The Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council convened Tuesday at the Gateway Technology Center to receive updates on the budget and several student success initiatives being undertaken in local schools.

The council’s interim director, former Rocky Mount Mayor Fred Turnage, told the council that “we have a new friend among us,” and introduced recently appointed Edgecombe County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Talley.

Representatives from W.A. Pattillo A+ School gave a presentation to the council on the “Leader in Me” initiative being launched at the school, which teaches students life skills.

The program integrates the “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” a book by Stephen Covey, into the core of the curriculum and in an effort to reduce discipline referrals while increasing student achievement and school culture.

Once implemented in the school in January, W.A. Pattillo will serve as a pilot for others in the Twin Counties region.

“We want to give children the mind set, skill set and tool set to succeed,” school Principal Sylvia Cobb said.

The council started off the 2010-11 fiscal year with $251,129. With $223,329 in total salaries and expenditures, the remaining $27,800 will be used for grant purposes, said Alice Warren, assistant vice chancellor at N.C. State.

The council next meets on Oct. 12.