Earlier this year, Aaron L. Fleming of Apex was appointed to a four-year term by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham). During the October 21 NCCAT Board of Trustees meeting, Fleming was sworn in by the Hon. Willis P. Whichard of Chapel Hill, NCCAT trustee. Fleming’s term began July 1.
“I am very pleased to welcome Aaron Fleming to the NCCAT Board of Trustees,” said Elaine Franklin, executive director of NCCAT. “He understands North Carolina education from many perspectives and is committed to being an active and engaged member of the board.”
Fleming, who grew up in rural Rowan County and graduated from South Rowan High School, has firsthand experience with North Carolina’s public education system.
“I am honored to serve as a trustee for NCCAT,” Fleming said. “As a North Carolina educator and product of our public schools, I have known many teachers through the years that have benefitted from the NCCAT experience. It is exciting to know that NCCAT is available to our teachers as a professional development option so they can ensure our students are ready for tomorrow and beyond.”
As the director of career and technical education for Lee County Schools, Fleming provides ongoing leadership in developing a comprehensive and effective CTE program that is integrated with core academic content. He also works in cooperation with the local Board of Education and the superintendent to ensure that proper resources are allocated to schools throughout the district and that CTE programs are conducive to learning.
In addition to serving on the NCCAT Board of Trustees, Fleming is a member of the Department of Public Instruction’s Instructional Improvement System External Stakeholder Committee. He also serves as a member of DPI’s STEM School Attributes Development Committee, and is treasurer for the North Carolina Career and Technical Education Foundation.
Fleming received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Extension Education (2000) and a Master of Agricultural Education (2003) from North Carolina State University, and a Master of School Administration (2008) from Appalachian State University. Prior to joining Lee County Schools, Fleming served as the state curriculum coordinator for agricultural education at NCSU (2006–2007). Prior to that, he served as the director of career and technical education for Wilkes County Schools (2003–2005). Fleming began his career in education as a teacher of agricultural education for Cabarrus County Schools (2000–2002) and later for Johnston County Schools (2002–2003).
“This appointment confirms that the NCCAT Board of Trustees is committed to grow in strength, expertise and diversity so as to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in the 21st century,” said Linda S. Suggs of Morrisville, chair of the NCCAT Board of Trustees.
Per Section 115C-296.6 of the North Carolina General Statutes, the NCCAT Board of Trustees is composed of the following membership: the Chairman of the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction or their designees (both ex officio members); two members appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; two members appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and eight members appointed by the Governor, one from each of the eight educational regions.