NAFEPA Award

RRGSD Superintendent Julie Thompson and Federal Program Director for Weldon City Schools Terry Alston were both recognized Tuesday morning in Washington, DC by the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (NAFEPA) along with Dr. Joe Bullis, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Career and Technical Education for Wilkes County Schools.  The three were honored for their commitment to serving NAFEPA, North Carolina educational programs, and most importantly, our children.  

Thompson is the current President-Elect of the organization and served as a Board Member for the Northeast region from 2018-2021.  Most recently she facilitated regional meetings for federal program directors and finance officers, presented with her district team on equity and with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction on state compliance and monitoring at conferences, assisted colleagues in other districts, and co-planned state conferences.  

Alston has served as Federal Programs Director for Weldon City Schools for 18 years and is an active member of the North Carolina Association of Compensatory Educators and NAFEPA.  Her achievements include being President, Vice-President, Executive Board, Regional Representative, and conference committee member.  

Dr. Joe Bullis is in his 28th year in public education where he has served as teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal.  He has spent 16 years as the Director of Federal Programs.  

“It is an honor to be recognized by NAFEPA for the work we do every day in our schools.  I think I can speak for all three of us who were recognized today.  We pride ourselves in maximizing the return on investment of federal dollars allocated to us.  This requires strong leadership, oversight, and constant management by our Finance Department and Central Services staff,” said Thompson.  

The National Association of Federal Education Programs (NAFEPA) is a support organization for educators who work with federally funded programs in their local school districts and in their states. The non-profit organization has been in existence since 1974 and presently has more than 3,000 members from across the nation.