Hello, BCS Staff and Families.

Here’s a look at the BCS Board Briefing for April 3, 2025. The full broadcast is on YouTube, and photos are posted in this Google Drive folder.

In our Good News segment, we recognized and celebrated:
· Indoor Track & Field State Champions – Michael Ferguson, North Buncombe High and Josh Flack, Enka High
· NCADA Jerry McGee Award Recipient – David Ball, BCS District Athletic Specialist
· Elementary School Counselor of the Year - Amanda Herbert, Bell Elementary
· Middle School Counsellor of the Year - Jerri Wommack, Cane Creek Middle
· High School Counselor of the Year - Barbara Burlingame, Enka High
· School Social Worker of the Year - Molly Pitman, Enka High
· All State Orchestra Students
· All State Band Students

Strategic Plan Highlights
· Title I Programming in Buncombe County Schools

Action Agenda
· CA Erwin High School Gym Floor Repair Project – Approval of Change Order
· Erwin High School: Request to Use Capital Athletic Outlay Funds for Purchase of Track Hurdles (added to agenda)

Consent Agenda
· Minutes: February 25, 2025 – Special Called Work Session
· Minutes: March 6, 2025 – Special Called Work Session
· Minutes: March 6, 2025 – Open Session Regular Meeting
· Minutes: March 13, 2025 – Special Called Work Session
· Personnel Report – April 3, 2025
· 2024-2025 Budget Amendment #5
· Advisory Council Request to Add Member
· Erwin High School: Request to Use Capital Athletic Outlay Funds for Scoreboard Replacement Controllers
· Roberson High School: Request to Use Capital Athletic Outlay Funds for Purchase of Wrestling Mat
· Roberson High School: Request to Use Capital Athletic Outlay for Purchase of Pole Vault Pit Cover
· Enka High School: Request to Use Capital Athletic Outlay Funds for Advanced Planning Design Package for New Field House
· Technology Services: Intent to Purchase Network Storage Servers and Related Equipment
· Noncompetitive Procurement Request – Musco Sports Lighting
· Noncompetitive Procurement Request – Carolina Hardwood and Construction Inc.
Policies for Second Reading
· Policy 3470/4305 Alternative Learning Programs
· Policy 4270/6145 Concussion and Head Injury
· Policy 4320 Tobacco Products – Students
· Policy 4370 Student Discipline Hearing Procedures
· Policy 5026/7250 Smoking and Tobacco Products
· Policy 8305 Grant Administration
· Policy 9125 Participation of Minority Owned Business
Policy for Ratification
· Policy 3470/4305-R Alternative Learning Programs

Information Agenda
· Finance Reports
· North Buncombe High School – HVAC Renovations: Notice that Performance Services is Prepared to Proceed with Phase I

Announcements/Future Meetings
· The next Board of Education Regular Meeting is May 1, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Work session updates and Closed Session begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Executive Conference Room.

Superintendent's Comments
Good evening Parents, Members of the Community, Board Members, and Teammates,

As we welcome the month of April and the promise of warmer days ahead, I find myself reflecting on the incredible strength, compassion, and perseverance that has defined our school community over these past six months. Hurricane Helene left unimaginable devastation in its wake—taking lives, destroying homes, and forever changing the landscape of Western North Carolina. But in the face of such heartbreak, our school system has shown what it truly means to lead with both your heart and your hands.

The tireless efforts of our teammates—whether providing comfort to families, organizing relief efforts, ensuring our students had a safe place to learn, or simply being a steady presence in uncertain times—have made a profound difference. They have been the light in the darkness for so many, offering not just hope, but real, tangible support when it was needed most. I am in awe of their commitment and inspired by the compassion that continues to guide our work.

While we have come so far, we know the work of rebuilding—both physically and emotionally—is not yet complete. Many of our families, neighbors, and even colleagues are still navigating the long road to recovery. But I have no doubt that with the same resilience and dedication that has brought us through these difficult months, we will continue to stand together and make a lasting impact.

The month of April marks the beginning of the whirlwind that hallmarks the last 41 days of schools. Over the course of the next two months, we look forward to the many opportunities to celebrate our students’ academic, artistic, and athletic accomplishments that will fill our days and nights. During this same time our students and faculty are hard at work maximizing every available instructional moment to ensure our students get the very most out of this year possible. I am so very proud of the work ethic I see in our classrooms across the school system.

I am excited that High School musical season is upon us. This Spring we all have the opportunity to enjoy 9 to 5, Clue, The Lightning Thief, Sweeney Todd, Curtains the Musical, and the story of The Princess and the Pea as our traditional high schools present their annual musicals. Valley Springs Middle is also presenting Descendants, the Musical The dates and times for all these shows are available on the Arts Calendar on our system website.

Next Tuesday night, April 8th from 5-7pm is our Annual Family Night at the Asheville Mall for the opening of our All-County K-8 Visual Art Show. I can’t wait to celebrate our youngest students who are amazing artists. I’m so very appreciative of the priority Buncombe County Schools places on the arts, and the opportunities given to our students to share and grow their talents.

Next week we are celebrating Assistant Principals Week in Buncombe County Schools. Assistant Principals are dedicated educators who work tirelessly to bolster teachers, motivate students, support their principal, create a positive learning community, and face the many unpredictable challenges that land on their desk. They play a crucial role, and next week is a dedicated time to recognize them for their hard work and commitment to our students, staff, and schools. Thank you to each of our Assistant Principals!

As the school year continues to unfold, I encourage us all to take a moment to recognize the tremendous progress we’ve made as a community, and to draw strength from the difference that has been made in the lives of so many. The unwavering dedication of our school system is a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, we can create something stronger, more connected, and more compassionate than ever before.

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.

Mr. Chair, this concludes my comments.

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