Regular Meeting
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Submitted by Migration on Wed, 05/15/2013 - 2:59pm
Dates:
Monday, March 17, 2014 - 6:30pm
March 17, 2014
Morris Education Center
6:30 p.m.
Agenda
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Public Comment
3. Good News Report
4. Former Students in the Military
5. Consent Agenda:
A. Minutes
B. Personnel Report
6. Technology Plan 2014-2016
7. Alternative Assessment for 3rd Grade Reading
8. Update on School Report Cards
9. AdvancED Re-Accreditation Process
10. Update on Artificial Turf
11. Update on Facilities Use Agreement with Brevard College
12. FY15 Budget
13. Bond Referendum / Study
14. Resolutions: Teacher Compensation & Teacher Contracts
15. Superintendent’s Update
16. Important Dates
17. Public Comment
18. Other Items
Approval of Agenda
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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X
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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X
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Governance and Support
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A motion is in order to approve or revise the meeting agenda for March 17, 2014.
Public Comment
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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N.C.G.S. § 115C-51 states that local boards of education shall provide at least one period for public comment per month at a regular meeting of the board. A sign-up sheet is available for public comment. A maximum of 30 minutes will be allotted for public comment at the beginning of the meeting and at the end of the meeting. Speakers will be asked to limit their comments to 5 minutes each, except in the event there are more than six speakers per session, in which case the chairman may limit the time allotted to 3-5 minutes per speaker. Speakers will be asked to refrain from discussing specific individuals by name in accordance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law. No solicitations will be allowed during public comment. Sign-up is not required for the second public comment opportunity at the end of the meeting.
Good News Report
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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X
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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SkillsUSA Winners
Congratulations to students Austin Gaddy (BHS), Aaron Jackson (BHS), and Kirby Raines (RHS) for their accomplishments in the recent SkillsUSA Western Regional Competition. These Career & College Promise students competed against other high school students from across Western North Carolina on the Transylvania Campus of Blue Ridge Community College on February 27. Both Austin and Kirby won their divisions, taking first place medals in Automotive Technology and Auto 1, respectively, and Aaron came in a respectable fourth. All three students will be competing in the statewide competition in April. A former dual-enrolled automotive technology student, Johnny Galloway, is the instructor for the high school sections and helped the students prepare for the competition.
Peter and the Wolf
On March 6, the Brevard Philharmonic Orchestra gave a performance of “Peter and the Wolf” for all fifth grade classes at the Brevard College Porter Center for the Performing Arts.
5th Grade Expo
On March 7, fifth graders came back to Brevard College for the 5th Grade Expo. March is an exciting time for the fifth grade.
Asheville Playhouse Performs at TCH
On February 26, the Asheville Playhouse players came to T. C. Henderson and gave a performance of the play, “The Bully of Bookmark Page.” The performance was arranged by a TCH parent, and it was outstanding. The play has been taken all over the world, including Russia. The students and staff of TCH would highly recommend the play to other schools as well.
TCH Junior Beta Club
Five fifth graders were inducted into the Junior Beta Club last month at T. C. Henderson Elementary School. Grant Dodson, Connor Dwyer, Luke Hawk, Caiti McCall, and Dylan McCall participated in a candle-lighting ceremony where they received their Beta Club pins and then enjoyed a reception with parents, siblings and other guests. The mission of the Beta Club is “to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.”
NC Teaching Fellows Visit TCS
A group of eight North Carolina Teaching Fellows from across the state recently spent three days learning about Transylvania County Schools as a part of their scholarship program’s internship requirements. These college juniors are committed to the teaching profession and will commence their student teaching next year. The Fellows selected our district from among the various options around the state. The group spent time learning about the operations of the school system and how our schools are run. The Fellows visited all nine schools, the bus garage and plant operations, as well as Gorges State Park. The group also participated in discussions with nearly every school administrator and central office administrator in the school system as well as a panel discussion with a group of our outstanding teachers. Some of the comments that the Teaching Fellows provided about their experience in the reflective evaluations they submitted are included below:
- I am very impressed with Transylvania County Schools. The sense of “unity” across the entire county was very obvious and makes the school system one-of-a-kind. I would definitely consider returning to this county in the future. Thank you so much for your time, compassion, and hospitality.
- Today I saw some of the most impressive elementary schools that I have ever been in.
- I learned a lot of “inside” information that I had no idea about.
- I’m glad we went to the bus garage. That’s a group of people I believe always get overlooked.
- I felt very welcomed into this school system. Everyone I met was very willing to help or talk with me and was interested in hearing what I had to say.
- The best thing from the first day was the Davidson River School. The faculty and students were very impressive and positive. Refreshing to see a different type of alternative school.
- Really enjoyed Brevard High and seeing a school that provides different opportunities and outlets for students.
- Very positive impression from the SRO presentation. A very unique program that provides a lot of support.
- Seeing how connected the schools in Rosman are.
- This county has made a very big impression on me. This system and community seem very tightknit and dedicated to education. There seems to be real sense of community and support between the administration, teachers, and students. It would be an absolute honor to apply to teach here in the fall of 2015.
MCNDCC Unit at BHS
Transylvania County Schools has received word that its application to establish a Marine Corps National Defense Cadet Corps (MCNDCC) unit at Brevard High School has been approved by the Secretary of the Navy. In order to be approved for a MCNDCC unit, a school must have the cadet potential, community support and necessary facilities to meet the requirements of the Cadet Corps program. Thanks go to current and former BHS principal, Jason Ormsby and Jeremy Gibbs, each of who worked on the application and approval process.
Former Students in the Military
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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The Board of Education wishes to thank the former students from Brevard High School, Rosman High School, and Davidson River School who are currently serving or have previously served in the U.S. Military. Twice a year, the names on the attached list are read aloud during Board of Education meetings and the list of names is recognized at every meeting. There are no new names on the list. Additional names will be included as they are received.
Consent Agenda
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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The following items are submitted for consent approval (see attached):
1. Minutes from the March 3, 2014 meeting
2. Personnel report for March 17, 2014
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items.
Technology Plan 2014-2016
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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On March 3, Chris Whitlock presented the Transylvania County Schools Technology Plan for 2014-2016. The draft plan is attached. LEA technology plans must be updated and approved by the State Board of Education every two years in order to qualify for continued E-rate funding.
A motion is in order to approve the TCS Technology Plan for 2014-2016.
Alternative Assessment for 3rd Grade Reading
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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X
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Audrey Reneau, Director of K-8 Curriculum and Instruction, will present an update on alternative assessments for third grade reading. Requests for alternative assessments must be approved by the local board and submitted to the State Board of Education for approval. A letter to State Superintendent June Atkinson requesting approval of a locally developed alternative assessment is attached for your review. Mrs. Reneau will answer any questions you may have.
A motion is in order to approve the request for an alternative assessment for third grade reading.
Update on School Report Cards
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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X
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Dr. Jeff McDaris will give an update on the standards and cut scores that will be the new benchmarks for school report cards this year.
AdvancED Re-Accreditation Process
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Transylvania County Schools is an accredited school district with AdvancED (formerly SACS or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). In order to renew its five-year accreditation by June 2015, AdvancED requires that the school district conduct a Quality Assurance Review (QAR) in the spring of 2015. Over the course of the coming year, the school system will gather stakeholder input and conduct an internal review before hosting an external review team from AdvancED in April 2015. The external review team is a group of experienced education leaders, both from within the state of North Carolina and from out of state, who will assess our school system against the AdvancED Standards for Quality for School Systems.
An overview of the AdvancED Standards for Quality School Systems and examples of the required stakeholder surveys for students, parents and staff are attached for your review. Jeremy Gibbs will discuss the re-accreditation process and answer any questions you may have.
Update on Artificial Turf
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Dr. McDaris and Mr. Barger will give an update on the artificial turf project for Brevard High School. An updated estimate of the costs for the new turf is attached.
Update on Facilities Use Agreement with Brevard College
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Dr. McDaris will give an update on the development of a new facilities use agreement between Transylvania County Schools and Brevard College for activities at the Brevard High School stadium.
FY15 Budget
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Norris Barger will present the latest information and documents for the FY15 budget. The draft budget documents are attached.
Bond Referendum / Study
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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The Board may discuss the next steps in seeking a bond referendum for the 2015 ballot. A draft timeline for a bond referendum is listed below:
- March 2014 – begin work on identifying bond needs
- September 2014 – review of bond needs; joint meeting
- January 2015 – finalization of projects; joint meeting
- March 2015 – notice of intent for bond issue
- November 2015 – bond referendum
- March 2016 – sell bonds
- April-May 2016 – start project(s)
Resolutions: Teacher Compensation & Teacher Contracts
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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X
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Recently Governor Pat McCrory announced a plan to increase salaries for beginning teachers to $35,000 by the 2015-2016 school year. The Governor’s plan does not address the large percentage of veteran teachers who have not received adequate compensation increases in a number of years, nor does it restore increases for teachers who obtain advanced degrees. Additionally, the plan fails to restore yearly step increases for teachers with 1-5 years of experience and actually eliminates yearly increases for teachers with 6-9 years of experience, meaning that teachers would earn $35,000 in each of their first 10 years of teaching.
The attached resolution requests that the General Assembly take the following actions to improve teacher compensation in North Carolina and make the state a more attractive place to work:
- Provide sufficient salary increases to the teacher salary schedule so that veteran as well as beginning teachers receive adequate compensation increases;
- Drop the component of the Governor’s plan that would freeze salaries at the same level for the first nine years of teaching and instead reinstate yearly step increases in years 1-5; and
- Reinstate the Master’s Degree salary schedule for any teacher who obtains a Master’s Degree in either education or in their field of teaching.
A motion is in order to approve the resolution in support of improvements to teacher compensation in North Carolina.
A second resolution outlining concerns about the 25% mandate and the elimination of teacher career status is attached. It requests that the General Assembly rescind all provisions of the Appropriations Act that eliminate career status for teachers who have already been awarded such; restore career status to teachers who have a vested right to career status; and allow the Board to use the state funds allocated for the 25% mandate as part of a locally developed compensation plan to recruit, retain and reward excellence in teaching.
A motion is in order to approve the resolution requesting that the General Assembly undo the 25% mandate and the elimination of teacher career status.
Superintendent’s Update
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Dr. McDaris will give an update on new and ongoing issues for the 2013-2014 school year.
Important Dates
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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Mar. 24-28
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Spring Break
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Apr. 1
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NCSBA Webinar: Legal Issues at Graduation
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7:00 am - 5:30 pm
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Apr. 7
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REGULAR MEETING
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6:30 p.m.
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MEC
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Apr. 7
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Kindergarten Registration
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8:30 am - 2:30 pm
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BES, PFES, RES and TCH
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Apr. 8
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Kindergarten Registration
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8:30 am - 2:30 pm
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BES, PFES, RES and TCH
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Apr. 9
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Early Dismissal
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Apr. 10
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Kindergarten Registration
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8:30 am - 2:30 pm
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
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BES, PFES, RES and TCH
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Apr. 18
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Holiday – Good Friday
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Apr. 21
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Make-up day for Jan. 30
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Apr. 21
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REGULAR MEETING
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6:30 p.m.
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MEC
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Days Missed
1. January 6, 2014 – made up on January 10
2. January 29, 2014 – made up on February 17
3. January 30, 2014 – to be made up on April 21
4. January 31, 2014 – to be made up on June 2
5. February 11, 2-14 – to be made up on June 3
6. February 12, 2014 – to be made up on June 4
7. February 13, 2014 – to be determined
8. February 14, 2014 – to be determined
Public Comment
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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X
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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X
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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The Board will provide a second opportunity for public comment.
Other Items
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Strategic Priority:
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Reason for Consideration:
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Globally Competitive Students
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Action
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21st Century Professionals
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Information
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Healthy and Responsible Students
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Discussion
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Leadership to Guide Innovation
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Governance and Support
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An opportunity will be provided for other items from board members or staff.
Adjourn
Public Attachments:
Groups audience: