Regular Meeting

Dates:

Monday, March 2, 2020 - 5:30pm

The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at the Morris Education Center, 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard. The meeting is open to the public.

Groups audience:

School Board

I. Opening of Meeting

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Call to Order

Welcome

Groups audience:

School Board

II. Business Items

Groups audience:

School Board

01. Approval of Agenda

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

A motion is in order to approve or revise the meeting agenda for March 2, 2020.

Groups audience:

School Board

02. Closed Session

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 115C-402 and 143-318.11(a)(1), the board will go into closed session to discuss a matter that is not public information (student records).

A motion is in order to go into closed session.

Groups audience:

School Board

03. Public Comment

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

The board of education, as an elected representative body of the school system, wishes to provide a forum for citizens to express interests and concerns related to the school system. In order that the board may conduct an order meeting while providing an opportunity for input, individuals or groups may be heard by the board in accordance with policy 2310, Public Participation at Board Meetings, or policy 2300, Board Meetings (subsection D.2).

Each month, the first part of at least one regularly scheduled board meeting will be set aside for citizens to address the board through public comment.

A sign-up sheet will be available 30 minutes before the meeting begins for any individual or group to indicate their desire to address the board.

Each speaker will receive 3 minutes to present comments. The public comment session will not exceed 30 minutes total except by majority vote of the board.

The board chair will recognize speakers in the order in which they signed in. Substitute speakers will not be permitted and speakers may not donate any portion of their time to another speaker. If a speaker is unable to present all of his or her information within the specified time limit, the speaker may provide the board with additional information in written form. If an unusually large number of people requests to speak, a majority of the board may decide to reduce the time for each individual or to require the designation of a spokesperson for each group of persons supporting or opposing the same positions. At any time, the board may establish additional procedures to ensure that public comment sessions proceed in an efficient and order manner.

Board members will not respond to individuals who address the board except to request clarification of points made by the presenter.

Except in cases of emergency, information received during presentations will not be acted upon at the time it is received. It will take unanimous vote of the board members present to take action on a presentation considered to be of an unusual or emergency nature at the time it is presented.

Disruptions by any person or persons of a public meeting will be subject to action in accordance with G.S. 143-318.17.

Complaints about the performance of school personnel, implementation of board policy, the quality of the educational program, or school facilities should be submitted initially for a response to the school system official responsible for the program or facility or to the superintendent. The superintendent or designee shall make available policy 2310, Public Participation at Board Meetings, and other relevant grievance procedures to any individual or group submitting a complaint.

The board may choose to offer a second opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. Sign-ups will not be required for the second public comment opportunity.

No solicitations will be allowed during public comment.

Groups audience:

School Board

04. Good News Report

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship	X	Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

RHS Grad Discovers New Dinosaur Species in Canada

Congratulations to Jared Voris, Rosman Class of 2012, who recently discovered a new dinosaur species that may be a cousin to the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Thanatotheristes, which translates to “Reaper of Death,” is estimated to have been 26 feet long with nearly 3-inch teeth. Portions of the fossil were initially found a decade ago in Alberta, Canada. Voris studied the remains that were kept in storage and was able to conclude that it was a new species. Jared studied geology at Appalachian State and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in dinosaur paleontology at the University of Calgary. He credits his family and his teachers at Rosman, in particular Sara Cathey, for supporting his scientific ambitions.

NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Awards

Transylvania County Schools was among the 36 districts to be honored at the North Carolina School Public Relations 2019 Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony held in Greensboro on January 31. Transylvania won two awards in Digital Media Engagement, two awards in Photography, and an award in Image/Graphic Design. Congratulations to Kevin Smith for his media mastery and excellent work in promoting the school system, not to mention an uncanny ability to be in four different places at one time.

BMS Student Accepted to American Ballet Theatre Summer Program

Congratulations to Brevard Middle School sixth grader Tyana Crite, who has been accepted by the American Ballet Theatre for their Summer Intensive program in Florida. The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is one of the most prestigious classical ballet companies in the world—superstar Misty Copeland is one of their principal dancers. Dancers between the ages of 11-20 years old must audition either on site or by videotape for the ABT summer program, and participation is by acceptance only. Tyana attends the Brevard Ballet School and is the daughter of T.J. and Maya Crite of Brevard. We have a feeling that Miss Crite is one to watch.

Grant Funding to Boost Rural Connectivity

A new initiative focused on increasing public Wi-Fi access and installing computers across Western North Carolina recently received a $100,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The Rural Downtown Wi-Fi & Jobs Project will help students, job seekers and others by providing wireless internet access points and computer kiosks at rural community centers. Educators know that increased internet access is vital for online classes, homework, virtual days, and much more. The Land of Sky Regional Council and its many partners in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties (including Transylvania County Schools) have been working together for some time to help bridge the region’s digital divide. We thank the many public and private partners who have worked together to make this endeavor happen.

National School Breakfast Week

National School Breakfast Week is March 2-6, 2020 and this year’s theme is “School Breakfast: Out of This World.” Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and schools nationwide provide millions of breakfasts to hungry children. Join us in celebrating the school nutrition staff in our local schools who work hard feeding hundreds of students each and every day.

National Read Across America Day

Monday, March 2, is National Read Across America Day (also known as Dr. Seuss Day). It is a yearly observance held on the school day that is nearest to March 2, the birthday of famed children’s author, Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel. Read Across American was begun in 1997 to help get kids excited about reading. One of the best ways to celebrate is to volunteer to read aloud to children at schools, libraries and bookstores. And don’t forget to enjoy some green eggs and ham!

For more good news from Transylvania County Schools, please visit us at:

Home Page: www.tcsnc.org ǀ Facebook: facebook.com/transylvaniaschools

Twitter: twitter.com/transylvaniasch ǀ Flickr: flickr.com/tcsnc

Instagram: Instagram.com/transylvaniaschools ǀ YouTube: youtube.com/tcsnc

Smartphone App: Transylvania County Schools on Play Store and iTunes

SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/transylvaniacountyschools

Public Attachments:

Good News Report 2020-03-02 (1).pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

05. Former Students in the Military

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

The board 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. The attached list of names is recognized at every meeting and read aloud twice a year in recognition of Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Additional names will be included as they are received.

Public Attachments:

Military List 3-02-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

06. Consent Agenda

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators	X	Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

The following items are submitted for consent approval (see attachments):

Minutes of the January 27, February 3, and February 17, 2020 meetings
Personnel report for March 2, 2020

A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items.

Public Attachments:

Minutes 1-27-20.pdf

Minutes 2-03-20.pdf

Minutes 2-17-20.pdf

Personnel Report 3-02-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

07. Policy 3460, Graduation Requirements

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship	X	Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

At the February 17 meeting, Curriculum Director Missy Ellenberger presented a minor revision to policy 3460, Graduation Requirements, as first-read information. There have been no other changes since that time. Mrs. Ellenberger will answer any questions you may have.

A motion is in order to approve revised policy 3460 as presented.

Public Attachments:

Policy 3460_revised.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

08. Attendance Committee Update

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship	X	Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

This topic was postponed from the February 3 planning retreat/work session:

Teacher Jessica Sharp and Dr. Brian Weaver will give a report from the Transylvania County Schools Attendance Committee.

Public Attachments:

Attendance Update 3-02-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

09. FY20 Budget Amendments

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action	X
Excellent Educators		Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Norris Barger will present four budget amendments for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The amendments are attached.

A motion is in order to approve the FY20 budget amendments.

Public Attachments:

FY20 Budget Amendment 3-02-20_STATE.pdf

FY20 Budget Amendment 3-02-20_LOCAL.pdf

FY20 Budget Amendment 3-02-20_FEDERAL.pdf

FY20 Budget Amendment 3-02-20_CAPITAL OUTLAY.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

10. FY21 Budget

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Norris Barger will present a first look at potential Fund 2 budget changes for fiscal year 2020-2021. A summary is attached.

Public Attachments:

FY21 Fund 2 Budget Changes_3-02-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

11. Bond Update

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Norris Barger will give an update on school bond construction projects and answer any questions. A summary of budgeted costs and actual costs to date is attached.

Public Attachments:

Bond Projects Budget & Actual Summary 2-24-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

12. Superintendent's Update

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Dr. McDaris will give an update on current and emerging educational issues.

Groups audience:

School Board

13. Important Dates

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

Mar. 16	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Mar. 23	Teacher workday
Apr. 6	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Apr. 7	“Teacher of the Year” Awards Reception	5:30 p.m.	Rogow Room
Apr. 10	Students dismissed at noon	12:00 p.m.
Apr. 13-17	Spring break
May 4	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
May 5	TCSEF “Taste of Transylvania”	5:00 p.m.	Shuford Farm, Penrose
May 18	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
May 21	Scholars Recognition Evening	5:00 p.m.	BHS
May 25	Memorial Day holiday
June 1	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
June 4	DRS Graduation	10:00 a.m.	DRS
June 4	Students dismissed at noon
June 5	Teacher workday
June 5	BHS Graduation	6:00 p.m.	Brevard Music Center
June 6	RHS Graduation	10:00 a.m.	Brevard Music Center
June 8-10	Teacher workdays

Groups audience:

School Board

14. Central Services 2020 Summer Schedule

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

The 2020 summer schedule for central services and other administrative offices is presented as information. Eight 40-hour weeks consisting of four 10-hour days will begin on Monday, June 15 and end on Friday, August 7. Offices will be open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and will be closed on Fridays. Offices also will be closed on Thursday, July 2, for the Independence Day holiday. The regular five-day schedule will resume on Monday, August 10. The summer calendar is attached.

Public Attachments:

Summer Schedule 2020.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

15. Public Comment

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

The board will provide a second opportunity for public comment.

Groups audience:

School Board

16. Other Items

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators		Information	X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students		Discussion
Operations and Support	X

An opportunity will be provided for comments and/or other items from board members.

Groups audience:

School Board

III. Adjournment

Groups audience:

School Board