Greene County Schools Hosts Legislators in Schools Event to Foster Dialogue on Public Education and Celebrate Progress
Greene County Schools welcomed state and federal representatives for a full morning of learning, conversation, and community during this year's Legislators in Schools event.
Snow Hill - Greene County Schools opened its doors on Friday, April 17, 2026, to a distinguished group of state and federal officials for a wide-ranging Legislators in Schools event. This was part of a statewide initiative designed to bring education policy directly to those who shape it. The morning gave lawmakers and community leaders an up-close look at the district’s achievements, its pressing needs, and the students and staff who make it all happen.
Among those in attendance were State Representative Chris Humphrey and representatives from the offices of Congressman Greg Murphy and Congressman Don Davis. Greene County was also well represented, with County Commissioners Chairman Bennie Heath, Vice-Chairman Jerry Jones, Ray Johnson, and Derek Burress joining the delegation. School Board Chairman Brandon Johnson, Vice-Chairman Mason Dyer, and board members Leisa Batts, Darius Shackleford, and Joey Rackley rounded out the group.
Guests began the morning with an interactive discussion led by school and district leaders, highlighting both the successes the district has achieved and the challenges that remain. Superintendent Dr. Rodney McNeill and School Board Chairman Brandon Johnson set the stage for the conversation, which covered a spectrum of topics central to the district’s mission.
A talented team of educators and administrators brought the district’s story to life through their presentations:
• Jennifer Gardner, Exceptional Children’s Director
301 Kingold Boulevard, Snow Hill, NC 28580 • Telephone (252) 747-3425 • Fax (252) 747-5942
• Antonio Blow, Director of Student Services
• Meridith Wilkes, CTE Director
• Kelly Garcia, Title III / World Languages Coordinator
• Hannah Moody, STEM Education Coach, K–12
• Dr. Patrick Greene, Principal, Greene Central High School
Presenters outlined the district’s key legislative priorities for the coming year, urging the assembled officials to champion these causes on behalf of Greene County students and staff:
• Passage of a state budget
• Wage increases for teachers and all school staff
• Updating the allotment formula for assistant principals
• Full funding of exceptional children’s programs
• Prioritizing student mental health and wellness through additional funding for counselors, nurses, and social workers
• Greater investment in early childhood education
Following the presentations, guests toured the Greene County Pre-K Center, where they saw early childhood programming in action. The group then boarded a bus to visit the district’s new state-of-the-art high school facility, set to open its doors to students this August. The tour offered legislators and community leaders a firsthand look at the investment Greene County has made in its students’ future.
The event concluded with a lunch prepared by culinary arts students from Greene Central High School, which showcased the talent and dedication of the district’s career and technical education programs.
The event was organized by Dr. Patrick Greene, principal of Greene Central High School, who also played a pivotal role in establishing Legislators in Schools Week across North Carolina. Dr. Greene helped launch the initiative while serving as the state’s Principal of the Year in 2022, with the goal of bridging the gap between education professionals and the policymakers who fund and govern their work.
Friday’s visit emphasized Greene County Schools' commitment to transparent, community-centered advocacy. District leaders expressed gratitude to all who attended and hope the conversations sparked will translate into meaningful action for students, educators, and families across the county.
