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Regular Meeting

Dates:

Monday, March 1, 2021 - 6:30pm

The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, March 1, 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 Monday, March 1 will be shared during the meeting as appropriate within board guidelines.

Groups audience:

I. Opening of Meeting

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Call to Order

Welcome

Groups audience:

II. Business Items

Groups audience:

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 March 1, 2021.

Groups audience:

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:

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

25-Year Recognitions

Each year the board recognizes the employees who have achieved 25 years of service with the Transylvania County Schools. The board would like to congratulate and thank this year’s honorees for their dedication and commitment to public education:

Karen Brown, Teacher, Rosman Elementary School

Robin Ellis, Cafeteria Manager, Brevard Middle School

Mick Galloway, Assistant Principal, Brevard High School

Rebecca Green, Teacher, Brevard Middle School

Micki Guinn, Office Support, Morris Education Center

Barbara Higdon, Teacher, Rosman Elementary School

Dwayne Norman, Maintenance Technician, Plant Operations

Sherri Owen, Teacher, Brevard Middle School

Janet Powell, Teacher, Rosman Elementary School

National School Breakfast Week

National School Breakfast Week, March 8-12, 2021, celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. This year’s theme, “Score Big with School Breakfast,” reminds parents and stakeholders that a healthy school breakfast helps ensure students’ academic success in school so they can “score big” and reach their goals. Schools across the country will celebrate NSBW with special menu items, events and fun activities designed for all students—whether they are learning at home or in school. Students who eat breakfast are more likely to have better concentration and memory, be more alert and maintain a healthy weight, reach high levels of achievement in reading and math, and score higher on standardized tests. Join us in thanking our School Nutrition staff for all they do to provide students with nutritious school breakfasts every day.

National Read Across America Day

Tuesday, March 2, is National Read Across America Day (also known as Dr. Seuss Day). It is a yearly observance held on the school day that is nearest to March 2, the birthday of famed children’s author, Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel. Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. It aims to get kids excited about reading and instill a lifetime love of reading. One of the best ways to celebrate Read Across America Day is to volunteer to read aloud to children at schools, libraries and bookstores.

TIME Science Students Inducted into AJAS

The following students were inducted into the American Junior Academy of Science after sharing their science research at the 2021 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting in February of 2021. Although the meeting was based out of Phoenix, Arizona, due to COVID-19, students and scientists participated virtually. These students were selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS meeting after receiving 1st place in their respective categories in the 2020 North Carolina Student Academy of Science Competition, held virtually in March of 2020. Congratulations to the students listed below and TIME Science teacher Jennifer Williams.

Frank Parsons, Ben Caroway and Satchel Malo: The Effectiveness of a 3D Printed Hydrogel to Sustain Algal Growth: 1st Place Biotechnology and selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS Meeting in Phoenix, AZ.
Nicole Vargas Sancho, Jarek Stewart Karlowics and Elise Poche: Antimicrobial Activity of Microorganisms Isolated from Western North Carolina Mushrooms: 1st Place Biological Science and selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS Meeting in Phoenix, AZ.
Isaiah Lefler and Graham Green: An Evaluation of Utilizing Nitrifying Bacteria in Conjunction with Martian Resources to Enable Hydroponic Growth: 1st Place Earth and Space Science and selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS Meeting in Phoenix, AZ.
Josh Kupras: Evaluating the Efficiency of Using Martian Materials as Fuel to Reach Martian Orbit: 1st Place Physics and selected to represent North Carolina at the 2021 AAAS Meeting in Phoenix, AZ.

Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee

Congratulations to Sean R. Parrish for being appointed to the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee. Mr. Parrish is a visual arts teacher at Brevard High School and an adjunct professor in the fine arts department at Brevard College. He was selected as both Transylvania County’s Teacher of the Year and Brevard High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2005. This is truly an honor! We are proud to have Mr. Parrish represent Brevard High School and Transylvania County Schools in this prestigious role.

2021 All-District Honor Band

All-District Honor Band Auditions occurred January 29 - February 10, 2021. Due to the pandemic, students were judged from a video recording in which they demonstrated technique through scales or rudiments and a prepared solo. Congratulations to the following Middle School and High School students for their hard work and accomplishments:

For Middle School, the Western District Symphonic Band is the Top Band, and the Western District Concert Band is the second level band.

BMS

Bailey Alexander, 8th Grade, 5th chair flute, Middle School Symphonic Band

Jenna Berry, 7th Grade, 1st chair flute, Middle School Concert Band

Steven Bohn, 8th Grade, 8th chair trumpet, Middle School Symphonic Band

David Bohn, 8th Grade, 6th chair trombone, Middle School Symphonic Band

Tori Brown, 7th Grade, 6th chair french horn, Middle School Symphonic Band

Isabelle Gentle, 8th Grade, 6th chair flute, Middle School Symphonic Band

Ella Higgins, 7th Grade, 9th chair flute, Middle School Concert Band

Addie Shober, 8th Grade, 7th chair clarinet, Middle School Symphonic Band

RMS

Gracee Roberson, 8th Grade, 5th chair tuba, Middle School Symphonic Band
Mason Galloway, 7th Grade, 1st chair baritone, Middle School Concert Band
Brendan Marlow, 8th Grade, 7th chair horn, Middle School Concert Band

BHS

Frank Parsons*, Senior, 4th chair Clarinet, 11-12 Senior High School Band

Joe Smith, Junior, 4th chair Alto Saxophone, 11-12 Senior High School Band

Brayden Grosvenor*, Sophomore, 3rd chair Trombone, 9-10 High School Band

Julia Bohn, Freshman, 12th chair Trumpet, 9-10 High School Band

Trevor Long*, Freshman, 2nd chair Tuba, 9-10 High School Band

RHS

Jasmine Grooms, Junior, 5th chair Horn, 11-12 Senior High School Band
Luke Norton*, Senior, 4th chair Trumpet, 4th chair Baritone, 11-12 Senior High School Band
Colton Newman, Senior, 1st alternate Timpani, 2nd alternate Mallets, 11-12 Senior High School Band
Eli James, Senior, 2nd alternate Timpani, 11-12 Senior High School Band
Elisabeth Qualls, Freshman, 1st alternate Horn, 9-10 High School Band
Elijah Chapman, Sophomore, 1st alternate Tenor Saxophone, 9-10 High School Band

*Qualified to audition for NC All-State Honor Band in April. Luke Norton also qualified for the Presidential Music Scholarship at Mars Hill University that is worth up to $20,000 a year.

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:

TCBOE Good News 2021-03-01.pdf

Groups audience:

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 3-01-21.pdf

Groups audience:

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 February 15, 2021 meeting
Personnel report for March 1, 2021

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

Public Attachments:

MInutes 2-15-21.pdf

Personnel Report 3-01-21.pdf

Groups audience:

06. School Nutrition Bids 2021-2022

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 School Nutrition Procurement Plan calls for a list of goods and services that go out for bid to be provided to the board of education each year. School Nutrition directors were informed on February 22 that food distributors need to know school systems’ intent to renew at the end of February (or as soon as possible thereafter). Director Carolyn Barton will recommend “rolling over” bids for next year:

“Renewal makes sense because we are getting closer to something like the old normal, but product volumes and availability are still not completely on track. These vendors have produced and delivered products through all kinds of manufacturer and grower shortages, transportation, and staffing challenges and have delivered under what have been the most unusual and at times difficult working circumstances any of us have seen in our professional careers. Moreover, we still.do not know what is out ahead for FY 21-22. We may still experience product shortages or less availability. For, example, the recent storms in Texas interrupted production and transportation at a large number of food manufacturing facilities. We need to renew and stay where we are both for operational as well as financial reasons. Many distributors are not going to be willing to take on additional business until we are apprised of USDA funding decisions as well as basic school operational parameters, and these will likely come out in mid to late July at the earliest. Going out to bid now could be disastrous in terms of delivery fees, etc.”

A summary of the proposed vendors for food and supply renewals for the 2021-2022 fiscal year is attached. Mrs. Barton will answer any questions you may have. Approval will be requested at the next regular meeting on March 16.

Public Attachments:

SN Bid Recommendations for 2021-22.pdf

Groups audience:

07. School Improvement Plans 2021-2023

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 nine school improvement plans (SIP) for 2021-2023 are presented for your review. The plans are a result of the collaborative and inclusive effort of each school’s team to advance student growth. Each school has conducted a vote to approve their plan, and these plans are submitted for your approval as prescribed by N.C.G.S. §115C-105.27 and board policy 3430. Each plan is a living document and may be modified regularly throughout the school year. The school safety components of each plan are not shared here as that information is not public record and will be reviewed with you in a closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 115C-105.27 and § 143-318.11. Mrs. Ellenberger will review the plans and answer any questions you may have.

A motion is in order to approve the school improvement plans for 2021-2023.

Public Attachments:

Cover Letter_SIPs.pdf

BES SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

BHS SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

BMS SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

DRS SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

PFES SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

RES SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

RHS SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

RMS SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

TCH SIP Comprehensive Report.pdf

Groups audience:

08. Community Relations Board

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

In 2019, the Transylvania County Community Relations Board was formed to foster positive community relations and reduce real and perceived discrimination and/or bullying of any citizen. A copy of the CRB statement of organization and purpose is attached. On September 16, 2019, the board appointed Mrs. Alice Wellborn to serve as the board of education representative to the Community Relations Board, and on October 19, 2019, appointed two student representatives, Rebecca Milligan (BHS) and Carla Bolanos (BHS). As Mrs. Wellborn is no longer serving on the board of education and Ms. Bolanos has graduated, there are two vacancies to be filled. The board may discuss potential candidates to fill the vacant seats and/or appoint new representatives.

Public Attachments:

Community Relations Board statement of organization & purpose.pdf

Groups audience:

09. Request to Name Facility

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

In February, the superintendent received a request to name the gallery space at Rosman High School in memory of teacher Sara Cathey. An outstanding and beloved educator, Ms. Cathey was also a donor and supporter of the arts program at RHS.

Policy 9300, Naming Facilities, allows the board to name “buildings, rooms, interior spaces, exterior spaces, streets, athletic fields, open spaces and all other permanent features owned, operated or controlled by the board for a person or family associated with the school, school system, or community provided that the person has prominent relationship with the school system and a positive image and demonstrated integrity.” The policy is attached.

The superintendent will recommend that the board consider the request to officially name the “Sara Anne Cathey Art Gallery” at Rosman High School. The board may act on the recommendation at this time or at the next regular meeting on March 16.

Public Attachments:

9300__Naming Facilities.pdf

Groups audience:

10. Educator Climate Committee

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

Courtney Domokur will give an update from the Transylvania County Schools Educator Climate Committee.

Groups audience:

11. FY22 Budget

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 present the most recent budget information for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The latest FY22 Local Current Expense draft and Fund 2 Changes summary are attached. Fund 4 (Capital Outlay) and Fund 8 (Restricted Grants) drafts are also included. Mr. Barger will review the documents and answer any questions you may have.

Public Attachments:

FY22 Budget_2-23-21.pdf

Groups audience:

12. BHS Amphitheater Proposal

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 Brevard High Fine Arts Department is proposing to build a performance amphitheater for the program. The project would consist of a brick/concrete stage with wood pergola. The masonry department will build the stage and is charging the Fine Arts Department $2,730. The Fine Arts Department will cover all expenses using club/organization funds. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $6,000-$7,000. A concept rendering is attached.

The project as planned would not interfere with any new construction planned. Fine Arts would like to get started in March and have the project completed by the end of school. Norris Barger will review the proposal and answer any questions you may have. Action on the proposal will be requested at the next meeting on March 16.

Public Attachments:

BHS Amphitheater Proposal.pdf

Groups audience:

13. 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.

Groups audience:

14. 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:

15. 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

Mar. 12	Students dismissed at noon
Mar. 15	Teacher workday
Mar. 16	Remote learning day #4
Mar. 16 (Tues.)	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Apr. 2	Students dismissed at noon
Apr. 5-9	Spring break
Apr. 19	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Apr. 30	Remote learning day #5
May 3	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
May 17	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
May 28	Last student day; noon dismissal
May 31	Memorial Day holiday
June 1-4	Teacher workdays

Groups audience:

16. Central Services 2021 Summer Schedule

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 2021 summer schedule for central services and other administrative offices is presented as information. Nine 40-hour weeks consisting of four 10-hour days will begin on Monday, June 7 and end on Thursday, August 5. Offices will be open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and will be closed on Fridays. Offices also will be closed on Monday, July 5, for the Independence Day holiday. The regular five-day schedule will resume on Monday, August 9. The summer calendar is attached.

Public Attachments:

Summer Schedule 2021.pdf

Groups audience:

17. 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:

18. Closed Session

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

N.C.G.S. § 115C-105.27(c1) calls for the superintendent to review the school improvement team’s safety components for each school improvement plan and make recommendations to the board of education. The board of education shall review the safety components and make findings. Both the superintendent’s recommendation and the board’s findings shall be done in closed session. For obvious reasons, the safety components of a school’s improvement plan are confidential and safety sensitive; therefore, neither the safety components of the plans nor the board’s findings may be set out in the minutes of the board.

A motion is in order for the board to go into closed session pursuant to G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(8) to review and adopt the school safety components of the Transylvania County School Improvement Plans for 2021-2023.

Groups audience:

III. Adjournment

Groups audience:

Source URL: https://aws.nc.transylvania.schoolboard.net/node/5438