Regular Meeting

Dates:

Monday, October 15, 2018 - 6:30pm

The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 6:30 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 October 15, 2018.

Groups audience:

School Board

02. 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

03. Good News Report

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

25-Year Recognitions

Each year the board recognizes the current employees who have achieved 25 years of service with the Transylvania County Schools. The board would like to congratulate the individuals listed below:

Fran Hughes, Teacher, T. C. Henderson School of Science & Technology

Sarah Kevitt, Technology Specialist, Morris Education Center

Lisa Kimzey, Employee Benefits Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Morris Education Center

Annette Merrill, Teacher, Brevard Elementary School

Sean Parrish, Teacher, Brevard High School

Paul Raines, Bus Driver, Brevard Elementary School

American Education Week

American Education Week is November 12-16, 2018. With the theme, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility,” American Education Week is a time to celebrate public education and honor the individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. Each year the board recognizes the observance by adopting a proclamation designating American Education Week in Transylvania County (see attached). In addition, all current and retired school system employees are invited to a free Thanksgiving lunch as guests of the board on a designated day in November. This year’s Thanksgiving lunch will be held on Thursday, November 15 in all school cafeterias. The Transylvania County Retired School Personnel (TCRSP) will also hold their fall meeting on that day in the PFES media center.

A motion is in order to approve the 2018 American Education Week proclamation.

National School Lunch Week

The week of October 15-19, 2018 is National School Lunch Week. This year’s theme is “School Lunch: Lots 2 Love,” which was designed to help students and school nutrition professionals connect and share what each loves most about school lunch. Created by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, the National School Lunch Program serves more than 30 million children every school day. We give a big THANK YOU to the Transylvania County School Nutrition Staff for all they do to provide delicious and healthy meals to students and staff every day.

October is National Principals Month

The National Association of Secondary Principals (NASSP) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) have declared October 2018 as National Principals Month. The North Carolina Principals & Assistant Principals Association (NCPAPA) supports this effort and wishes to recognize all NC principals for the essential role they play in leading schools in this state. Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education. They set the academic tone for their schools and provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success. Please join us in saying “thank you” to our own outstanding school principals:

Carrie Norris, Brevard Elementary School

Dr. Bryan Abernethy, Brevard High School

Jeff Bailey, Brevard Middle School

Donna Wilde (on leave) & Barbara Grimm (interim), Davidson River School

Tonya Treadway, Pisgah Forest Elementary School

Bob Dinsdale, Rosman Elementary School

Jason Ormsby, Rosman High School

Scott Strickler, Rosman Middle School

Audrey Reneau, T. C. Henderson School of Science & Technology

CTE Truck

Thanks to a generous donation by Donna and Frank Patton, along with local and state CTE funds, the Transylvania County Schools Career & Technical Education program was able to purchase a 2019 Ford F250 truck. This purchase will allow our CTE teachers and students to attend events, camps, workshops and animal shows without using their personal vehicles. Many, many thanks to the Pattons for making this possibility a reality.

TCSEF Creative Classroom Grant Applications for 2019-2020

The Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation has again set aside $18,000 for creative classroom grants to TCS teachers. The grants are part of over $25,000 that the Foundation makes available to enrich classrooms, send students to Close Up Washington, provide scholarships for alumni, and support teacher leadership initiatives. We appreciate very much TCSEF’s fundraising efforts with the annual Taste of Transylvania and the work of the Grants Committee, which evaluates upwards of 50 proposals each year. Proposals for the 2019-2020 grants are due Thursday, October 25, at 4 p.m. Directions and the application form are available online at http://www.tcsef.org/grants/grant-application/. Grant recipients have up to 18 months from the date awarded to use the grant money. Good luck, teachers and administrators, and thank you, TCS Educational Foundation.

Teacher Leadership Institute

Thirteen teacher leaders from Transylvania County Schools recently participated in a four-day Teacher Leadership Institute at the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. As a result of a partnership with NCCAT, Polk County Schools, and Transylvania County Schools, and with a generous grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, teachers from both high-performing school districts were able to immerse themselves in the study and discussion of leadership principles, personal leadership traits, teacher leadership in schools, group dynamics, and other critical aspects of leadership. Also studied were Professional Learning Communities, including fundamentals of PLCs, coaching, relationships to teacher evaluations, implementation, and resources to support PLCs. Sessions supported participants in developing action plans for utilizing their own leadership abilities. In addition, participants had the time and support for professional growth and reflection. This leadership experience continues with the TCS Teacher Leadership Academy, a new program for Transylvania County Schools launched this year, which will include this group who attended the NCCAT experience as well as other teachers in the school system who wish to continue their growth as leaders.

BHS Junior Wins National Water Conservation Award

On September 21^st in Redding, California, Brevard High School student Zoë Mihalas received the Trout Unlimited National Award for Distinguished Service in Youth Education. The Trout Unlimited (TU) award recognizes the fundamental importance of creating a new generation of conservationists in a manner that sustains TU’s conservation legacy. The award honors individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership and a deep passion for inspiring young people to become thoughtful, responsible stewards of North America’s cold water fisheries. Congratulations to Zoë!

Grant Awards

Technology Director Chris Whitlock reports that Transylvania County Schools has received $17,245 in grant funds from DPI that will be used to install security cameras in all four elementary schools. Some local funds will be needed, but the grant will fund approximately two-thirds of the project. In addition, CTE Director Arleca Chapman reports that TCS has received a six-year, renewable grant for $50,000 per year to fund an additional Career Development Coordinator (CDC) position. The new CDC will work with the middle school and help facilitate business partnerships.

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 2018-10-15.pdf

American Education Week Proclamation 2018.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 10-15-18.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 September 10, 2018 meeting
Minutes of the September 17, 2018 meeting
Personnel report for October 15, 2018

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

Public Attachments:

Minutes 9-10-18.pdf

Minutes 9-17-18 (2).pdf

Personnel Report 10-15-18.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

06. Beginning Teacher Support Program Plan

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

Recent changes in State Board of Education policy TCED-016 require changes in our local Beginning Teacher Support Plan. The changes include program standards and more specific mentor selection requirements. Dr. Brian Weaver will review the revised plan (attached) and answer any questions you may have.

A motion is in order to approve the revised Beginning Teacher Support Plan for Transylvania County Schools.

Public Attachments:

TCS_BTSPplan_2018revised_pendingBOEapproval_OCT15.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

07. Flood Insurance Quote

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

Norris Barger reports that insurance raters have changed the designation for the TCS maintenance shop and bus garage property, making it now uninsurable for floods. The buildings themselves are in the 500-year floodplain. Mr. Barger has received a quote for $11,104 for flood insurance (attached), which would be in addition to the $62,655 for the regular insurance. He will seek direction from the board regarding whether or not to purchase the flood insurance.

A motion would be in order to take action on the flood insurance quote for the maintenance shop/bus garage property.

Public Attachments:

Flood Quote - Bus Garage-Maintenance.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

08. Memorandum of Understanding with Brevard Band Association

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

On June 4, 2018, the board approved a proposal for the Brevard Band Association to build a storage facility on the BHS band practice field and authorized the execution of a memorandum of understanding for the terms of the agreement. Mr. Donnahoo has prepared the attached MOU for the board’s consideration. A copy of the proposal is also attached. Mr. Barger and Mr. Leatherwood will be available to answer any questions you may have.

A motion is in order to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Education and the Brevard Band Association for the band storage facility.

Public Attachments:

MOU with Band Association (Band Storage Building).pdf

Band Storage Building Proposal.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

An initiative will be on the local ballot on November 6, 2018 for $68 million in general obligation bonds to pay for capital improvements at Brevard High School, Rosman High School, and Rosman Middle School. On September 10, the board reviewed conceptual options for construction and renovations at both sites. On September 24 and October 1, the board heard community feedback on the options at meetings held at Brevard High School and Rosman High School.

In September, the board had submitted applications for Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grants for BHS and RHS-RMS. The NC General Assembly has provided these funds to assist qualifying counties with their critical public school building capital needs. The Brevard High School campus request was $10,000,000 with a projected match of $12,095,967. The Rosman High School-Rosman Middle School campus request was $9,256,829 with the equivalent projected match. A few days ago we received word from the State Superintendent’s office that although our application was strong, there were other counties with more critical, immediate needs that received the awards for 2018-2019. Nineteen counties submitted applications for projects in excess of $245.7 million, illustrating the needs statewide. We were encouraged to resubmit an application next year, when additional funding may be available for award.

Everyone is encouraged to visit http://www.tcsnc.org/bond for more details and information about the bond and the proposed school construction/renovation projects.

Groups audience:

School Board

10. Request to Name School Facility

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

The superintendent recently received a request from Rosman High School for the board to consider naming the RHS press box in honor of Mr. Bill Ragland. Policy 9300, Naming Facilities (attached), states that facilities may be named for a person, or family, associated with the school, school system, or community provided that the individual or family has a prominent relationship with the school system with a positive image and demonstrated integrity. The superintendent shall submit a recommended name or limited list of recommended names to the board for approval. Dr. McDaris will make a recommendation.

The board may take action on the request to name the Rosman High School press box in honor of William “Bill” Ragland.

Public Attachments:

9300__Naming Facilities.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

11. 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

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

Oct. 17-19	NCSBA Fall Law Conference	Day 1: 1 pm – 5:30 pm Day 2: 8 am – 12:30 pm Day 3: 8 am – 12:30 pm	Renaissance Asheville Hotel
Oct. 25-26	Teacher workdays
Nov. 6	Election Day
Nov. 9	Early dismissal – students	12:00 noon
Nov. 12	Veteran’s Day holiday
Nov. 12-14	NCSBA Annual Conference for Board Member Development		Greensboro
Nov. 15	Annual Thanksgiving lunch for TCS staff and retirees		All school cafeterias
Nov. 19	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Nov. 21	Annual leave day – no students
Nov. 22-23	Thanksgiving holidays

Groups audience:

School Board

13. NCSBA Voting Delegates 2018

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

The North Carolina School Boards Association 49^th Annual Conference for Board Member Development will be held on November 12-14, 2018 in Greensboro. Each local board is asked to certify the members that will serve as voting delegates at the conference and send the names to NCSBA by October 19 (see attached memo).

A motion is in order to appoint the member(s) that will represent the Transylvania County Board of Education on all voting matters at the NCSBA 2018 Annual Conference.

Public Attachments:

voting delegates 2018.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

14. 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

15. 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