Year, and the National Principal of the Year, who also represents our state.
During the signing, Governor Stein highlighted the essential role teachers play in shaping the future of North Carolina. He emphasized that while more must be done to support educators, this budget represents an important step in that direction.
We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Culp for representing St. James Elementary, Lincoln County Schools, and educators across our region at this significant event. Thank you, Mrs. Culp, for the passion, leadership, and excellence you bring to your students and our school district every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Culp, on continuing to represent #WeAreLINCOLN with distinction.

The Week 5 prize bag sponsored by Citizens Insurance and LEDA has officially been claimed at West Lincoln Middle School by Madison W! Congratulations to our winner for solving the clues and finding this week's hidden prize.
Now for the history behind the location...
Before it was West Lincoln Middle School, this campus began its story as West Lincoln Junior High School.
Built in 1974, the school was created to bring together seventh and eighth-grade students from communities across western Lincoln County, including the North Brook area. The school's first principal was the beloved William Ryan "Pop" Shelton, whose leadership helped establish a strong foundation for generations of students to come.
In 1989, the campus officially became West Lincoln Middle School as Lincoln County Schools transitioned to a middle school model. Sixth-grade students joined the campus, creating the 6-8 grade configuration that continues today.
As western Lincoln County grew, so did the school. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, renovations and additions helped modernize the campus and expand opportunities for students.
Today, West Lincoln Middle School continues to serve as an important bridge between elementary and high school, helping students navigate those often exciting—and sometimes awkward—middle school years. After all, every high school graduate, teacher, doctor, engineer, business owner, and community leader had to survive middle school first.
For more than 50 years, WLMS has been helping students do exactly that.
Current Information for West Lincoln Middle:
Enrollment: 590
Principal: Mr. Jesse Beane
Thank you to everyone who participated in this week's scavenger hunt. Stay tuned for our next "Where in LCS is this?" challenge!
#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS




Week 5 is here!
Study the two photo clues and see if you can identify this mystery location connected to Lincoln County Schools. Hidden at the location is a black LCS drawstring bag filled with LCS swag and a special prize package from this week's sponsors, Citizens' Insurance and LEDA.
The first person (or group) to find the bag gets to keep everything inside.
Found it? Here's what to do:
Take a selfie at the location holding the prize bag.
Email your photo to lcs-communications@lincoln.k12.nc.us.
We'll verify the winner and share your photo on our social media pages.
Once the prize has been claimed, we'll reveal the location and share some interesting history and facts about this special place in Lincoln County Schools.
To keep the challenge fair, comments have been turned off so no one can give away the answer.
Ready. Set. Go.
Thank you to Citizens' Insurance and LEDA for sponsoring Week 5 of "Where in LCS is this?"
#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS

Looking for a new opportunity—or know someone who is? Lincoln County Schools has several newly posted positions and we'd love to add passionate people to our team.
Current openings include:
• Teacher Assistant/Sub Bus Driver – Catawba Springs Elementary
• Tutor (during school day) – Norris S. Childers Elementary
• Science Teacher (Grades 9–12) – Lincolnton High School
• Chorus Teacher (Grades 6–8) – East Lincoln Middle School
• 7th Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher – East Lincoln Middle School
• Science Teacher – West Lincoln High School
Explore these and other career opportunities and apply today: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
Join a team that's making a difference for students every day.
#NowHiring #WeAreLINCOLN

As we celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary, Lincoln County Schools honors the generations who have shaped our country through courage, service, innovation, and education.
Today, we celebrate the ideals that unite us and the freedoms that make it possible for every student to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.
We wish our students, families, staff, and community a safe and happy Fourth of July as we commemorate 250 years of American independence.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS250Years

When students head off for summer break, the work of preparing for a successful school year is already underway.
As part of our Still Serving summer series, we're highlighting the employees who continue serving Lincoln County Schools throughout the summer months. Today, we're featuring Mrs. Kristen Burgin, Principal.
Mrs. Burgin describes her role as "being a coach, advocate, and cheerleader all rolled into one role while ensuring that staff and student safety and overall success remain the priority."
While many people associate summer with a quieter season in schools, principals know it is one of the busiest times of the year. Mrs. Burgin spends her summer laying the foundation for the year ahead—attending professional development, finalizing the master schedule, carefully placing students in classrooms, and preparing the building for students' and staff's return.
She also pitches in wherever needed, whether that's helping move furniture, assisting with floor projects, decorating the school to match the upcoming year's theme, or working through countless checklists and ideas designed to make the school year a success.
"Over the summer, I am busiest with setting up the next school year to be successful," she shared.
While the work itself changes during the summer, one thing remains constant.
"Summer work looks very different from my work during the school year because two of the best parts in my building are missing: students and staff!"
For Mrs. Burgin, the most rewarding aspect of being a principal isn't a specific achievement or event—it's the impact.
"The best part of my job isn't an accomplishment or an activity; it's a feeling. It's knowing I am a part of something amazing in our community that is making a difference in the lives of many and helping support the next generation to be good people."
While school may be out, Mrs. Burgin is still serving—planning, preparing, and creating the conditions for students and staff to thrive when the doors open for a new school year.
#WeAreLINCOLN #StillServing


Lincoln County Schools continues to offer FREE Grab ’N Go breakfast and lunch meal packs for children and young adults 18 years old and younger through July 22.
Each Wednesday, families can pick up a pack containing:
• 5 breakfasts
• 5 lunches
Pick-Up Times & Locations:
11 AM–1 PM
• Battleground Elementary
4 PM–6 PM
• Norris S. Childers Elementary
• Pumpkin Center Intermediate
Families should remain in their vehicles during pick-up, and students do not need to be present.
Meal pick-up locations:
• Back parking lot at Battleground Elementary
• Back parking lot at Pumpkin Center Intermediate
• Side area near the bus lot at Norris S. Childers Elementary
Adults picking up meals will complete a form with the names of the students receiving meals.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SUNMeals

FOUND! Congratulations to Katie (former Cardinal, now Senior Rebel) and her brothers Clay & Jake!
The Week 4 prize bag has officially been claimed at Love Memorial Elementary School! Congratulations to our winner for cracking the clues, finding the location, and taking home this week's prize package sponsored by punker LLC and LEDA.
Now for the history lesson you didn't know you were signing up for...
Love Memorial Elementary School was established in 1926 after Lincoln County received funding from a $75,000 bond issued by the North Carolina State School Board. Love Memorial received $20,000 of that funding, with additional money raised by the local community.
The school is named for Edgar Love, a community leader, two-term mayor of Lincolnton, member of the North Carolina General Assembly, and a strong advocate for modern school facilities and expanded educational opportunities. As a member of the Board of Education, he believed Lincoln County students deserved the very best.
Originally serving a rural mill village community, Love Memorial once enrolled as many as 500 students. In 1997, the original 1926 building was replaced with the modern facility that stands today. While the school now serves just over 300 students, its reach extends far beyond the mill village where it began, welcoming families from across Lincoln County.
Current Information for Love Memorial Elementary:
Enrollment: 300
Principal: Mrs. Pamela Hoffman
Who knew a scavenger hunt could come with homework?
Thank you to everyone who participated this week! Get ready for another round of "Where in LCS is this?" next Monday.
#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS




WHERE IN LCS IS THIS?
Week 4 is here!
Study the two photo clues and see if you can identify this mystery location connected to Lincoln County Schools. Hidden at the location is a black LCS drawstring bag filled with LCS swag and a special prize package from this week's sponsors, punker LLC and LEDA.
The first person (or group) to find the bag gets to keep everything inside.
Found it? Here's what to do:
Take a selfie at the location holding the prize bag.
Email your photo to lcs-communications@lincoln.k12.nc.us.
We'll verify the winner and share your photo on our social media pages.
Once the prize has been claimed, we'll reveal the location and share some interesting history and facts about this special place in Lincoln County Schools.
To keep the challenge fair, comments have been turned off so no one can give away the answer.
Ready. Set. Go.
Thank you to punker LLC and LEDA for sponsoring Week 4 of "Where in LCS is this?"
#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS

PRESS RELEASE: Jennifer Raimey Sworn In to Lincoln County Board of Education
Jennifer Raimey was officially sworn in as the District 2 representative on the Lincoln County Board of Education during a special-called board meeting held Friday, June 26, at the Lincoln County Schools Central Services Office.
Raimey was appointed by the Lincoln County Republican Party following the resignation of former Board of Education member Fred Jarrett, whose resignation became effective May 31, 2026.
The oath of office was administered during the 9 a.m. meeting by Mayor Ed Hatley, officially welcoming Raimey to the seven-member board as she begins serving the residents of District 2.
Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Allen welcomed Raimey to the board and expressed appreciation for her willingness to serve the students, staff, and families of Lincoln County.
"We are grateful to Mrs. Raimey for stepping forward to serve our community in this important role," said Dr. Allen. "Strong public schools depend on dedicated leaders who are committed to making thoughtful decisions that keep students at the center of every conversation. I look forward to working alongside Mrs. Raimey as we continue advancing the mission of Lincoln County Schools."
“I feel truly blessed to be able to serve the students, teachers, and families of Lincoln County, and I am excited to join an already amazing team,” said Ms. Raimey.
The Lincoln County Board of Education is responsible for establishing policies, adopting the annual budget, and providing governance and oversight for Lincoln County Schools, which serves more than 11,000 students across 23 schools.
For more information about the Lincoln County Board of Education, visit the Lincoln County Schools website.

Lincoln County Schools is hiring, and we have opportunities for educators, leaders, and support staff who are ready to make a difference.
Current openings include:
• Teacher Assistant/Sub Bus Driver – St. James Elementary
• Child Nutrition Manager – St. James Elementary
• Assistant Principal – G.E. Massey Elementary
• Health/PE Teacher – Lincolnton Middle School
• 7th Grade Math Teacher – West Lincoln Middle School
Whether you're beginning your career or looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to welcome you to the LCS family.
Apply today: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers

If your business is interested in becoming a Donation Location, please fill out the following link: Stuff the Bus Collection Site Sign-Up | United Way of Lincoln County. Donation Locations will collect supplies from July 6 through August 6. Supplies will be picked up for you, or your team can bring them to the resource center on 8/7. Donation Locations are also encouraged to make their displays exciting and engaging, as the most popular location wins a trophy!
Learn more about the Stuff the Bus campaign and other back-to-school events on our website here: Stuff The Bus | United Way of Lincoln County. Sponsorship opportunities for Stuff the Bus are also still available if your business is interested.
Together, we can make sure all children start the school year with their best chances of success!


Beginning this fall, Lincoln County Schools juniors and seniors can take advantage of a new Firefighter Technology pathway through Gaston College. Students will complete three firefighter training blocks over three semesters, then take one additional class after graduation to become a North Carolina Certified Firefighter—ready to begin a career with a local fire department.
This hands-on program provides real-world training in firefighting, rescue operations, emergency medical care, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and more.
Interested students should speak with their high school counselor to learn how to enroll.
#WeAreLINCOLN #CareerReady

Current openings include:
• Elementary: Love Memorial & Iron Station – EC Extended Content
• Middle: Lincolnton Middle – EC General
• High: Lincolnton High, East Lincoln High & Asbury Academy – EC General
If you're passionate about helping every student succeed, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
All positions begin in August 2026.
#WeAreLINCOLN #TeachInLCS

We'd like to report that rumor is still making the rounds.
Meanwhile, here's what summer actually looks like in Lincoln County Schools...
Teachers spending their days in professional development, collaborating with colleagues, refining curriculum, planning lessons, sharing ideas, and preparing for another great school year—all while most people are still wondering if school starts in August or September.
The classroom may be quieter, but the work never stops. Every lesson improved, every curriculum document updated, and every new strategy learned this summer is an investment in our students this fall.
So the next time someone says teachers get the whole summer off... just show them these photos.
Thank you to our amazing educators for continuing to learn, grow, and work hard—even when the students are on break.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSLearns




Annie is directed by Joanna Underwood and stars Neil Underwood (retired LCS teachers). You will also see Don Peach (retired LCS teacher) in the orchestra pit. West Lincoln Middle School's rising 8th grader, Sadie Philbeck, is starring as Annie.
You can catch Annie on the following dates:
June 25, 26, 27 @ 7:00pm
June 27 @ 2:00pm
June 28 @ 3:00pm
The show will be at the James Warren Citizen Center in Lincolnton.
Tickets available at the Lincoln Cultural Center during business hours
OR
by reserving at lincolntg.booktix.com
ALL SEATS GENERAL SEATING
West Lincoln Middle:
Sadie Philbeck (8th grader)
Sawyer Bolton (7th grader)
Mary Yoder (6th grader)
Lincolnton Middle:
Lorelai Crocker-Heglar (7th grade)
North Lincoln Middle:
Morgan Lawing (8th grader)
Quinn Harrison
Lily Queen (7th grade)
Lola Wiseman (6th grade)
Catawba Springs Elementary:
Ava Lineberger (5th grade)
Battleground Elementary:
Airyana Torrence (5th grade)
North Brook Elementary:
Hazel Chambers (4th grade)
Lincolnton High:
Joshua Scott (12th grade) playing in orchestra
West Lincoln High:
Ben Philbeck (12th grade) playing in orchestra




When summer arrives, many teachers take a well-deserved break from the daily routines of the classroom. But for some educators, the work of helping students learn continues long after the final school bell rings.
As part of our Still Serving summer series, we're highlighting the dedicated employees who continue making a difference throughout the summer months. Today, we're featuring Mrs. Emily Evans.
Mrs. Evans describes her job as both rewarding and purposeful, helping students develop the foundational skills they need to succeed.
While summer offers a change of pace, it certainly isn't a season of slowing down. Mrs. Evans spends her summer preparing for the upcoming school year by cleaning, organizing, and planning for her students' success. She also teaches summer school, tutors students, and works with children through the YMCA.
"Summer allows me to stay productive while still enjoying a more flexible schedule and extra time with my family," she shared.
Although she continues teaching during the summer months, Mrs. Evans appreciates the opportunity for slower mornings, personal reading, and accomplishing projects at home while maintaining her commitment to students.
For Mrs. Evans, the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing student growth firsthand.
"The best part of my job is watching students grow in their reading skills. I love seeing their faces light up when they successfully read something or accomplish a goal they once thought was too difficult."
Those moments of confidence, achievement, and pride are what make the work worthwhile.
While school may be out, Mrs. Evans is still serving—helping students build skills, confidence, and a love of learning all summer long.
#WeAreLINCOLN #StillServing

This week, teachers and administrators from Pumpkin Center Primary School and Catawba Springs Elementary are spending part of their summer at the Leader in Me Summit in Wilmington, collaborating with educators from across the country, sharing ideas, and learning new strategies to strengthen leadership, culture, and student success.
Professional learning opportunities like these allow our educators to bring back fresh ideas, build meaningful connections, and continue growing together as leaders. Their commitment to learning during the summer reflects their dedication to providing the very best experience for our students each school year.
We're proud of these teams for investing in themselves so they can continue investing in our students.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LeaderInMe

Campers practiced real-world automotive skills such as changing oil, rotating and replacing tires, and learning the importance of proper vehicle maintenance under the guidance of experienced instructors. These hands-on experiences help students build confidence and problem-solving skills and introduce them to exciting career opportunities in the automotive industry.
Summer learning doesn't have to happen behind a desk. At LCST, students are exploring careers, developing practical skills, and discovering what they enjoy—all while having fun.
We can't wait to see what the rest of our summer campers accomplish!
#WeAreLINCOLN #CareerReady



