II. Business Items

Groups audience:

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 April 6, 2020.

Groups audience:

School Board

02. Public Comment

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

At this time, any person wishing to address the board during Public Comment should email their comment(s) beforehand to Jenny Hunter at jhunter@tcsnc.org and their item will be read aloud at the meeting as appropriate within board guidelines.

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

03. Good News Report

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

TCS School Nutrition & Local Restaurants Bridging the Gap

During the coronavirus crisis, many groups have responded rapidly to help local families fill the gaps while schools are closed. The Transylvania County School Nutrition Department has switched operations to its summer feeding mode in order to deliver meals to children throughout the county. School bus drivers are transporting food daily. Backpack Buddies food packs are being delivered by School Resource Officers. Many local restaurants have also stepped up. Pescado’s Burritos, Country Skillet, Grill @ the Barn, Rooster Head Plantation, Jet’s Pizza, the BBQ Shed, Creekside Market, Villa Amato and others are all providing or have provided free meals or food items for children each day while schools are closed. In addition, Lake Toxaway Charities has donated $10,000 to the local School Nutrition program. We thank these community heroes for their support.

Morehead-Cain Scholarship

Brevard High School senior Graham Phillips has been awarded the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship as a member of the UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2024. The Morehead-Cain scholarship provides a fully funded educational experience with four years of undergraduate study and summer enrichment experiences. Congratulations, Graham!

Levine Scholarship

Brevard High School senior Jolene Osteen has been awarded the prestigious Levine Scholarship as a member of the UNC-Charlotte Class of 202024. The Levine Scholarship provides a fully funded educational experience with four years of undergraduate study and a stipend to create and sustain a community service initiative. Congratulations, Jolene!

2020 TIME NC Student Academy of Science Results

Transylvania County Schools TIME 4 Real Science students participated in the first ever online North Carolina Student Academy of Science Competition held via ZOOM on Friday, March 27—a response to COVID-19. Students submitted their research papers ahead of time and then presented their papers online. Congratulations to the following students who placed at the state level. Congratulations also to outgoing NCSAS student president Fritz Ruppert!

Frank Parsons, Ben Caroway and Satchel Malo: The Effectiveness of a 3D Printed Hydrogel to Sustain Algal Growth

1st Place Biotechnology
Selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS Meeting in Phoenix, AZ

Nicole Vargas Sancho, Jarek Stewart Karlowics and Elise Poche: Antimicrobial Activity of Microorganisms Isolated from Western North Carolina Mushrooms

1st Place Biological Science
Selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS Meeting in Phoenix, AZ

Isaiah Lefler and Graham Green: An Evaluation of Utilizing Nitrifying Bacteria in Conjunction with Martian Resources to Enable Hydroponic Growth

1st Place Earth and Space Science
Selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS Meeting in Phoenix, AZ

Josh Kupras and Heath Sanders: Evaluating the Efficiency of Using Martian Materials as Fuel to Reach Martian Orbit

1st Place Physics
Selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS Meeting in Phoenix, AZ

Fritz Ruppert and Jon Gibson: Evaluation of the Role of Cryptochromes in Culex quinquefasciatus Magnetoreception

2nd Place Behavioral Science

Kathryn Hart and Andy McKibbon: Developing Computational Models Using Deep Learning Softwares to Identify Individuals Within the Eastern Spotted Skunk Species

3rd Place Computer Science

Ivy Scott and Josie Troyer: Characterization of Pigments Extracted from Southern Appalachian Mushrooms as Sensitizers in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

3rd Place Chemistry

Kindergarten Registration 2020

Kindergarten registration for the 2020-2021 school year is now open in all our elementary schools. Starting school is an exciting experience for young children and we want to be sure it is a positive one. All children who will be five (5) years old on or before August 31, 2020 are eligible to start kindergarten this fall. Visit www.tcsnc.org/k for forms and more information.

National Assistant Principals Week

National Assistant Principals Week is April 6-10, 2020. NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators invite all to honor and recognize the contributions of assistant principals to the success of students in schools across the United States. We appreciate all the talent and dedication of our Assistant Principals, every day of the year!

Public School Volunteer Week

Public School Volunteer Week, April 20-24, 2020, provides a yearly opportunity for schools and families to honor the dedicated volunteers whose contributions support student success. To the parents, grandparents, and community members whose experience, expertise, and passion make a difference in the lives of children every day, we say “thank you” for all that you do.

Music in Our Schools Month

March was National Music in Our Schools Month and a time to support the educators, students, and programs that make all the concerts and performances possible. Not only does music enhance our lives, but learning to sing, read music, or play an instrument stimulates the brain and improves all areas of academia. At a time when many school music programs are facing budget cuts, we continue to support our music and arts programs. Please join us in celebrating music educators for all they do to enrich learning and bring music into our lives.

National Social Workers Month

Celebrated each March, National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity to recognize the important contributions of school social workers in providing services to children in need. This year’s theme, “Social Workers: Generations Strong,” pays tribute to the many roles filled by these hardworking individuals. Whether serving as advocates, advisors, counselors, or facilitators, school social workers provide services in crisis situations and help guide children through obstacles and uncertainty. They also help students gain the social-emotional understanding needed to find academic success and positive strategies for life. We appreciate the work of school social workers and thank them for all they do.

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 2020-04-06.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

04. 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 4-06-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

05. 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 February 27 and March 2, 2020 meetings
Personnel report for April 6, 2020

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

Public Attachments:

Minutes 2-27-20.pdf

Minutes 3-02-20.pdf

Personnel Report 4-06-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

06. E-Rate Technology Purchase

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

Director Chris Whitlock will present a request to approve the purchase of technology equipment for the 2020-2021 year. Transylvania County Schools will purchase network switches for installation this summer. Mr. Whitlock anticipates a cost of approximately $230,000. Of this 80% will be covered by E-rate funds and the other 20% will be covered by state funding. No local funds will be used for the purchase. Board approval is required for purchases in excess of $90,000. The deadline for approval is April 29. Mr. Whitlock will answer any questions you may have. A quote from Applied Network Consulting Group, Inc., is attached.

A motion is in order to approve the purchase of network technology from Applied Network Consulting Group, Inc., in the amount of $230,224.59 for the 2020-2021 school year.

Public Attachments:

ANC Quote.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

07. Curriculum 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

Curriculum Director Missy Ellenberger will give an update on curriculum and instruction.

Public Attachments:

April 6, 2020 Curriculum Update.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

08. 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 budget update for the fiscal year 2020-2021. The latest draft documents are attached for your review.

Public Attachments:

FY21 Fund 2 Changes_DRAFT_3-31-20.pdf

FY21 LCE Budget_DRAFT_3-31-20.pdf

FY21 Capital Projects_DRAFT_3-31-20.pdf

FY21 Lottery & Fund Balances_DRAFT_3-31-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

09. 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 is attached.

Public Attachments:

Bond budget and actual_3-31-20.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

10. 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

11. Important Dates

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

~~Apr. 7~~	~~“Teacher of the Year” Awards Reception~~ *CANCELED*	~~5:30 p.m.~~	~~Rogow Room~~
~~Apr. 9~~	~~Kindergarten Readiness Rally~~ *CANCELED*	~~4-6 p.m.~~	~~Trans. Co. Recreation Dept.~~
Apr. 10	Teacher workday
Apr. 13-17	Spring break
May 4	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
~~May 5~~	~~TCSEF “Taste of Transylvania”~~ *CANCELED*	~~5:00 p.m.~~	~~Shuford Farm, Penrose~~
May 18	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
~~May 21~~	~~Scholars’ Recognition Evening~~ *CANCELED*	~~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.	Brevard Community Church
June 4	Last pupil day; students dismissed at noon	12:00 p.m.
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
June 15	4-day summer schedule begins
June 15	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC

Groups audience:

School Board

12. 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

13. 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