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Regular Meeting

Dates: 
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 6:00pm
 
The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris Education Center, 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard.  The meeting is open to the public.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.  The meeting will be livestreamed and may be viewed at  https://www.youtube.com/user/tcsnc.
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

I. Opening of Meeting

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Call to Order

Welcome

 

Groups audience: 
School Board

II. Business Items (including amendments and rescissions):

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 agenda for May 6, 2024.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

02. Report from Denmark Trip

 
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
 
 

Brevard High School teacher Andrew Healy and students who participated in the Denmark Exchange program this spring will be here to give a report on their experiences.  The 12 students and 2 teachers who went on the trip had the opportunity to visit the capital city of Copenhagen, where they learned about Danish history and culture by visiting museums, palaces, and other landmark destinations.  They then traveled by train to Hobro, Denmark, where they lived with host families and attended school, gaining a better understanding of daily life for Danish teenagers.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

03. Procedural Change for Public Comment

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

Chairman Jackson will propose a procedural change to public comment.  The current practice is to begin the three-minute timer when the speaker begins speaking.  The proposed change would start the timer as soon as the speaker reaches the podium.  The board may discuss and take action on the proposed change.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

04. 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 orderly 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 orderly manner. 
  • Board members will not respond to individuals who address the board except to request clarification of points made by the presenter.
  • Issues involving individual personnel or student matters are confidential and, therefore, are not appropriate for the public comment session.  Concerns related to personnel or student matters should be handled as a complaint and reported to the superintendent or designee.
  • 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 act 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. 
  • No solicitations will be allowed during public comment.
  • 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.
  • If the board does not hold a regular meeting during a month, the board will not provide a time for public comment at any other meeting held during that month, unless a majority of the board votes to allow public comment at the meeting or unless the purpose of the meeting is a public hearing.
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

05. 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
 
 
 
“Of the Year” Awards 2024-2025
Transylvania County Schools celebrated outstanding educators for 2024-2025 at the “Of the Year” Awards Program on April 23, 2024 at the Mary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center, Brevard.  Dusty Morgan, RMS, was announced as the District Teacher of the Year and Amanda LaRowe, BMS, was announced as the District Teacher Assistant of the Year.  Our thanks to Ms. Amber Webb and First Citizens Bank for sponsoring the Teacher of the Year awards.  Thanks also to the members of the 2024-2025 interview committee who volunteered their time to interview each of the school-level teachers and teachers assistants of the year in order to select the two district winners.  Congratulations to all of our “Of the Year” honorees:
 
Teacher Assistants of the Year               Student Services Person of the Year
Cadence Sorrells, BES                               Autumn Rumfelt, PFES
Sherrylynn Starling, BHS
Amanda LaRowe, BMS (district winner)    Media/Technology Person of the Year
Kate Shober, PFES                                    Cameron Weaver, PFES
Lorry Newman, RES
Erika McCall, RHS                                      CTE Teacher of the Year
Vickie Ayers, TCH                                       Meg Buchanan, BHS
 
Teachers of the Year                                 Rookie of the Year
Maggie McLauchlin, BES                            Chloe Ayres, PFES
Donna Samotis, BHS                                                                             
Cori Bryson, BMS                                       Principal of the Year
Suzi Margolin, DRS                                    Amanda Lewis, PFES
Maggie Beck, PFES
Karen Brown, RES
Connie Newman, RHS
Dusty Morgan, RMS (district winner)
Emily Taylor, TCH
 
National Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10, 2024
Teachers shape the lives of millions of children every day.  They ignite young minds to excel, dream, and create, and they instill in students a love for learning and a belief in their own potential. They work tirelessly to reach the students who are struggling and they strive to meet every challenge with compassion and care.  They go above and beyond in their classrooms, not only to teach, but to impart a sense of safety and belonging.  Please join us during this special week in showing appreciation to the dedicated educators who empower the next generation to reach for the stars. 
 
National School Principals’ Day May 1, 2024
National School Principals’ Day is observed on May 1st annually to recognize the important work of school principals and all they do for the betterment of schools.  Principals are extreme multitaskers.  They are responsible for everything from student achievement to student discipline, budgets to fundraising, teacher performance to teacher retention, school administration and organization, community relations, security, and everything in between.  To best sum it up, “Being a principal is easy.  It’s like riding a bike.  Except the bike is on fire.  You’re on fire.  Everything is on fire.”  Be sure to show your school principal your appreciation for the many things they do.
 
National School Nurse Day - May 8, 2024
Students today face more complex and life-threatening health problems requiring care in school than ever before, and school nurses provide a critical safety net for our most fragile children.  School nurses act as a liaison to the school community, families, and healthcare providers and provide access to care when children’s cognitive development is at its peak.  School nurses are members of school-based teams (e.g., school health services, 504/IEP, disaster/emergency planning) providing care coordination to address the school population.  They understand the link between health and learning and advance the well-being of all students every day.  They are essential for healthy kids, healthy schools, and healthy communities.  Please join us in recognizing our wonderful school nurses for all they do:
 
April Owenby
Ashley Owen
Amy Parker
 
School Lunch Hero Day – May 3, 2024
Our school nutrition professionals are heroes, no doubt about it.  That’s why we celebrate them every spring on School Lunch Hero Day, which is this Friday, May 3rd.  This is a great opportunity to say thank you to the hard-working team members who make a difference for every child who comes through our school cafeterias. 
 
National Technical Honor Society Inductions
Congratulations to the 65 students from Brevard High School and Rosman High School who were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) in April.  The National Technical Honor Society recognizes outstanding achievement in technical education.  It provides opportunities for scholarships, leadership development, career development, and personal growth.  To be eligible for NTHS membership, students must meet the following rigorous academic standards:
 
  • Hold a 3.0 or higher unweighted GPA and 3.25 or higher unweighted GPA in CTE courses;
  • Have been recommended by two teachers—at least one being a CTE teacher;
  • Have completed a CTE career pathway, which consists of three courses; and
  • Demonstrate scholarship and skill.
 
Transylvania County Student Art Show - May 7-18
The Transylvania County Student Art Show is scheduled for May 7-18, 2024 at the Transylvania Community Arts Council (TCArts), located at 349 S. Caldwell Street, Brevard.  This annual event is a partnership between TCArts and the Transylvania County Schools to showcase the works of talented young artists across grades K-12 as selected by art teachers in the schools.  A reception will be held on Thursday, May 9, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at TCArts.  Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1‑4 p.m. on Saturdays (during exhibits only). 
 
B.O.B. Ribbon-Cutting April 18, 2024
The Rosman High School B.O.B. (Big Orange Boutique) held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 18 in the RHS lobby.  The B.O.B. started as a project for the business department, headed by teacher Lindsay Barton and intern Caitlyn Muniz.  It sells a wide variety of school spirit accessories, including customizable apparel, sports items, bags, hats, bracelets, stickers, healthy snacks, and more.  Working in the B.O.B. helps students develop hands-on skills such as inventory control, management, sales, and customer service.  All proceeds go back into the RHS business program. 
 
Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Transylvania County
Big Brothers / Big Sisters is a community-based program that fosters friendship with a purpose between a child and his or her “Big.”  The growth and enrichment of this relationship is supported and facilitated by BBBS staff and collaboration with the parent.  It creates regular opportunities for a child to engage in and enjoy new experiences and activities in the community, while developing leadership skills and gaining self-confidence. 
 
  • The program is FREE to families, regardless of income.
  • Who is eligible?  Youth between the ages of 6-14  from single-parent homes or living with relatives.
  • How does it work?  How do I enroll my child?  BBBS staff works closely with parents and guardians to match every child with the right “Big.”  Every volunteer is screened, trained and supervised by BBBS staff.  To enroll and learn more, go to emailtransylvania@bbbswnc.org or visit bbbswnc.org.
 
TCH Students Meet Author Barbara O’Connor
T. C. Henderson fourth and fifth graders recently visited with children’s author Barbara O’Connor at the Transylvania County Library, courtesy of Friends of the Library.  Ms. O’Connor spoke about reading, writing, and her process for creating books, many based on the Southeast, as she grew up in Greenville, SC.  She also answered questions from the students and signed copies of her latest book, Wish, which is on the NY Times Bestseller List and is one of the books they are reading in class and for “Battle of the Books.”
 
BHS Thespians Present “Beauty and the Beast” May 10-12      
Tickets are on sale now for the Brevard High School spring musical, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” premiering Friday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m. in the Brevard High School Auditorium, with  matinees on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, at 2:00 p.m.  Buy your tickets at http://bit.ly/BHSmusical2024 or scan the QR code on one of the posters around the school.
 
STEM Summer Camp Open to Rising 7, 8, & 9th Graders
A reminder that Transylvania County Schools is hosting a FREE summer camp for rising seventh, eighth, and ninth graders during the weeks of June 17-20 and June 24-27 from 8am to 2pm at Brevard High School.  Registration is available via the link on our website. 
 
TCSEF Experiential Learning Scholarship Open to TCS High School Students
A reminder that the Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation (TCSEF) offers a $1700 Experiential Learning Scholarship for any DRS, BHS, or RHS student to attend an experiential learning opportunity of their choice.  Formerly the Washington DC Close Up Scholarship, this scholarship has been expanded to include any learning opportunity that allows a high school student in TCS to explore a career or field of study that they are interested in.  The possibilities are endless!  Visit tcsef.org/programs/scholarships/ to apply.
 
For more good news from Transylvania County Schools, please visit us at:
 
Home Page:  www.tcsnc.org ǀ Facebook:  facebook.com/transylvania.schools
Twitter:  twitter.com/transylvaniasch ǀ Flickr:  flickr.com/tcsnc
Instagram:  Instagram.com/transylvaniaschools ǀ YouTube:  youtube.com/user/tcsnc
Smartphone App:  Transylvania County Schools on Play Store and iTunes
SoundCloud:  soundcloud.com/transylvaniacountyschools ǀ WSQL Radio:  bit.ly/TCSYesRadio!
 
 
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 item is submitted for consent approval:
  1. Personnel report for May 6, 2024
A motion is in order to approve the consent item.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Personnel Report 5-06-24.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

07. CTE Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment 2024-2026

 
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
 
 

At the April 15 meeting, Director Kerry Putman presented an overview of the Career and Technical Education Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 years as first-read information.  He will answer any questions you may have. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the CTE Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 years for state/federal funding.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon CTE Board Presentation 4-15-24.pdf
PDF icon CTELocalApplicationSignaturePage2024-2025.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

08. Change Order for PFES Roof/Cupola

 
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
 
 

Director Kerry Putnam will request approval of a change order for the PFES roof project.  The total project was budgeted and approved for $200,000.  The project to date is at $78,538.60 and has 75% of the work complete.  The cupola is dry and fixed interior damage has been repaired.
 
Mr. Putnam is requesting approval for a change order to repair exterior damage resulting from leaks.  The cost is $27,500 (see attached).  This would bring the project over $90,000 with a total of $106,038.60.  It would repair all damage as a result of leaks which occurred over several years.  It will complete the project fully and not leave anything behind and left over for a later date.  
 
A motion is in order to approve the change order from J. A. Piper Roofing Company in the amount of $27,500 for repairs at Pisah Forest Elementary School.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 3rd Change order Pisgah Forest Elementary - Front Entrance Repairs 4-16-24.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

09. Summer Remediation and Retesting Plan 2024

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

Directors Missy Ellenberger and Audrey Reneau will give a report on the 2024 summer remediation and retesting plan for elementary, middle, and high school.  The plan is attached.  Mrs. Ellenberger and Mrs. Reneau will answer any questions you may have. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the 2024 summer remediation and retesting plan.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Summer Learning & Testing 2024 .pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

10. DRS Modified Accountability System Option

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

State Board of Education policy ACCT-038 (16 NCAC 06G .0314) allows North Carolina alternative schools to participate in the state’s Modified Accountability System under one of three options as described in the attached memorandum from the Department of Public Instruction.  Local boards must approve an option for each alternative school under their jurisdiction and report the decision to the Division of Accountability Services by August 1st of each year.  Director Missy Ellenberger will recommend Option B for Davidson River School for the 2024-2025 school year and answer any questions you may have. 
 
A motion is in order to approve Option B for Davidson River School to participate in the Alternative School Modified Accountability System for the 2024-2025 school year.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon DRS Accountability Model Update May 6, 2024.pdf
PDF icon DPI Memo_Alternative Schools' Modified Accountability Options 2024-25.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

11. Budget 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. Lisa Fletcher will give a brief update on budget.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

12. 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
 
 
 
May 16
TC Scholars Recognition Evening
Dinner 5:00pm;
Program 6:30pm
BHS
May 20
WORK SESSION
6:00 p.m.
MEC
May 27
Memorial Day holiday
 
 
June 3
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 p.m.
MEC
June 6
DRS Graduation
10:00 a.m.
Brevard Music Center
June 7
Last student day; noon dismissal
 
 
June 7
BHS Graduation
6:00 p.m.
Brevard Music Center
June 8
RHS Graduation
10:00 a.m.
Brevard Music Center
June 10-14
Teacher workdays
 
 
June 17
Four-day summer schedule begins
 
 
June 17
WORK SESSION
6:00 p.m.
MEC
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

13. Timeline for Superintendent's Annual Evaluation

 
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
 
 

Policy 7805, Superintendent Evaluation, requires the board to perform a performance evaluation of the superintendent each year.  The following draft timeline is recommended for the 2023-2024 evaluation process:
 
June 17
Superintendent provides self-assessment to the board.
Before July 15
Chair and vice chair meet with superintendent to discuss self-assessment.  Board members complete individual evaluations and return to chair or vice chair.
July 15
Board meets in closed session to prepare consensus evaluation.
August 5
Board meets with superintendent in closed session to discuss the consensus evaluation and agree upon performance goals and recommendations for the next school year.
 
             
Groups audience: 
School Board

14. 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

Source URL: https://transylvania.schoolboard.net/node/6625