February 14, 2016

McDowell County Schools

Chief Academic Officer Hiring Committee
To whom it may concern:
I am drafting this letter of support for Melanie Shaver for the position of Chief Academic Officer (CAO).
I have had the fortunate privilege to serve the community alongside Melanie on a number of projects over
the past several years in McDowell and regionally. We have organized numerous STEM events that
engaged not just the students but local citizens and businesses in support of the events or by actually
participating. This has helped form my opinion that with Melanie, there is more than just desire to see the
students succeed, she has a passion for the whole community to succeed.
In addition, Melanie has taken on duties above and beyond the expected for her position. Having come
from an education background and having family still in education, it is fair to say that most educators take
that extra step to ensure their students progress. However, Melanie takes that even a step further as she
rarely says no to an option that will help students, families, and the community. As part of those efforts
she also considers the bigger picture of her programs and how they affect the future of the community
economically and structurally. She recently completed the groundwork on developing an innovative
regionalized STEM initiative between 4 counties. This initiative is unique and has garnered support and
attention from national funders looking to impact education from a macro to a micro level.
I have high confidence that if Melanie were selected for the position of CAO McDowell County Schools
would witness the continued success but at a much more global level. This growth cannot be completed by
one person and that is one of the final accolades, of many, I would like to recognize about Melanie. She
understands and appreciates the need for not only have direction and commitment, but also alignment of
similar values and expectations for the community. On more than one occasion I have seen her shepherd
non-partnered groups with common agendas to a consensus on a project of the school systems, effectively,
advancing the mission of the schools system and reducing siloes between people and organizations.
Again, I fully endorse Melanie for this position and know that the students, families, and the community
would benefit greatly. If there are additional questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,

Joshua Kennedy
Rutherford Polk McDowell Health District, Assistant Health Director
McDowell County Health Coalition, Chairman of the Board
NC Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center, Board of Directors
Rutherford County Health Department
221 Callahan Koon Road
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 287-6100 Health Dept.
(828) 287-61001 Administration
(828) 287-6059 HD FAX
(828) 287-6317 Environmental
(828) 287-6238 - WIC

Polk County Health Department

161 Walker Street
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-8271 Health Dept.
(828) 894-8678 HD FAX
(828) 894-8004 - Environmental
(828) 894-3888 WIC

McDowell County Health Department

408 Spaulding Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-6811 Health Dept.
(828) 652-9376 HD FAX
(828) 652-2921 Environmental
(828) 652-2019 Environmental Fax
(828) 652-2922 WIC