Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

The Innovation Project: Rural Consortium

About the Consortium Districts

The Innovation Project is a collaborative of forward thinking education leaders in NC who are unleashing student potential and shaping the future of learning. With 22 member districts across the state serving over 42% of the state’s public school students, member Superintendents work together to see around corners, rethinking, reimagining and redesigning schools and partnership to build a more dynamic and learner-centered future. TIP’s Aspen Consortium is made up of five rural districts serving a diverse array of students and communities, with a commitment to change the life trajectory for their students.

Dr. Sharon L. Contreras
Chief Executive Officer
TIP NC

Consortium at a Glance

VISIT website

Region: South

State: North Carolina

Geography: Rural

6-12 Enrollment: 10,831

PK-12 Enrollment: 20,976

Dr. Aaron Woody
Superintendent
Asheboro City Schools
Dr. Jesse J. Pratt
Superintendent
Hertford County Public Schools
Dr. Keith Parker
Superintendent
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools
Dr. Jamie King
Superintendent
Sampson County Schools
Dr. Andrew Bryan
Superintendent
Edgecombe County Public Schools
Dr. Aaron Woody
Superintendent

Asheboro City Schools

District Profile

Asheboro City Schools’ mission is to have every student with equitable access to engaging learning that transforms life outcomes and prepares them to be collaborative, competitive, and successful to design their own futures. Our vision is to engage students in educational experiences and opportunities that elevate lifelong learning, cultivates exceptional thinkers, and empowers students to design their own futures. Asheboro City Schools (ACS) serves approximately 4,400 students across nine sites ranging from PreK to a comprehensive high school. A virtual academy for secondary students launches in January 2027. Our students represent a range of backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations; 67% are students of color, and a significant percentage come from economically disadvantaged households.

Why Joining SMLN

Participation in the Social Mobility Leadership Network would help Asheboro City Schools move beyond simply offering advanced coursework to intentionally building a system in which more students are prepared for, encouraged to pursue, and successful in Advanced Placement and dual enrollment opportunities. Through national expertise, peer learning, research, site visits, and tailored technical assistance, ACS would strengthen its leadership capacity to examine current systems, identify barriers, and implement effective, sustainable strategies that make high-quality advanced coursework accessible, supported, and expected for more students.

Dr. Andrew Bryan
Superintendent

Edgecombe County Public Schools

All ECPS Scholars will graduate prepared to design their own futures, navigate change, and make the world a better place.

We promote a community of learning that gives our students an “EDGE” in pursuit of the graduate aims:

Empowerment • Determination • Growth Mindset • Exposure

We are eager to learn, collaborate, and engage in meaningful conversations with the SMLN network to expand opportunities and ensure every student has the support needed to succeed in college, career, and life.