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Regular Meeting

Dates: 
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - 6:30pm
 
The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 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, 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://youtube.com/tcsnc.
 
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 Tuesday, Janaury 19 will be shared 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 January 19, 2021. 
 
 
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 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

03. Good News Report

 
Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
X
Action
 
Excellent Educators
X
Information
X
   Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
X
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
VFW Voice of Democracy and Teacher of Year Awardees
In December, the Transylvania VFW Post selected the winners of their 2020 Voice of Democracy Essay Contest and Teacher of the Year Awards.  Congratulations to the following individuals:
 
Voice of Democracy Essay – Emma L. Coye, BHS
Teacher of the Year (Elementary Class) – Tammy Buckner, RES
Teacher of the Year (High School Class) – Colonel Benjamin Blankenship, BHS
 
Equity and Excellence Project
The North Carolina Department of Instruction, Division of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education, has recognized Heidi Bullock and the Transylvania County Schools 2019-2022 local AIG Plan by including the TCS strategies for collection and use of data as a “promising practice” to be included in the state’s Equity and Excellence Critical Action brief.  According to Crissy Brown at DPI, “While there are many things we could spotlight about your local AIG plan, one of our parameters was to select only one promising practice from each region.  There will be another opportunity to highlight the other wonderful things that are happening in your district as part of your equity and excellence journey.”  Great work, Mrs. Bullock! 
 
January is School Board Appreciation Month
January is School Board Recognition Month and a time to recognize the important contributions that school board members make to their communities.  Our schools benefit every day from the dedicated energies and countless hours devoted by these hard-working individuals. Their contribution of time and talents toward the advancement of public education should be recognized and celebrated year-round.
 
MLK Day, National Day of Service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates the famed civil rights leader’s life and legacy.  Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer.  We would like to thank our students, staff, family, friends and neighbors who joined together on January 18th to improve their communities and commemorate Dr. King’s legacy of service.  
 
 
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 1-19-21.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 1-19-21.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 December 7, 2020 meeting
  2. Personnel report for January 19, 2021
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Minutes 12-07-20.pdf
PDF icon Personnel Report 1-19-21.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

06. Policy

 
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 Fall 2020 Custom Policy Updates have been received from NCSBA.  They include revisions to 43 current policies.  A number of the policies have temporary additions necessitated  by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Several other changes are the result of recent revisions to policies on discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and bullying.  Other notable changes are described below.  In addition to the 43 updates from NCSBA, we have included one local update (policy 6330) as recommended by the board attorneys.   
 
Policy revisions related to the COVID-19 response include:
  • 1510/4200/7270, School Safety
  • 3300, School Calendar and Time for Learning
  • 4400, Attendance
  • 5020, Visitors to the Schools
  • 5030, Community Use of Facilities
  • 6305, Safety and Student Transportation Services
Changes resulting from recent revisions to policies on discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and bullying include:
  • 1740/4010, Student and Parent Grievance Procedure
  • 1742/5060, Responding to Complaints
  • 1750/7220 Grievance Procedure for Employees
  • 1760/7280, Prohibition Against Retaliation
  • 4001, Equal Educational Opportunities
Other revisions include:
  • 1710/4020/7230, Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited by Federal Law, and 7232, Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace: These policies were recently released as part of a special update related to the new federal Title IX regulations.  This update slightly modifies the language pertaining to retaliation, based on feedback from OCR provided to a member LEA. 
  • 2121, Board Member Conflict of Interest:  Adds a provision prohibiting board members from participating in any matter before the board pertaining to the employment of the board members’ spouse.  A conforming change was made to policy 2120, Code of Ethics for School Board Members.
  • 3102, Online Instruction:  Adds a new provision to authorize remote instruction for all or part of a school year when necessary due to exigent circumstances and consistent with law, and to reserve the right of the board to deviate from board policies during periods of remote instruction when necessary and consistent with law.
  • 4040/7310, Staff-Student Relations:  Modified to allow one-on-one communications with students on video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet under certain circumstances.  A conforming change was made to policy 7335, Employee Use of Social Media.
  • 4600, Student Fees:  Reflects a change to state law that requires the schedule of student fees, charges, and solicitations to be posted annually on the board’s website by October 15 and to be updated thereafter within 30 days of any change.
  • 6330, Insurance for Student Transportation Services:  Addresses use of passenger vans for student transport. 
The 44 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 44 policies listed below as first-read information. 
 
Fall 2020 Custom Updates
(first-read information)
1300
Governing Principle – Parental Involvement
1310/4002
Parental Involvement
1500
Governing Principle – Safe, Orderly, and Inviting Environment
1510/4200/7270
School Safety
1600
Governing Principle – Professional Development
1700
Governing Principle – Removal of Barriers
1710/4020/7230
Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited by Federal Law
1725/4035/7236
Title IX Sexual Harassment – Prohibited Conduct and Reporting Process
1726/4036/7237
Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process
1740/4010
Student and Parent Grievance Procedure
1742/5060
Responding to Complaints
1750/7220
Grievance Procedure for Employees
1760/7280
Prohibition Against Retaliation
2120
Code of Ethics for School Board Members
2121
Board Member Conflict of Interest
2500
Hearings Before the Board
3000
Goals and Objectives of the Educational Program
3102
Online Instruction
3300
School Calendar and Time for Learning
3410
Testing and Assessment Program
3460
Graduation Requirements
3620
Extracurricular Activities and Student Organizations
4001
Equal Educational Opportunities
4023
Education for Pregnant and Parenting Students
4040/7310
Staff-Student Relations
4202/5029/7272
Service Animals in Schools
4328
Gang-Related Activity
4333
Weapons, Bomb Threats, Terrorist Threats, and Clear Threats to Safety
4335
Criminal Behavior
4345
Student Discipline Records
4353
Long-Term Suspension, 365-Day Suspension, Expulsion
4400
Attendance
4600
Student Fees
5020
Visitors to the Schools
5030
Community Use of Facilities
5070/7350
Public Records – Retention, Release, and Disposition
6305
Safety and Student Transportation Services
6330
Insurance for Student Transportation Services
7130
Licensure
7232
Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace
7335
Employee Use of Social Media
7503
Teleworking
7820
Personnel Files
8510
School Finance Officer
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Policy 1300_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1310-4002_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1500_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1510-4200-7270_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1600_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1700_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1710-4020-7230_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1725-4035-7236_revised NCSBA & CS.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1726-4036-7237_revised NCSBA & CS.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1740-4010_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1742-5060_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1750-7220_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 1760-7280_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 2120_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 2121_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 2500_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3000_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3102_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3300_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3410_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3460_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3620_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4001_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4023_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4040-7310_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4202-5029-7272_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4328_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4333_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4335_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4345_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4353_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4400_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4600_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 5020_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 5030_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 5070-7350_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 6305_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 6330_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7130_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7232_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7335_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7503_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7820_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 8510_revised.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

07. Bond Projects 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 budget and actual expenditures to date is attached for your review.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Bond Budget & Actual_1-14-21.pdf
PDF icon Clark Nexsen Presentation_1-19-21_REDACTED (003).pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

08. Reports from Training Activities

 
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
 
 
 
North Carolina statute requires board of education members to receive a minimum of 12 hours of professional development training every two years.  Local board policy states that members who attend a professional development activity will provide a report of the event to other board members.  On November 5-7, 2020, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Kiviniemi, and Mrs. McCoy attended the NCSBA Virtual Annual Conference for Board Member Development.  On November 30, 2020, Mr. Jackson attended the NCSBA Virtual Core Training for New Board Members.  Members will have an opportunity to give updates from these events.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

09. 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. Jeff McDaris will give an update on current and emerging educational issues.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

10. Important Dates

 
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 superintendent will request that the board meeting scheduled for Monday, March 15, 2021 be moved to Tuesday, March 16, 2021 due to a scheduling conflict. 
 
The board may take action on the request at this time.                       
 
Feb. 1
WORK SESSION
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Feb. 12
Students dismissed at noon
 
 
Feb. 15
Remote learning day #3
 
 
Feb. 15
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Mar. 1
REGULAR MEETING
(or Work Session)
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Mar. 12
Students dismissed at noon
 
 
Mar. 15
Teacher workday
 
 
Mar. 15
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Mar. 16
Remote learning day #4
 
 
Apr. 2
Students dismissed at noon
 
 
Apr. 5-9
Spring break
 
 
Apr. 19
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
 
         

 

 
Groups audience: 
School Board

11. 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/5435