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Growing up in Aurora, in rural Beaufort County, David Peele attended public school with the same 30 kids from first grade through high school. Today, as president of Avoca Inc., Peele is a key leader behind a new regional biotechnology and agriscience high school opening this fall in northeastern North Carolina.

“My high school experience was entirely different. I knew everyone there,” Peele says. “A school focused on science is the gem of what I would have wanted to attend. Even at 13 years old, I think I would have recognized this special opportunity.”

A self-described “farm boy” and the son of a school teacher, Peele chairs the board of the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience. When it opens, the school will be the state’s first model regional school authorized by new legislation adopted last year. The early college high school, which serves students in Beaufort, Martin, Pitt, Tyrrell, and Washington counties, is designed to serve as a statewide model school for STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Ultimately, the school will enroll about 450 students in grades 7-13, offering the opportunity for students to earn up to two years of college credit along with their high school diploma.

Peele is quick to thank the other members of the regional school board and to credit key partnerships for making the school happen, including the five local school districts, the NC State University College of Agriculture, the NC State Board of Education, and NC New Schools with additional key support from the NC Department of Agriculture, the NC Biotechnology Center, and the JOBS Commission. In addition, this project is receiving support from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

“Everyone involved is trying to make this school be the best it can be,” Peele says. “This will be a great resource, beyond just the students who will attend the school. Teachers from this school can lead professional development in science and math for teachers across the region and really have an impact on education in eastern North Carolina.

At Avoca, a company focused on extraction and purification of extracts for the pharmaceutical, fragrance and dietary supplement industries, Peele sees firsthand the imperative to develop a workforce prepared for STEM-related careers. “Our company depends on innovations in technology. We are the only company in the U.S. that grows the specialty crop that we work with,” says Peele. “Having a network of farmers and other employees who understand what we’re trying to do and who understand this kind of work is critical for the economic development of this region.”

Peele also sees the power of engaging business and other sectors in creating a successful regional school. “I think business involvement is vitally important in school innovation. If you want true innovation, you can’t stay within your organization,” Peele says, adding that he seeks a similar range of input about his own company. “It’s important to get input from diverse stakeholders in building a regional school.”
The school was granted waivers from the state in order to create a unique approach. “We have thrown out all the rules,” Peele says. “We can mold this in a truly innovative way to be sure it’s what’s best for the students involved. Everyone on the regional school board and anyone who wanted to share their feedback has had an impact on the design of this school.”

Tony Habit, president of NC New Schools has watched Peele’s commitment to making the Northeast Regional School become a reality. “David Peele’s leadership is turning a dream into reality for students in Northeastern North Carolina,” said Habit. “Even while running a global business, David is ensuring that the students of this remote part of our state have access to a high quality education that will prepare them for success in the emerging economy.”

Peele acknowledges that there are challenges with a regional school — like planning the school day and providing transportation to accommodate students across a five-county area. But he says communities in the region are enthusiastic and willing to give the school a chance.

“Northeastern North Carolina is almost a forgotten area of the state. We’re willing to participate in this great adventure to bring some attention to the region,” Peele says. “I think we’re going to get the cream of the crop in teachers and administrators to bring a rigorous and demanding curriculum that will motivate students in a challenging learning environment. This is a real opportunity for growth.”

In addition to his role as president of Avoca, Inc. of Merry Hill, Peele is also president of Avoca BioProcessing Corporation of Menomonee Falls, Wisc., which produces specialty fermentations for natural flavors and produces enzymatically modified cheese. Prior to joining Avoca as president in 2003, David held various research agronomist and management positions with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company at the Merry Hill facility. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biological and agricultural engineering from NC State University, a master’s degree in soil science from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in crop science from NC State University.