Here is a look at the BCS Board Briefing for December 7, 2023. Here is a link to the full broadcast on YouTube. Photos are posted HERE.
In our Good News segment, we recognized several school- and individual-level accomplishments, including:
· Fairview Elementary School – Blue Ribbon Schools Award
· Black Mountain Primary School - National ESEA Distinguished Schools Award Nominee
· NC Honors Chorus Student Recognition – Koontz Intermediate, Owen Middle, Cane Creek Middle, Valley Springs Middle, Reynolds High, Owen High, North Buncombe High, Roberson High Schools
· School Social Worker of the Year – Ami Greene, North Buncombe Middle, North Windy Ridge Intermediate, and Barnardsville Elementary School
· Elementary Counselor of the Year – Laura Traylor, Johnston Elementary School
· Middle School Counselor – Eva Lewit, Erwin Middle School
· High School Counselor of the Year – Melanie Parham, Roberson High School
· The Roy Hobbs Hall of Fame Award – David Ball, District Athletic Specialist
Our curriculum feature brought the Reynolds High School Madrigal Singers – Directed by Mr. Philip Haynie. They performed a selection of Christmas and wintertime music.
During the action agenda, district leadership and colleagues surprised retiring Facilities and Planning Director Tim Fierle by naming the Nesbitt Discovery Academy atrium the "Timothy Fierle Student Center" and rolling out a special sign.
ACTION AGENDA
· Approval of School Improvement Plans 2023-2024
· Approval of District Preliminary Support Plan for Schools Designated as Low Performing 2023-2024
· Approval of BCS Academic Calendar for 2024-2025
· Approval of Early College/Middle College/Buncombe Center for Career Innovation Academic Calendar for 2024-2025
· Central Services Renovations: Accept Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and Authorize Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to Proceed
· TC Roberson High School Re-Roofing Project: Approval of Change Order
· CA Erwin Middle School ADA & Egress Renovations: Approval of Architect’s Contract
· WW Estes PEP Additions & Renovations: Approval of Architect’s Contract
· Transportation Department Additions & Renovations: Approval of Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and Architect’s Contracts
CONSENT AGENDA
· Minutes: November 7, 2023 – Special Called Work Session
· Minutes: November 7, 2023 – Regular Meeting Open Session
· Approve Extension of Superintendent’s Contract through June 30, 2027
· Woodfin Elementary School: Sewer Easement Request
· Curriculum Department Sole Source Procurement Request: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company
· Oakley Elementary School: Request to Change Banking Institution
POLICIES FOR SECOND READING
Policy 1310/4002 Parental Involvement
Policy 2400 Board Policies
Policy 3210 Parental Inspection of and Objection to Instructional Materials
Policy 3540 Comprehensive Health Education Program
Policy 4335 Criminal Behavior
Policy 4720 Surveys of Students
Policy 6120 Student Health Services
Policy 7300 Staff Responsibilities
Policy 7800/1610 Professional and Staff Development
Policy 7810 Evaluation of Licensed Employees
Policy 7815 Evaluation of Non-Licensed Employees
INFORMATION AGENDA
· 2023-2024 Budget Resource Document
· Notification of Informal Construction & Repair Projects and Change Orders
POLICIES FOR FIRST READING
Policy 7650 Employee Travel and Other Expense Reimbursement
Policy 4110 Immunization and Health Requirements for School Admission
Policy 7631 Salary Supplements
Superintendent's Comments
Good evening Parents, Members of the Community, Board Members, and Teammates,
I am very excited about this evening’s meeting. The highlight will certainly be hearing our students share their musical talents with us during the Curriculum Feature. We will also honor stellar students and staff members.
Beyond the Good News and Music, I am excited about the items on tonight’s agenda. As I look them over, I note how many parents, staff members, and community members have been involved in the creation and planning of the items. I am thankful to this Board’s commitment to hearing from all stakeholders and incorporating the many compliments, comments, concerns, and questions that we receive into our commitment to continuous improvement.
Thank you to all who help guide our schools through participation on School Improvement Teams, Parent Advisory Councils, the Teacher Advisory Council, the Exceptional Children Advisory Council, the Student Advisory Council, the system Calendar Committee, and on and on.
The performance of our students vividly illustrates the success we achieve when we work together and gives us the assurance that we will accomplish our goals. I am proud of how we come together across Buncombe County for our students and families.
Work is underway on the Feasibility Study for School Consolidation required by the state. A joint Project Team from both school systems helped write a Request for Proposals that has now been issued by Buncombe County. The study will incorporate as many voices as possible. Buncombe County Schools is represented on the Project Team by a student from North Buncombe High School, a parent from Glen Arden Elementary School, our BCS Teacher of the Year from AC Reynolds High School, our BCS Principal of the Year from CA Erwin High School, our Director of Facilities and Maintenance, our Director of Testing, our Director of Communications, our Finance Director, and our Associate Superintendent. I love the variety of perspectives they bring to the work of making sure that all voices throughout Buncombe County are a part of this study.
As the Winter Holidays approach, I would like to wish our students, staff, and community a joyous season. May you each find moments amidst the celebrations for quiet reflection, renewal, and relaxation. This is and will continue to be our finest year ever as together we ascend to #GreaterHeights!
We remain committed to supporting each and every single 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.