III. Business Items (including amendments and recissions):

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 February 20, 2023.

Groups audience:

School Board

02. Public Comment

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

The board of education, as an elected representative body of the school system, wishes to provide a forum for citizens to express interests and concerns related to the school system. In order that the board may conduct an orderly 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.

Issues involving individual personnel or student matters are confidential and, therefore, are not appropriate for the public comment session. Concerns related to personnel or student matters should be handled as a complaint and reported to the superintendent or designee.

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.

No solicitations will be allowed during public comment.

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.

If the board does not hold a regular meeting during a month, the board will not provide a time for public comment at any other meeting held during that month, unless a majority of the board votes to allow public comment at the meeting or unless the purpose of the meeting is a public hearing.

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

Pisgah Forest Elementary Student Wins DAR Essay Contest

Cashian Galloway, grade 5, won the Daughters of the American Revolution American History essay contest for Pisgah Forest Elementary School and Transylvania County. He moved on to the state competition where he won 2^nd place. Congratulations Cashian!

Congratulations Brevard Middle School Band Students

The following Brevard Middle School Band students participated in the Western District Band auditions and earned a position in the 2023 Western District Bands:

MIDDLE SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND

Camden Jenkins – 11^th chair clarinet

Ella Crider – 12^th chair clarinet

Naila Small – 2^nd chair bass clarinet

Tyler Studt – 1^st chair snare drum

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT BAND

Evan Lance – 4^th chair snare drum

Luke Smith – 1^st chair mallets

Maddox Jimeson – 1^st alternate snare drum

Congratulations Brevard High School Band Students

The following Brevard High School Band students participated in the Western District Honor Band auditions at Tuscola High School on January 21^st and earned positions in the 2023 Western District High School Honor Bands:

11^th – 12^th GRADE SENIOR HONORS BAND

Val Butler – 3^rd chair bass clarinet

Brayden Grosvenor – 5^th chair trombone

Trevor Long – 1^st chair tuba

9^th – 10^th GRADE HONORS BAND

David Bohn – 6^th chair trombone

Tori Brown – 7^th chair french horn

Mya Parlier – 2^nd chair clarinet

Naomi Taylor – 5^th chair flute

Special congratulations to Trevor Long and Mya Parlier for scoring high enough to advance to the North Carolina All-State Auditions on March 4 in Winston-Salem.

Scholastic Hardest Math Problem Challenge - Brevard Middle School

Each year, Scholastic releases three math problems (one per grade level) for students to solve. The Challenge has two stages. In Round 1, everyone can submit an answer. Students who solve their grade level's problem correctly then move on to Round 2, which involves solving an additional math problem and creating a written explanation about how to solve the problem. Students who answer the Round 2 questions correctly will have their names put into a drawing for a chance to win college scholarship money and prizes like laptops and tablets. Nineteen of the Brevard Middle School Math 1 students have qualified for Round 2 of Scholastic's Hardest Math Problem Challenge. The students are as follows:

Madeline Andrews

Adam Banks

Rion Coadwell

Adeline Drennen

Justin Elmore

Eli Hardy

Rebecca Harris

Helms Hogsed

Miles Johnson

Lila Laughridge

Annabelle Lovelace

Lexi McCall

Luke McLauchlin

Booth Powell

Pitcher Schaumann

Kodi Searcy

Annslee Small

Bradyn Toms

Dawson West

Donation from VFW Post 4309

Transylvania County Schools recently received a donation of $2,015 from the Transylvania County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4309. We would like to thank the VFW members for their generous contribution to our schools.

VFW Regional Teacher of the Year

Rosman Elementary School first grade teacher Karen Brown was chosen as the VFW regional Teacher of the Year. She will now be considered for the state level VFW teacher of the year.

National School Counseling Week February 6-10, 2023

National School Counseling Week was February 6-10, 2023. This year’s theme is School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big. Many thanks to our professional school counselors for all they do to help students deal with adversity and mental health challenges, achieve academic success, and plan for post-graduate careers and higher education.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

Nationwide, an estimated 1 in 10 teens will experience dating violence. This is an issue that impacts everyone—not just teens, but parents, friends, and communities as well. Together, we can raise awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships by discussing the warning signs, talking about the characteristics of healthy teen relationships, and discussing how the media portrays healthy and unhealthy relationships. If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to a trained peer advocate, please connect with the National Dating Abuse Hotline by calling 1-866-331-9474, texting “loveis” to 77054, or through live chat at loveisrespect.org.

Love the Bus Month / School Bus Driver Appreciation Week 2023

“Love the Bus” Month is celebrated every February in appreciation of the individuals and organizations involved in the operations of school buses—mechanics, bus drivers, schedulers, and administrators—for the invaluable contributions they make to public education and student safety. Also, the week of Valentine’s Day, February 13-17, 2023, was “School Bus Driver Appreciation Week” in North Carolina. A proclamation from Governor Roy Cooper recognizing North Carolina school bus drivers is attached.

Black History Month

Each February, U.S. schools celebrate Black History Month by honoring the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans and recognizing the cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities that are an indelible part of our nation’s history. In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black author and historian, set out to shine a light on the collective, shared experiences of all African Americans and show how those experiences have shaped, challenged, and strengthened America. What started as Negro History Week eventually evolved into Black History Month in the 1960s. Black History Month is celebrated in the month of February because two great men, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, were born in February. This year’s theme, “Resistance,” explores how African Americans have addressed historic and ongoing disadvantage and oppression.

February is Career and Technical Education Month

The month of February is recognized as National Career and Technical Education Month to highlight the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country. Career and technical education directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers in areas such as health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and management, and more. It provides everything from classroom learning to certification programs to work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom. CTE plays an incredibly important role in readying students for the future.

National FCCLA Week Feb. 13-17

The week of February 13-17, 2023 was National FCCLA Week with the theme, “IncREDible.” FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) helps prepare youth for their future responsibilities as active members of society through personal growth, family life, college readiness, career exploration, leadership, and community involvement.

National FBLA Week Feb. 5-11

The week of February 5-11, 2023 was National FBLA Week. The Future Business Leaders of America organization encourages students to become business leaders through community service, leadership experiences, critical thinking and time management skills, and preparing them for success in the workplace.

National FFA Week Feb. 18-25

February 18-25, 2023 is National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Week. First founded in 1928, the FFA was initially developed to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding the growing U.S. population by teaching agricultural technology, science and business. FFA helps young people develop their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.

School Resource Officer Appreciation Day – Feb. 15

February 15, 2023 was National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day and a time to thank our amazing SROs for everything they do to keep schools safe and cultivate positive relationships with students, families, staff and communities. SROs are full-time law enforcement officers with sworn law enforcement authority, trained in school-based policing and crisis response, and are assigned to work with schools using community-oriented policing concepts. They help bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement, serving as informal counselors and role models. SROs deserve unwavering respect and support from the public in the pursuit of keeping schools and students safe.

Random Acts of Kindness Day – Feb. 17

National Random Acts of Kindness Day® was February 17, 2023 and Random Acts of Kindness Week was February 13-17. Teaching children compassion and kindness is one of the best things we can give them. Teaching kindness increases positivity, and research shows that kids with positive attitudes have higher serotonin levels. Higher serotonin is linked to better academic performance, stronger memory skills, better mood, and more restful sleep. It doesn’t take much—even the simplest act of kindness can have a significant impact.

Public Schools Week Feb. 27 – Mar. 3, 2023

February 27 through March 3, 2023 is National Public Schools Week and a time to celebrate public schools and the administrators, teachers, specialists, parents, and school board members who work diligently for our students.

Kindergarten Rally & Registration for 2023-2024

Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is coming up soon. A Kindergarten Rally will be held on Thursday, April 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Transylvania Parks and Recreation. Kindergarten registration will be available in all our elementary schools on Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and also from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. Starting school is an exciting experience for young children and we want to be sure it is a positive one. All children who will be five (5) years old on or before August 31, 2023 are eligible to start kindergarten this fall. Visit www.tcsnc.org/k for enrollment forms and more information.

Congratulations Brevard High Wrestling

Brevard High Wrestling brought back a State Champion and a State Runner-up! Jaxon Turner won the 2A 170lb State Championship, and Ray Laney finished second at 195lbs. Congratulations!

For more good news from Transylvania County Schools, please visit us at:

Home Page: www.tcsnc.org ǀ Facebook: facebook.com/transylvania.schools

Twitter: twitter.com/transylvaniasch ǀ Flickr: flickr.com/tcsnc

Instagram: Instagram.com/transylvaniaschools ǀ YouTube: youtube.com/user/tcsnc

Smartphone App: Transylvania County Schools on Play Store and iTunes

SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/transylvaniacountyschools

TikTok: tiktok.com/transylvaniaschools ǀ WSQL Radio: bit.ly/TCSYesRadio!

Public Attachments:

School Bus Driver Appreciation Week Proclamation.pdf

Good News Report 2-20-23.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

04. Former Students in the Military

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

The board wishes to thank the former students from Brevard High School, Rosman High School, and Davidson River School who are currently serving or have previously served in the U.S. Military. The attached list of names is recognized at every meeting and read aloud twice a year in recognition of Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Additional names will be included as they are received.

Public Attachments:

Military List 2-20-23.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:

Minutes of the October 11, 2022 meeting
Minutes of the October 18, 2022 meeting
Minutes of the October 18, 2022 closed session
Personnel report for February 20, 2023

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

Public Attachments:

Minutes 10-11-22.pdf

Minutes 10-18-22.pdf

Personnel Report 2-20-23.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

06. School Calendar 2023-2024

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

On January 17, Dr. Brian Weaver presented a draft calendar for the 2023-2024 school year as recommended by the TCS calendar committee (see attached DRAFT A). DRAFT A contains many similarities to the current school calendar. There was not much flexibility for major changes due to North Carolina’s calendar law (see summary below), and our system did not meet the required threshold for a weather-related calendar waiver. Therefore, the committee based the start date and end date on current calendar legislation. In DRAFT A, the first student day is Monday, August 28 and the last student day is Friday, June 7.

On February 6, the board reviewed a DRAFT B calendar which provides an earlier start date of Monday, August 14 and the last student day as Friday, May 24. DRAFT B would allow first semester exams to be completed before the Christmas break. The DRAFT B calendar does not comply with the state calendar law. Dr. Brian Weaver will answer any questions you may have.

The board may approve one of the draft calendars for the 2023-2024 school year.

Requirements and Guidance on School Calendar - S.L. 2020-3 (SB704) Updated June 30, 2020. School calendars must meet the following requirements:

Start date no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and end date no later than the Friday closest to June 11 (unless a weather related calendar waiver has been approved, year-round school, charter school or cooperative innovative high school.) If waiver is approved the start date can be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 19.
There are no educational purpose waivers for exemption of the opening and/or closing dates.
All schools within the district must be closed all day for purposes of determining eligibility for a weather related waiver (delayed starts or early dismissals of two or more hours no longer apply).
Covers at least nine calendar months.
Must have a minimum of 185 days OR 1,025 hours of instruction.
Must have at least nine (9) teacher workdays.
Local Boards shall designate two (2) workdays on which teachers may take accumulated vacation leave. Local Boards may designate the remaining workdays as days teachers may take accumulated vacation leave.
Have a minimum of ten (10) annual vacation leave days.
Have the same or an equivalent number of legal holidays occurring within the school calendar as those designated by the State Personnel Commission for State employees.
School shall not be held on Sunday.
Veterans Day shall be a holiday for all public school personnel and for all students enrolled in the public schools.

Public Attachments:

2023-2024 Blank Calendar_TCS_DRAFT A_Revised January 2023.pdf

2023-2024 Calendar_TCS_DRAFT B_Early Start_Revised January 18.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

07. Annual Financial Report 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

Mr. Terry Andersen of Carland & Andersen, Inc., Certified Public Accountants, will present the Transylvania County Schools Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. The financial report, compliance report, and summary letters are attached for your review. Mr. Andersen and Ms. Frost will answer any questions you may have.

Public Attachments:

Transylvania County Board of Education 2022 Comm #1.pdf

Transylvania County Board of Education 2022 Comm #2.pdf

Transylvania County Board of Education 2022 Compliance.pdf

Transylvania County Board of Education 2022 Audit.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

08. Budget 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

Finance Officer Gabi Juba will present an expenditure report and a budget amendment for the fiscal year 2022-2023 (see attached). She will answer any questions you may have.

A motion is in order to approve the budget amendment for the State Public School Fund as presented.

Public Attachments:

Budget Update 2-20-23.pdf

Budget Amendment_STATE 2-20-23.pdf

Groups audience:

School Board

09. County's Capital Reserve Study

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

The County government would like to conduct a capital reserve study of our school facilities.

A motion would be in order to grant permission for the county to conduct the study.

Groups audience:

School Board

10. Report from Training Event(s)

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 training activity will provide a report of the event to other board members. On January 26, Mr. Wiener attended the NCSBA/WRESA “Lead Training Program” in Waynesville. He will give a report.

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. Jeff 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

Mar. 6	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Mar. 20	Teacher workday
Mar. 20	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Apr. 3	REGULAR MEETING	6:30 p.m.	MEC
Apr. 6	Kindergarten Rally	4:00 - 6:00 p.m.	Trans. Co. Parks & Recreation
Apr. 7	Remote learning day
Apr. 10-14	Spring break
Apr. 17-21	Kindergarten Registration	M, Tu, W, Th, F 8:30am – 2:30pm; Th 4:00 – 6:00pm	BES, PFES, RES, TCH
Apr. 18	“Of the Year” Awards Ceremony	5:30 p.m.	Trans. Co. Library Rogow Room
Apr. 24	TCS STEAM Expo	4:00 – 7:00 p.m.	Trans. Co. Parks & Recreation
Apr. 28	Remote learning day

Groups audience:

School Board

13. 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