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Regular Meeting

Dates: 
Monday, August 17, 2020 - 6:30pm

 

The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Morris Education Center, 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard.  

The board will adhere to the remote meetings statute from the General Assembly and the Governor’s guidelines for public gatherings.  Therefore, for all remote meetings public access will not be permitted at this time.  The meeting will be conducted electronically and may be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/transylvania.schools/live. 

Any person wishing to make a public comment may email their comments to Jenny Hunter at jhunter@tcsnc.org.  Comments received by 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17 will be shared with the board during the meeting as appropriate within board guidelines.
 
 
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 August 17, 2020. 
 
 
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
 
 
 
Any person wishing to address the board during Public Comment should email their comment(s) to Jenny Hunter at jhunter@tcsnc.org by 1:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting 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 orderly 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
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
   Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
Community Support
As we head into this new and challenging school year, the community is reaching out to our schools in many ways.  Mr. Jim Null of Brevard recently came by the Ed Center and dropped off a brand-new Kindle Paperwhite and cover.  Dollar General Stores has offered a $5,000 donation to Brevard Elementary School for literacy efforts.  GO Grocery of Brevard is donating 300 masks to the schools.  A group of dedicated Connestee Falls residents led by a retired educator from Connecticut has already found donors for 4,000 masks (and counting) to support students and staff.  Child Nutrition expects to receive a donation of several thousand free individual bottles of Milo’s tea. This will help our middle and high schools bridge the gap on ordering a la carte items until we roll out the new digital ordering system in September.  Pastor Sisney of Brevard Community Church has offered labor and materials for cleaning, yard maintenance, and other assistance from the church family.  Dogwood Health Trust, a private grant-making foundation, donated money to each of the western region school systems to purchase large-scale screening devices and kiosks.  Each unit costs approximately $2300.  Our system will get eight units and we will purchase an additional four.  These new devices will facilitate temperature checks at a much faster rate and will be helpful as we move into flu season later on.
 
These are just a few examples of community backing that we know about—there are undoubtedly many more.  Our thanks to everyone for their generosity and support!
 
 
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: 
PDF icon TCBOE Good News 2020-08-17.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: 
PDF icon Military List 8-17-20.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):
  1. Minutes of the July 20, 2020 meeting
  2. Personnel report for August 17, 2020
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Minutes 7-20-20.pdf
PDF icon Personnel Report 8-17-20.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

06. School Nutrition Procurement Plan & Digital Ordering Update

 
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
 
 
 
At the July 20 meeting, Director Carolyn Barton shared a revised school nutrition procurement plan with the board.  She will request approval of the plan.  Mrs. Barton will also give an update on digital ordering for this fall.   
 
A motion is in order to approve the revised school nutrition procurement plan.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon SN Procument Plan_DRAFT.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

07. 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 the school bond construction projects.  A summary of the bond project budget and actual expenditures to date is attached for your review.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Bond budget and actual (1).pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

08. FY21 Budget Resolution

 
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
 
 
 
Norris Barger will present the budget resolution for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.  A copy of the resolution and budget highlights are attached.
 
A motion is in order to approve the FY21 Budget Resolution.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon FY21 Budget Resolution.pdf
PDF icon FY21 Budget Highlights.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

09. Request to County for Capital Outlay Budget Amendments

 
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
 
 
 
The FY21 budget ordinance passed by the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners on 6/22/20 appropriated $1,561,886 for school capital projects and equipment.  The funds were appropriated by a combination of function (equipment and vehicles) and project.  After prioritizing projects based on need and available funding, the superintendent would like to request amendments to the Capital Outlay appropriation from the Board of County Commissioners.
 
The attached document outlines the Board of Education’s initial request, the amount funded by the commissioners, the difference, the prioritized amended request, other sources of funding, and the project/function difference.
 
A motion is in order to approve the proposed requested amendment and authorize the superintendent to request an agenda item at the next available Board of County Commissioners meeting.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon FY21 Capital Outlay budget amendment request.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

10. Policy:

Groups audience: 
School Board

A. Spring 2020 PLS Updates

 
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
X
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
The Spring 2020 Policies to Lead the Schools updates have been received from NCSBA.  They include one new policy and 35 revised policies.*  Many of the policies have only minor changes or technical revisions such as changes to cross-references, legal citations, web links or typographical errors.  Others have more substantive changes.  Please note the following updates:
 
  • Policy 1320/3560, Title I Parent and Family Engagement:  new requirements for parental notice under ESSA  
 
  • Policy 1610/7800, Professional and Staff Development:  sexual abuse and sex trafficking training requirements
 
  • NEW Policy 2127, Board Member Technology Use:  Policy 2127 is recommended to address key issues that arise when board members use school-issued or personal technological resources, including privacy expectations for the use of school system resources; compliance with public records requirements when using personal devices for school system business; and guidelines for the use of social media.
 
  • Policy 3410, Testing and Assessment Program:  new legislation that directs boards to review local standardized testing
 
  • Policy 3460, Graduation Requirements:  changes to graduation requirements for social studies credits.  Also includes local revisions due to the temporary suspension of the Career and College Readiness portfolio (shown in green)
 
  • Policy 3620, Extracurricular Activities and Student Organizations:  clarification of the board’s obligations to comply with the Equal Access Act.  Also includes a local revision to athletic participation requirements for home school students (shown in green) 
 
  • Policy 4110, Immunization and Health Requirements for School Admission:  new vaccine requirement for students entering the 12th grade
 
  • Policy 4120, Domicile or Residence Requirements:  new federal requirement requiring the board to allow home school students to participate in JROTC
 
  • Policy 4270/6145, Concussion and Head Injury:  new rule from the NCHSAA regarding concussion education for student-athletes and their parents
 
  • Policy 7900, Resignation:  clarification of the notice period for resignation of classified employees
 
*Policy 4040/7310, Staff-Student Relations, which was originally included in the Spring PLS Updates, was also included in the Title IX updates.  It has been removed from the Spring PLS section and included in the Title IX section. 
 
The 35 policies listed below are presented as first-read information.  Approval of the policies will be requested at the next regular meeting.  Dr. Brian Weaver will answer any questions you may have. 
 
A motion is in order to accept the 35 policies listed below as first-read information. 
 
Spring 2020 PLS Updates
(first-read information)
1310/4002
Parental Involvement
1320/3560
Title I Parent and Family Engagement
1600
Governing Principle – Professional Development
1610/7800
Professional and Staff Development
2127           NEW
Board Member Technology Use
3102
Online Instruction
3227/7322
Web Page Development
3300
School Calendar and Time for Learning
3405
Students at Risk of Academic Failure
3410
Testing and Assessment Program
3420
Student Promotion and Accountability
3460
Graduation Requirements
3470/4305
Alternative Learning Programs/Schools
3610
Counseling Program
3620
Extracurricular Activities and Student Organizations
4040/7310
Staff-Student Relations (included in Title IX updates)
4110
Immunization and Health Requirements for School Admission
4120
Domicile or Residence Requirements
4152
Unsafe School Choice Transfer
4210
Release of Students from School
4270/6145
Concussion and Head Injury
4325
Drugs and Alcohol
4345
Student Discipline Records
5040
News Media Relations
6306
School Bus Idling
6325
Parking Areas for Students
7240
Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Workplace
7241
Drug and Alcohol Testing of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators
7360/8225
Crowdfunding on Behalf of the School System
7500
Workday and Overtime
7505
Compliance with State Board of Education Employment Policies
7510
Leave
7540
Voluntary Shared Leave
7805
Superintendent Evaluation
7900
Resignation
8350
Fixed Assets Inventory
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Policy 1310-4002_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1320-3560_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1600_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1610-7800_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 2127_NEW.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3102_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3227-7322_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3300_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3405_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3410_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3420_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3460_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3470-4305_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3610_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3620_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4110_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4120_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4152_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4210_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4270-6145_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4325_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4345_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 5040_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 6306_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 6325_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7240_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7241_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7360-8225_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7500_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7505_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7510_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7540_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7805_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7900_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 8350_revised.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

B. Title IX Special Updates

 
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
 
 
 
On July 28-31, NCSBA issued a set of special time-sensitive policy updates in response to new Title IX regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education in May.  The new regulations are effective on August 14, 2020, and will require significant modification to the way school officials respond to reports and complaints of sexual harassment.  To accommodate these changes and their wide-reaching effect on existing policies, NCSBA recommends deleting two policies from our policy manual; adding six new policies; updating four existing policies; and providing a new administrative regulation (regulations do not required board approval).  NCSBA and the board attorneys recommend adopting the new and revised policies immediately.  It is also recommended that we post the required information on the school system’s website as described in policy 1720/4030/7325.
 
The new policies and administrative regulation include the following:
 
  • Policy 1710/4020/7230, Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited by Federal Law
  • Policy 1720/4030/7235, Title IX Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
  • Policy 1725/4035/7236, Title IX Sexual Harassment – Prohibited Conduct and Reporting Process
  • Administrative Regulation 1725/4035/7236-R, Title IX Sexual Harassment – Definitions (information only; regulations do not require board approval)
  • Policy 1726/4036/7237, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process
  • Policy 4329/7311, Bullying and Harassing Behavior Prohibited
  • Policy 7232, Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace

The following policies are recommended for revision:
 
  • Policy 1730/4022/7231, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities
  • Policy 4040/7310, Staff-Student Relations
  • Policy 4331, Assaults, Threats, and Harassment (renamed “Assaults and Threats”)
  • Policy 4340, School-Level Investigations
 
The following policies have been deleted from the NCSBA model policy manual and are recommended for rescission when the new policies listed above are adopted:
 
  • Policy 1710/4021/7230, Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying
  • Policy 1720/4015/7225, Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Complaint Procedure
 
Policy 2420, Adoption of Policies, states that policies introduced and recommended to the board will not be adopted until a subsequent meeting.  Policy 2450, Suspension of Board Policies, allows the temporary suspension of any section or sections of board policies by a majority vote of board members present at a meeting.  Because these policies require immediate action, Dr. Brian Weaver will recommend that the board temporarily suspend its normal two-read process and adopt the policies at this time. 
 
Pursuant to board policy 2450, a motion is in order to suspend a second reading and immediately adopt the six new policies and four revised policies listed above as presented. 
 
A motion is in order to rescind policies 1710/4021/7230, Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying; and 1720/4015/7225, Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Complaint Procedure.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Policy 1710-4020-7230_new.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1710-4021-7230_rescind.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1720-4015-7225_rescind.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1720-4030-7235_new.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1725-4035-7236_new.pdf
PDF icon Regulations 1725-4035-7236-R.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1726-4036-7237_new.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1730-4022-7231_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4040-7310_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4329-7311_new.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4331_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4340_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7232_new.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
 
 
 
 
Sept. 7
Labor Day holiday
 
 
Sept. 21
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Sept. 25
Noon dismissal for students
12:00 p.m.
 
Oct. 19
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Oct. 19, 20
Remote learning days
 
 
Nov. 11
Veterans’ Day holiday
 
 
Nov. 16
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Nov. 25
Annual leave day (no students)
 
 
Nov. 26-27
Thanksgiving holidays
 
 
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

13. NCSBA 2020-2021 Board of Directors

NCSBA Board of Directors
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
 
 
 
Nominations are being sought for possible vacancies on the North Carolina School Boards Association Board of Directors for this region.  The term of service is two years, and members are eligible to serve for two terms.  The board of directors meets in November, March, June, and September.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely these meetings and any committee meetings will be virtual for the coming year.  It is important that board members nominated be able to attend all regularly scheduled meetings.
 
Nominations must be made by the nominee’s board of education by official action and sent to the NCSBA offices by October 1, 2020.  The board may make a nomination at this meeting or at the next regular meeting on September 21.  A memorandum from Dr. Ed Dunlap and application form are attached. 
 
The board may choose to nominate a member for the NCSBA board of directors.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon NCSBA board of directors memo & application.pdf
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

15. Closed Session

 
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
 
 
 
Postponed from the July 20 meeting:
 
A motion is in order for the board to go into closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(1) to discuss confidential personnel information protected under N.C.G.S. § 115C-319-321; and pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(3) to preserve the attorney-client privilege.  
 
Timeline (Revised):
 
June 15
Superintendent provides self-assessment to the board.  
Before July 20 Aug. 17
Board chair and vice chair meet with superintendent to discuss self-assessment.
Before July 20 Aug. 17
Board members complete and return individual evaluations to board chair or vice chair.
July 20 Aug. 17
Board members meet in closed session to prepare consensus evaluation.
Aug. 17 Sept. 21
Board meets with superintendent in closed session to discuss the consensus evaluation and agree upon performance goals and recommendations for the subsequent school year. 
 
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

III. Adjournment

Groups audience: 
School Board
Source URL: https://aws.nc.transylvania.schoolboard.net/node/5409