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Regular Meeting

Dates: 
Monday, September 21, 2020 - 5:30pm
 
The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, September 21, 2020 at 5:30 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, public access for all remote meetings 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, September 21 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 September 21, 2020. 
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

02. 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
 
 
 
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 for Superintendent’s Annual Evaluation (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

03. Announcement

 
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 return to open session and make an announcement.
 
 
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
 
 
 
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 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. 
  • 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

05. COVID-19 Update & Options for Elementary Schools

 
Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
   Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
X
Discussion
X
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
Ms. Elaine Russell, Director of Transylvania Public Health, will give an update on the status of COVID-19 cases in our county.  
 
On September 17, Governor Cooper announced that school districts will have the option to bring students in grades K-5 back for daily in-person instruction under school reopening Plan A, effective October 5th.  Under this option, certain safety measures including face coverings, social distancing and symptom screenings will still be required, but schools will not be required to reduce the number of children in the classroom.  This change came about due to improvements in safety and prevention measures as well as more promising COVID-19 metrics.  Science indicates lower viral spread among younger children. 
 
The board will discuss options for elementary schools in our county and may enact a plan at this time or a later date.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

06. Boys & Girls Club Partnership Agreement

 
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 Boys & Girls Club of Brevard/Transylvania County would like to partner with the Transylvania County Schools to provide child care services during remote learning days.  A partnership agreement is attached for your review.  Kathleen De La Torre and Dr. Jeff McDaris will answer any questions you may have. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the partnership agreement between the Transylvania County Schools and the Boys and Girls Club of Brevard/Transylvania County, Inc., as presented.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Boys & Girls Club Remote Learning Partnership Agreement.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

07. 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
 
 
 
Free Food Fridays
Starting September 11, every child age 18 and under in the community — students learning online and in-person, preschoolers, homeschoolers, and charter school students — became eligible for free weekly meal bundles from one of our school cafeteria sites in Transylvania County Schools.  Each bundle contains five days of breakfast & lunch, plus a hot meal to go.  The free meal bundles are ready for pickup each Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at every school, with Davidson River School meals available for pickup at Pisgah Forest Elementary.  Thanks to a gift from the Transylvania County Association of Educators, every child also received a free book with the first week's bundle.  Any family that cannot make the Friday pickup time is welcome to contact nutrition@tcsnc.org to arrange a different date and time.  For help in Spanish, please call (828) 877-4091 and ask for Yari Rahn.   
 
Shining Our Lights
Congratulations to Mike Kirst, Brevard Elementary School; Jenna Sorrells, Brevard High School; and Jennifer Worley, Rosman Elementary School, for making it into the NC Department of Public Instruction Shining Our Lights Flipbook.  Shining Our Lights is a graphic compilation of North Carolina’s school re-openings this fall.  The many images shown in the flipbook illuminate the enthusiasm and excitement of welcoming our students back to school for the 2020-2021 year.  The flipbook is available at https://www.flipsnack.com/swencki/shining-our-lights.html. 
 
 
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 Good News Report 9-21-20.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

08. 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 9-21-20.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

09. 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 27, 2020 meeting
  2. Minutes of the August 10, 2020 meeting
  3. Minutes of the August 17, 2020 meeting
  4. Personnel report for September 21, 2020
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Minutes 7-27-20.pdf
PDF icon Minutes 8-10-20.pdf
PDF icon Minutes 8-17-20.pdf
PDF icon Personnel Report 9-21-20.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

10. Calendar Waiver Request 2021-2022

 
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
 
 
 
North Carolina calendar law requires that schools begin no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and close no later than the Friday closest to June 11.  If approved for a weather-related waiver, the opening date may be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 19.  Transylvania County Schools qualifies for a weather-related calendar waiver for the 2021-2022 school year (see attached).
 
A motion is in order to approve the calendar waiver request for the 2021-2022 school year.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Calendar Waiver 2021-2022.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

11. Policy: Spring 2020 PLS Updates

 
Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
X
Action
X
Excellent Educators
X
Information
 
   Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
X
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
One new policy and 34 revised policies from the Spring 2020 PLS Updates were presented as first-read information at the August 17 meeting.  Many of the policies have only minor or technical revisions.  Others have more substantive changes (see below).  Dr. Brian Weaver will answer any questions you may have.
  • 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
A motion is in order to approve the 35 policies listed below as presented.  
 
Spring 2020 PLS Updates
(second-read approval)
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
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

12. Online Learning Path 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
 
 
 
Missy Ellenberger, Director of 9-12 Curriculum/Instruction, and Carrie Norris, Director of K-8 Curriculum/Instruction, will give an update on the Transylvania County Schools online learning path.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Online Learning Path Update Sept 21.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

13. FY21 Budget Amendments

 
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
 
 
 
Norris Barger will present two budget amendments for the 2020-2021 fiscal year (see attached):
 
Budget Amendment – State Public School Fund
Budget Amendment – Capital Outlay Fund 
 
A motion is in order to approve the FY21 budget amendments.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon FY 21 Budget Amendments_9-21-20.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

14. Bond Update & Resolution

 
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 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. 
 
On September 14, the board reviewed design development plans and construction phasing plans for BHS and RHS/RMS.  The architects presented two options for temporary modular classrooms to be used during Phase 2 construction at BHS:
 
Option 1 (9,600 sf)
(with college scheduling)
7 core classrooms
2 half-size OCS classrooms
Yearbook
Art
Toilets/Services
 
Option 2 (11,500 sf)
(without college scheduling)
10 core classrooms
2 half-size OCS classrooms
Yearbook
Art
Toilets/Services
 
A resolution to approve designs and development phases for the Brevard High School and Rosman High/Rosman Middle Schools construction projects is attached. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the resolution.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Bond budget and actual (2)_9-21-20.pdf
PDF icon Resolution to Approve Design Development Phasing & Scheduling_REVISED.pdf
PDF icon Exhibit A Phasing.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

15. NCSBA Board of Directors

 
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 August 17 meeting, it was reported that 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.  A memorandum from Dr. Ed Dunlap and application form are attached.
 
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 nominate a member for the NCSBA 2020-2021 Board of Directors.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon NCSBA board of directors memo & application.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

16. NCSBA Voting Delegates 2020

 
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
 
 
 
NCSBA’s fall events—district meetings, the law conference in October, and the annual conference in November—will be held as virtual sessions.  This year there will be two meetings of the 2020 delegate assembly.  The first meeting will be part of the NCSBA Annual Conference on November 5-7, 2020.  The second session will focus on the adoption of the legislative agenda and will be held on January 7, 2021.  Delegates will be expected to participate in both online meetings. 
 
Board assistants have been asked to submit the names of their board’s delegates by October 5, 2020.  Transylvania County may designate up to four delegates.  There is an option to submit an alternate delegate as well. 
 
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 2020 Annual Conference and during adoption of the legislative agenda in January 2021.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

17. 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

18. 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. 25
Students dismissed at noon
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
 
 
Dec. 21
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Dec. 22
End of first semester
 
 
Dec. 22
Students dismissed at noon
12:00 p.m.
 
Dec. 23 – Jan. 4
Christmas break
 
 
Jan. 5-6
Teacher workdays
 
 
Jan. 7
Beginning of second semester
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                            
Groups audience: 
School Board

19. 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://aws.nc.transylvania.schoolboard.net/node/5431