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Regular Meeting

Dates: 
Monday, February 17, 2025 - 6:00pm
 
The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Monday, February 17, 2025 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

CALL TO ORDER / WELCOME
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE/REFLECTION
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

II. BUSINESS ITEMS (including amendments and rescissions):

Groups audience: 
School Board

1. Regular Business

 
Groups audience: 
School Board

A. 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 February 17, 2025. 
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

B. Special Recognitions

(Continued from January meeting due to inclement weather)
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
 
 
 
 
The Board would like to recognize the following students and staff for their outstanding achievements:
 
DECA
Five students from Brevard High School excelled in their respective categories at the recent DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) regional competition.  DECA competitions test students’ academic knowledge in the areas of marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship.  They also showcase students’ critical thinking skills, ability to communicate effectively, and ability to solve real-world business challenges.  Congratulations to the following students and staff for their achievements:
 
Kia Emaus -Highest score, Role Play, Principles of Business
Jana Cornett - Top five overall in Apparel and Accessories
Carter Powell - Highest score, Role Play, Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Cole Cubbison - Top five in Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Jack Friedman - Highest score on exam in Quick Service, Restaurant Management
 
Laura Smith – DECA Advisor and a recipient of Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof’s February 3, 2025, CTE Month proclamation. 
 
Brevard High School 2024 Football Team
Congratulations to the Brevard High School football team for their outstanding season, sportsmanship, and achievement.  After clinching the Mountain Foothills 7 Conference Title with a 5-0 record this fall, the Brevard High School Blue Devils continued to dominate, advancing all the way to the fifth round of the 2A NCHSAA State Playoffs.  This is the first time the Blue Devils went this far in the playoffs since 1982, finishing in the top four in the state, and being named Western Region Runner Up.  Head Coach Luke Coleman and Assistant Coach Shane Worley will be present to represent the coaching staff and players as the Board recognizes everyone who contributed to the highly successful season.  Please see the attached 2024 team roster.
 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 1 BHS Football Varsity Roster 2024.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

C. Facilities 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
 
 
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

D. Consent Agenda

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

The following items are submitted for consent approval:
 
i.   Minutes of the January 21, 2025 meeting
ii.  Minutes of the February 5, 2025 meeting
iii. Personnel Report for February 17, 2025
 
A Motion is in order to approve the consent items.
 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 2 Memo for Budget Amendment #4 2.5.25.pdf
PDF icon 3 Budget Amendment #4 dated February 17.2025 (1) - Amendment #4.pdf
PDF icon Personnel Report.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

2. Old Business

Groups audience: 
School Board

A. 41 Confederate Lane Property (Action)

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 adopt the Resolution declaring the property at 41 Confederate Lane as surplus and authorizing the Superintendent to take the next steps in the process as described in the Resolution. 
 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 4 Finalized Surplus Resolution.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

3. New Business

Groups audience: 
School Board

A. Golden Leaf Grant Application (Action)

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
 
 

Dr. Lisa Fletcher will present a Golden Leaf Grant application for Board approval.  The grant application is due by March 21, 2025.  Dr. Fletcher will answer any questions you may have.
 
A Motion is in order to approve the Golden Leaf Grant application.
 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Golden_Leaf_Grant_Presentation_Concise.pptx.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

B. Wide-Area Network Contract Renewal (Action)

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 the Contract Addendum between Comporium, Inc., and Transylvania County Schools to extend WAN connectivity until June 30, 2026, pending Contract review by the Board attorney. 
 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 5 Comporium Contract WAN 24-25.pdf
PDF icon 6 WAN addendum.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

C. School Calendar 2025-2026 (Action)

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
X
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
 
Dr. Brian Weaver will discuss options, answer any questions you may have, and request Board approval of a 2025-2026 calendar.  The recommended draft calendar is attached. 
 
North Carolina’s current calendar law is summarized as:
Requirements and Guidance on School Calendar - S.L. 2020-3 (SB704) Updated June 30, 2020.  School calendars must meet the following requirements:
  1. Start date no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and end date no later than the Friday closest to June 11 (unless a weather related calendar waiver has been approved, year-round school, charter school or cooperative innovative high school.) If waiver is approved the start date can be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 19.
  2. There are no educational purpose waivers for exemption of the opening and/or closing dates.
  3. All schools within the district must be closed all day for purposes of determining eligibility for a weather related waiver (delayed starts or early dismissals of two or more hours no longer apply).
  4. Covers at least nine calendar months.
  5. Must have a minimum of 185 days OR 1,025 hours of instruction.
  6. Must have at least nine (9) teacher workdays.
  7. Local Boards shall designate two (2) workdays on which teachers may take accumulated vacation leave. Local Boards may designate the remaining workdays as days teachers may take accumulated vacation leave.
  8. Have a minimum of ten (10) annual vacation leave days.
  9. Have the same or an equivalent number of legal holidays occurring within the school calendar as those designated by the State Personnel Commission for State employees.
  10. School shall not be held on Sunday.
  11. Veterans Day shall be a holiday for all public school personnel and for all students enrolled in the public schools.
A Motion is in order to adopt a school calendar for 2025-2026.
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 7 2025-2026 TCS DRAFT (August 25) Calendar revised_252025.pdf
PDF icon 8 2025-2026 TCS DRAFT (August 13 Start) Calendar revised_252025.pdf
PDF icon 9 2025-26 School Calendar Comparison (1).pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

D. Report(s) from Training Events

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
 
 

On January 25, 2025, Chris Wiener attended the CALN School Board Bootcamp in Columbia, South Carolina, and on January 29-30, 2025, Ruth Harris, Greg Cochran, Ricky Lambert, and Dr. Lisa Fletcher attended the NCSBA Core Training for new Board Members at the WRESA offices in Asheville.  Board Members will have an opportunity to give reports from the events. 
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

4. 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.3).  
  • Each month, a part of at least one regularly scheduled Board meeting will be set aside for citizens to address the Board through public comment.  Board meetings, which include public comment, are a limited public forum.  The Board limits public comment to issues relevant to, and within the jurisdiction of, the Board of Education.  The Board will not discriminate based on the viewpoint expressed by speakers on permissible topics.  
  • 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 three (3) minutes to present comments.  Time will begin when the speaker reaches the podium.  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 request 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.
  • Public comment is not a time for dialogue between individuals and Board Members or amongst individuals.  Board Members will not respond to individuals who address the Board, except to request clarification of points made by the presenter.  The Board does not transact any official business during public comment.  
  • Individualized personnel and student matters are confidential as provided in applicable federal and state law.  Such matters are within the jurisdiction of the Superintendent or designee to investigate and resolve or to make recommendations to the Board in accordance with law and Board policy.  In such matters, the Board of Education serves as an avenue for appeal and/or final decision in accordance with law and Board policy.  Therefore, public comment is not the appropriate forum for complaints related to identified school employees or students.
  • The Superintendent or designee shall make available policy and other relevant grievance procedures to any individual or group wishing to submit a complaint regarding an identified school employee or student.  In addition, nothing in policy prohibits the ability of a citizen to send the Board of Education comment in writing, which may be maintained as confidential in accordance with applicable law.  State and/or federal law may require disclosure of a written comment or complaint to any employee, student, or parent(s) of a student identified in the comment or complaint.
  • 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.
  • Personal attacks on school employees or Board Members are prohibited, and disruptions by any person or persons of a public meeting will be subject to action in accordance with G.S. 143-318.17. 
  • 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

5. Superintendent's Report

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
 
 

 

Groups audience: 
School Board

A. Good News Report

Black History Month 2025
Each February, schools celebrate Black History Month by recognizing the contributions of African Americans and the cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities that are an indelible part of our nation’s history.  In 2025, the theme of Black History Month is, “African Americans and Labor.”  The theme underscores the importance of labor movements in fighting discrimination and advocating for equality.  Through boundless determination, resilience, and hard work, African Americans transitioned from enslaved, unpaid agricultural labor into skilled workers, business owners, activists and leaders on local, national, and international levels. Their contributions have shaped the social, economic, and cultural development of the United States and regions worldwide.  This month we celebrate the achievements of African Americans, while acknowledging their ongoing struggles for racial and economic justice. 
 
February is Career and Technical Education Month
The month of February is recognized as National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.  CTE directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand jobs in areas such as health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and management and more.  It provides everything from classroom learning to certification programs to work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom.  On February 3, 2025, Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof proclaimed February 2025 CTE Month at the City Council meeting.  CTE Director Kerry Putnam, BHS teacher Laura Smith, and BHS students Kia Brown, Ayanna Carter, and McKinley Newton (all DECA officers) received the proclamation.  Please see the corresponding Press Release and photograph attached to the meeting Agenda.
 
National School Counseling Week Feb. 3-7, 2025
National School Counseling Week, February 3-7, 2025, is a time to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors to the betterment of the entire educational community.  This year’s theme is, “School Counseling – Helping Students Thrive.”  School counselors can have a tremendous impact in helping students deal with adversity and mental health challenges, achieve academic success, and plan for higher education and careers.  We thank our school counselors and our school social workers for all they do, and we want to give them well-deserved recognition, as follows:
 
Denise Reese, school counselor – RES
Mary Derks, school counselor – TCH, RMS
Sarah Shawver, school counselor – RHS
Autumn Rumfeldt, school counselor - PFES
Julie Owens, school counselor – BES
Janna Carlson, school counselor – BES
Colleen Fernandez, school counselor – BMS
Kat Motuz, school counselor – BMS
Kayla Byrd, school counselor – BHS
Hailey Brinke, school counselor - BHS
Jaime Dulberg, school counselor – DRS
 
Bethany Green, school social worker – RES, TCH, RHS, RMS
Lovey Puryear, school social worker – BES, BHS
Olivia Shuler, school social worker – DRS, BMS, PFES
 
School Resource Officer Appreciation Day – Feb. 15
February 15 is National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day and a time to thank our dedicated SROs for their tireless dedication to the preservation of school safety and the cultivation of positive relationships with students, families, and communities.  SROs are full-time law enforcement officers with sworn law enforcement authority, trained in school-based policing and crisis response.  They are assigned to work with schools using community-oriented policing concepts.  The SROs help bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement, serving as informal counselors and role models.  We appreciate our School Resource Officers and believe they deserve unwavering respect and support as they keep our students, our schools, and our communities safe.    
 
Love the Bus Month Feb. 2025 and School Bus Driver Appreciation Week Feb. 10-14
February is the month we show appreciation to the individuals and organizations involved in operating school buses and transporting students.  We thank our drivers, mechanics, schedulers, and others who work hard to ensure the safe delivery of children to and from schools five days a week.  This year, the NAPT (National Association for Pupil Transportation) is emphasizing the importance of school bus transportation by recognizing it as a crucial component of the educational framework.  We sincerely thank all of the “everyday heroes” who contribute to this essential element of the school system.
 
STEAM Expo
The Thirty-Sixth Annual A. Mickey Church Transylvania County Schools STEAM Expo 2025 will be held on Monday, April 28th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Transylvania County Parks & Recreation Activity Center located at 1078 Ecusta Road in Brevard.  Please join us for an evening of discovery as students, PreK through 12th grade, are given the opportunity to share their Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics learning experiences.  Please see the attached event flyer for further information and direct any questions you may have to Director Audrey Reneau.   
 
Kindergarten Rally – April 3, 2025
Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is right around the corner! Starting school is an exciting experience for young children, and we want to ensure it is a positive one.   A Kindergarten Rally will be held on Thursday, April 3rd, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Transylvania Parks & Recreation.  All children who will be five (5) years old on or before August 31, 2025, are eligible to start kindergarten this Fall.  The following week, April 7th – 11th (Monday through Friday), Brevard Elementary School, Pisgah Forest Elementary School, Rosman Elementary School, and T.C. Henderson School of Science and Technology will all be offering in-person registration from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Additionally, each school will be offering one late evening for parents to come by and register if they are not available to do so during the school day.  We are also working with our Technology staff to create an online registration option and hope to announce that availability through our website very soon. 
 
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!
 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 10 CTE Month Press Release.pdf
Image icon 11 CTE Council Photo.jpg
PDF icon 12 STEAM Expo Flyer.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

B. Important Dates

 
Feb. 5
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
12:00 p.m.
MEC
Feb. 14
Early dismissal – students
12:00 p.m.
 
Teacher workday
 
 
Feb. 17
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 p.m.
MEC
Mar. 17
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 p.m.
MEC
Mar. 20
Early dismissal – students
(End of Quarter 3)
12:00 p.m.
 
Mar. 21
Annual Leave Day
 
 
Apr. 3
Kindergarten Rally
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Trans. Co. Parks & Rec.
Apr. 7-11
In-Person Kindergarten Registration
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
BES, PFES, RES, TCHSST
Apr. 14-18
Spring Break
 
 
Apr. 21
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 p.m.
MEC
Apr. 28
STEAM Expo 2025
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Trans. Co. Parks & Rec.
Apr. 29
“Of the Year” Awards Program
5:30 p.m.
Rogow Family Community Meeting Room – Trans. Co. Library

 

 

Groups audience: 
School Board

III. Adjournment

Groups audience: 
School Board
Source URL: https://transylvania.schoolboard.net/node/6826