Here is a look at the BCS Board Briefing for November 2, 2023. Here is a link to the full broadcast on YouTube.
In our Good News segment, we recognized Dr. Rob Jackson as he celebrates his first year as our Superintendent. Leadership from Central Services and all of our districts prepared gifts and cards of appreciation to celebrate.
Here is the Board recognition.
Here is his video message to the community.
Here is a look back at highlights from his #45Schoolsin45Days Tour.
ACTION AGENDA
· 2023-2024 Interim Continuation Budget
· Approval of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Memorandum of Understanding
CONSENT AGENDA
· Minutes: October 5, 2023 – Regular Meeting Open Session
· Personnel Report
· AC Reynolds High School: Request to Use Athletic Capital Outlay Funds
· North Buncombe High School: Request to Use Athletic Capital Outlay Funds
· Advisory Council Members: Request to Change
· POLICIES FOR SECOND READING
Parents may email feedback regarding policies related to the Parent’s Bill of Rights (noted below) to communications@bcsemail.org.
Policy 3210 Parental Inspection of and Objection to Instructional Materials (Moved to December Agenda) *
Policy 4335 Criminal Behavior (Moved to December Agenda)*
Policy 4720 Surveys of Students (Moved to December Agenda)*
Policy 6120 Student Health Services (Moved to December Agenda)*
Policy 6220 Operation of Student Nutrition Services
Policy 7300 Staff Responsibilities (Moved to December Agenda)*
INFORMATION AGENDA
· POLICIES FOR FIRST READING
Policy 1310/4002 Parental Involvement *
Policy 2400 Board Policies
Policy 3540 Comprehensive Health Education Program
Policy 7650 Employee Travel and Other Expense Reimbursement
Policy 7800/1610 Professional and Staff Development
Policy 7810 Evaluation of Licensed Employees
Policy 7815 Evaluation of Non-Licensed Employees
Superintendent's Comments
Good evening Parents, Members of the Community, Board Members, and Teammates,
November is the traditional time in the calendar when we pause to acknowledge our blessings and share our appreciation and gratitude. On a personal level, there could not be a more perfect time for the anniversary of my return to the school system I love so much. In this season of Thanksgiving, it is appropriate for me to share my Thanksgiving and appreciation for the opportunity to serve in this incredible district.
Over the course of the last year, I have learned much about the school system that I love. I have discovered that the foundational core values that undergirded the work of the school system decades ago when I was a student in the school system, remain just as central to our work today as they did then. I’ve also learned that the school system is not the same as it was all those years ago, nor even when I was teaching in the school system. I am proud of the changes the school system has made over the years because that means the school system is dynamic and thoroughly committed to continuous improvement and to growing in our ability to serve the needs of students and families.
I have encountered in my first year, amazing teachers and staff members throughout our school system who are clearly dedicated to the work they do every single day, and who are clearly making a difference!
We had an incredible night last week at the Buncombe County Schools District Advisory Council meeting! Members of each of our 45 schools’ Advisory Councils came together to add their voice and work to our district strategic plan. Hearing from students, parents, staff members, elected leaders, and community partners is incredibly important in ensuring we are meeting the needs of our students. I am very appreciative to the over 200 people who gave of their precious time to help our school system continue to achieve #GreaterHeights!
Please allow me to give a shout-out to two of our schools. Black Mountain Primary was recognized by the state as a Top Ten ESEA Distinguished School for their success closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years. This is outstanding and an area we continue to focus on across our school system.
I also want to recognize Fairview Elementary School that will be honored in Washington, DC later this month as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. As we continue to see, we have much to be proud of across our school system.
I am excited about this evening’s curriculum presentation. You may recall that in May when I reported to the board about those things that I learned during my first 100 days. Among the strengths that I reported were the students, the staff, the focus on the art, and our literacy instruction. Tonight we will hear about the work of our teachers and students in our classrooms as we grow reading comprehension. We understand that reading is foundational to all learning. It is this work that creates the opportunity for the historic student academic success we have witnessed this year.
And so as I celebrate my anniversary as your superintendent this week, again, please allow me to share my gratitude and thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve this amazing school system!
We remain committed to supporting each and every student in our school system. To our team and to our Board Members, Thank you for all that you do for the students, families, teachers, and staff of Buncombe County Schools.
Madam Chair, this concludes my comments.