SANFORD, NC - Tramway Elementary School and district leaders welcomed Dr. Elena Ashburn, Senior Advisor for Education Policy to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, on Thursday for a school tour and informal meetings with students and staff. Dr. Ashburn’s visit highlighted the success of Tramway’s year-round calendar model and the school’s strong academic performance.
A former principal at Broughton High School, North Carolina Principal of the Year, and now a top education policy advisor, Dr. Ashburn emphasized the importance of grounding state-level decision-making in the lived experiences of educators.
“It is important to hear directly from our educators to understand the successes and challenges they are facing,” she said. “Educators are so critical to the success of our state. Each day, they work intentionally to support and challenge students, helping to guide them into the adults that they will become.”
During her visit, Dr. Ashburn and district leaders stopped by several classrooms, including Mrs. Holmes’ fourth grade class, where students are currently learning about state government. Holmes’ students had prepared a signed letter to Dr. Ashburn, celebrating what they love about their school and noting areas they hope to see improved. Dr. Ashburn encouraged the class to continue advocating for themselves and assured them she would share their message with Governor Stein.
Following the classroom visits, Dr. Ashburn joined Tramway Principal Andrea Cummings and the school’s curriculum coaches for a discussion on instructional successes and current challenges. Cummings emphasized the importance of giving educators opportunities to share their insights with policymakers.
“Nothing strengthens school culture like giving teachers a seat at the table,” Cummings said. “We appreciate Dr. Ashburn taking the time to hear from those of us who live this work daily.”
Lee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach echoed that appreciation. “We are grateful for Dr. Ashburn’s visit to Tramway Elementary and Governor Stein’s commitment to prioritizing public education,” Dossenbach said. “It means a great deal to our teachers and principals when state leaders take time to listen, learn, and understand the opportunities and challenges in our schools. Lee County Schools is proud of the exceptional work happening in our classrooms, and we were honored to share that with Dr. Ashburn.”
Dr. Ashburn said she left impressed and inspired by the work happening at Tramway. “My visit to Tramway Elementary School today afforded me the opportunity to hear directly from those who are choosing to make a difference,” she said. “The great work happening at Tramway is just one example of our incredible North Carolina public schools and the magic that happens when students, teachers, principals, and families work together in supporting student achievement and well-being.”