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Regular Meeting

Dates: 
Monday, June 3, 2024 - 6:00pm
 
The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris Education Center, 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard.  The meeting is open to the public.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.  The meeting will be livestreamed and may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/tcsnc.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

I. OPENING OF MEETING

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Call to Order

Welcome

 

Groups audience: 
School Board

II. BUSINESS ITEMS (including amendments and rescissions):

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 agenda for June 3, 2024.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

02. Recognition of Retirees 2023-2024

 
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
 
 
 

Each year at its first meeting in June, the Transylvania County Board of Education recognizes the employees who have retired or will be retiring during the current school year.  Some have spent their entire careers with the Transylvania County Schools, and some have worked in other school systems in addition to Transylvania.  The 24 people being recognized at this meeting represent a combined total of 637 years in public education.  The board would like to present small gifts and express their appreciation to the individuals named below for their years of service to public education and the students of Transylvania County Schools.  Following the recognitions, the board will take a short recess for retirees and guests to enjoy refreshments. 
 
Transylvania County Schools Retirees
2023-2024
Cindy Ayers
Office Support
RES
30 years
Ret. Col. Scott Blankenship
Senior JROTC Instructor
BHS
5 years
Tania Boggia
Teacher
RHS
18 years
Karen Brown
Teacher
RES
30 years
Brenda Byrd
Technology Technician
MEC
30 years
Linda Daves
Bus Driver
BHS
30 years
Jeanne DeJong
Teacher
BES
27 years
Missy Ellenberger
Director
MEC
30 years
Claire Gasperson
Teacher
PFES
27 years
Rebecca Green
Teacher
BMS
30 years
Barbara Grimm
Principal
DRS
30 years
Barbara Higdon
Teacher
RES
31 years
Sandra Kasperski
Teacher
BES
27 years
Lisa Kimzey
Office Support
MEC
30 years
Patti Lance
Office Support
BHS
27 years
April Mathis
School Nutrition Manager
RMS/RHS
23 years
Tammy Moman
Teacher
BHS
25 years
Sonya Morris
2nd retirement
Teacher Assistant
BES
31 as teacher;
13 as TA;
total 44 years
Lisa Osteen
Office Support
MEC
26.5 years
Julie Roberts
Office Support
MEC
36.5 years
Jenny Russell
Teacher
BMS
28 years
Scott Russell
Teacher
BHS
28 years
Tammy Shuler
School Nutrition Specialist
MEC
25 years
Carolyn Smith
Teacher
PFES
30 years
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

03. 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.  Time will begin when the speaker reaches the podium.  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

04. Good News

 
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
 
 
 
2024 TC Scholars and Memorable Educators
On the evening of May 16th at Brevard High School, 189 seniors, juniors and sophomores were honored as Transylvania County Scholars, Junior Marshals, and scholarship winners at the 41st  Annual Transylvania County Scholars Recognition Evening.  Transylvania County Scholars are graduating seniors who have earned the highest graduation honor conferred by the school system for maintaining an overall GPA of 3.8 weighted and 3.5 unweighted.  Sophomores and juniors recognized are the highest-ranking students in their class whose academic records indicate they are on track to graduate as TC Scholars.  Junior Marshals are those with very strong academic records who will lead the procession at graduation.  Thirty-seven college scholarships totaling over $67,500 were awarded from the Connestee Falls Student Scholarship Program, VISION Youth Leadership Program, the Ruth Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, and the Dorothy S. Bjerg Memorial Scholarship Fund.  At the end of the evening, 39 individuals were named as Memorable Educators by senior scholars in recognition of the special inspiration they had given to the students during their school years.  Congratulations to all!
 
TCS AIG Program Recognized as Promising Practice
The NCDPI Office of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education has highlighted the Transylvania County Schools AIG program as a Promising Practice for North Carolina’s Call to Action for Equity and Excellence strategic initiative in the Call to Action: Guidebook 2.0, which will soon be published on its DPI website.  Congratulations to our district AIG Coordinator, Heidi Bullock, and Federal Programs Director, Audrey Reneau, as they work with DPI and others  to continue expanding access and opportunity in gifted education. 
 
2024 Free Summer Meals Program
Beginning the week of June 10 through August 15, Transylvania County Schools will again provide its Summer Food Service Program.  Two meal pick-up sites will be available at Brevard Middle School and Champion Park Pool in Rosman.  These sites will provide a hot lunch and breakfast for the next day Monday through Thursday.  On Thursdays, weekend meals will be provided.  Meal pick-up will be available from 11am – 2pm.  Meals are free to all children of Transylvania County under the age of 18.  Children do not have to qualify for free or reduced lunch to participate and do not have to attend Transylvania County Schools.  We ask that families limit their visit to one meal site each day, but families may use either of the sites.  No sites will be serving meals the week of July 1‑5; service will resume on Monday, July 8.  Please visit the School Nutrition website at https://bit.ly/TCSSummerLunch for contact and schedule information.  
 
Unified Sports Day
Transylvania County Schools students had fun participating in different stations for the recent Unified Sports Day at Brevard High School.  Activities included kickball, ring toss, cornhole, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and more. There were ribbons and prizes in several categories. Students, teachers and volunteers had a great time and the weather was wonderful.
 
Legacy Concert
On May 23, the Brevard High School Wind Symphony, conducted by Andrew Jimeson, performed a Legacy Concert at the Brevard College Porter Center in honor of Dr. Robert Palmer, Director Emeritus of Bands from 1971-2001.  Dr. Palmer led many award-winning bands and choral ensembles during his tenures at Brevard High School and Brevard College.  Former students, friends, and colleagues were invited to help celebrate and honor him for his service and dedication to the Brevard bands and music community. 
  
Dylan Merrill Receives 1st Place in Congressional Art Competition
Congratulations to WNC’s first place winner, Dylan Merrill, for his achievement in the 2024 Congressional Art Competition.  Dylan is a student at Rosman High School and his artwork, “A Lost Art,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for one year. 
 
 
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 ǀ WSQL Radio:  bit.ly/TCSYesRadio!
 
 
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:
  1. Minutes of the December 4, 2023 closed session
  2. Minutes of the December 18, 2023 closed session
  3. Personnel report for June 3, 2024
  4. Cancel July 1, 2024 meeting; move July 15 meeting to July 22, 2024; and designate July 22 as a business meeting and potential work session. 
A motion is in order to approve the consent items.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Personnel Report 6-03-24.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

06. Request for Authorization of School Trip

 
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
 
 
 
For a number of years, the Rosman High School National Honor Society has taken an educational service trip to various destinations within the United States.  In June 2025, they would like to take a trip to the Cayman Islands.  The trip would be organized through Appleseed Expeditions, a service-learning student travel company that RHS has used before.  The estimated cost would be $2,590 per student.  In order to begin fundraising a year in advance, they are seeking approval from the board now.  A letter with more details and the proposed itinerary are attached. 
 
School trips that require travel outside of the continental United States must be approved by the board upon recommendation by the superintendent or designee.  Rosman NHS Advisor Nancy Sanders and others will be here to discuss the trip and answer questions from the board.  Policy 3320 and regulations 3320-R are attached.   
 
The board may take action on the superintendent’s recommendation for the proposed National Honor Society trip to the Cayman Islands on June 9-13, 2025.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Caymans NHS Trip Request.pdf
PDF icon BLUE PLANET ADVENTURE Proposal.pdf
PDF icon Policy-3320.pdf
PDF icon Regulation-3320-R.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

07. School Nutrition Update & Bid Recommendations for 2024-2025

 
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
 
 

School Nutrition Director Janette Broda will give an update on summer feeding plans and CEP (community eligibility provisions) for 2024-2025.  She will also present bid recommendations for food and supply vendors for the 2024-2025 school year for approval (see attached).  Mrs. Broda will answer any questions you may have.    
 
A motion is in order to approve the school nutrition vendor bids for 2024-2025.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon SN Update June 3, 2024.pdf
PDF icon SN Bid Recommendations 24-25.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

08. Federal Programs: Notice of Intent to Apply

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

Transylvania County Schools has given public notice of the applications for federal program grants that have been or will be submitted within the next 30 days (see attached).  Federal Programs Director Audrey Reneau will review the federal applications and answer any questions you may have.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Intent to Apply Federal Grants 24-25.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

09. TSI Grant

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

Director Audrey Reneau will share information about a new federal subgrant for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) for the two middle schools (see attached). This is a small short-term grant in the amount of $21,000.  The plan needs the approval of the board.
 
A motion would be in order to approve the Additional Targeted Support and Improvement Grant for Brevard Middle School and Rosman Middle School. 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon TSI Grant Information.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

10. Policy: Fall 2023 PLS Custom Updates

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

At the May 20 meeting, Dr. Brian Weaver presented first looks at the second set of NCSBA Fall 2023 PLS (Policies to Lead the Schools) Custom Updates.  These 18 policies contain substantive changes as summarized below.  Dr. Weaver also presented an update to policy 2310, Public Participation at Board Meetings, as recommended by the school board attorneys.  There were no new policies.  Dr. Weaver will answer any questions from the board.    
 
A motion is in order to accept the 19 policies as first-read information. 
 
  • 1310/4002, Parental Involvement.  Updates information about parental consent for student participation in protected topic surveys to reflect new state law exceptions.  Includes minor editorial changes.
 
  • 2310, Public Participation at Board Meetings.  Updated to strengthen and enhance the rules regarding personal attacks on staff and the legal extent and scope of complaints that may be made during public comment.    
 
  • 3610, Counseling Program.  Adds new Section C to reflect statutory requirement to have peer-to-peer student support programs in schools with grades 6 and higher.  Adds language regarding early graduate scholarships.  Updates the legal references.
 
  • 4040/7310, Staff-Student Relations.  Modifies subsection C.4 to reflect legal requirements in new state law.  Updates the legal references.    
 
  • 4110, Immunization and Health Requirements for School Admission.  Removes reference to the Governor’s Commission on Early Childhood Vision Care, which no longer exists. 
 
  • 4130, Discretionary Admission.  Includes substantive changes throughout.  Updates legal references. 
 
  • 4240/7312, Child Abuse and Related Threats to Child Safety.  Modifies Section D to reflect legal requirements in new state law.  Updates legal references.
 
  • 4342, Student Searches.  Includes changes in first paragraph and Section A based on new state law.  Updates legal references.
 
  • 4720, Surveys of Students.  Updates the parental consent information in subsection A.2 to reflect the new statutory exception. 
 
  • 5210, Distribution and Display of Non-School Material.  Adds language based on new statutory provisions regarding the display of farm signs on state highway rights-of-way. 
 
  • 6220, Operation of School Nutrition Services.  Adds a provision based on a new statutory requirement that prohibits the use of administrative penalties on a student for unpaid meal charges.  Updates legal references.
 
  • 6401/9100, Ethics and the Purchasing Function.  Adds new statutory requirement that employees who are involved in making or administering contracts receive conflicts of interest training.  Updates legal references.
 
  • 7100, Recruitment and Selection of Personnel.  Clarifies the age discrimination standard.  Updates a timeframe in Section D regarding criminal history checks of child care providers to comply with statutory changes.  Eliminates unnecessary language in Section D.  Updates legal references.    
 
  • 7130, Licensure.  Adds new subsection B.6 to address new licensure requirements for service members and their spouses relocating to North Carolina.  Other minor editorial changes.  Updates legal references. 
 
  • 7510, Leave.  Adds new Section D about paid parental leave.  Updates legal references.
 
  • 7520, Family and Medical Leave.  Adds reference to paid parental leave in Section M.
 
  • 7730, Employee Conflict of Interest.  Adds new section to include the new statutory requirement that employees who are involved in making or administering contracts receive conflicts of interest training.  Updates legal references. 
 
  • 8325, Daily Deposits.  G.S. 115C-445, which governs daily deposits, has increased the threshold from $250 to $1,500.  The board may keep the dollar amount currently listed or choose a different amount up to $1,500. 
 
  • 9125, Participation by Minority Businesses.  Modifies first paragraph to reflect statutory changes to the definition of “minority business.”  Corrects a typo in subsection B.6.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Policy 1310-4002_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 2310_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 3610_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4040-7310_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4110_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4130_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4240-7312_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4342_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 4720_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 5210_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 6220_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 6401-9100_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7100_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7130_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7510_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7520_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 7730_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 8325_revised.pdf
PDF icon Policy 9125_revised.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

11. Budget 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. Lisa Fletcher and Finance Officer Gabi Juba will give an update on budget.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

12. Strategic Plan Consulting Service

 
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
 
 

Dr. Lisa Fletcher will request authorization to hire an outside consulting firm to help update the Transylvania County Schools district strategic plan.  NC Peak uses a comprehensive approach to help school systems develop a customized strategic plan.  This includes facilitating goal setting; conducting focus groups; and reviewing the current strategic plan, demographics, existing stakeholder engagement, and other data to help set priorities for an updated strategic plan.
 
NC Peak includes retired educators from Henderson, Polk, Surry, Iredell-Statesville, Davidson, Lincoln, and Rockingham counties.  These former educators held positions ranging from kindergarten teacher to associate superintendent.  The price of NC Peak’s services is less than $30K, so board approval would not be not required for the contract.  
 
A motion would be in order to authorize the superintendent to enter into an agreement with NC Peak to assist in the development of an updated district strategic plan for Transylvania County Schools.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

13. Possession and Sale of 41 Confederate Lane Property

 
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
 
 

The board will discuss possession and steps for potential sale of property located at 41 Confederate Lane.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

14. Proposal to Change Monthly Meeting Schedule

 
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
 
 

For many years, the board met once a month during July through January on the third Mondays.  Beginning in February and continuing through June, meetings were held twice a month on the first and third Mondays to provide additional opportunities for discussion and action during budget season.  Special called meetings were held as needed. 
 
At the May 20 meeting, the board discussed a proposal to return to a once-a-month meeting schedule. 
 
The board may entertain a motion to change the monthly meeting schedule.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

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
 
 
 
June 6
DRS Graduation
10:00 a.m.
Brevard Music Center
June 7
Last student day; noon dismissal
 
 
June 7
BHS Graduation
6:00 p.m.
Brevard Music Center
June 8
RHS Graduation
10:00 a.m.
Brevard Music Center
June 10-14
Teacher workdays
 
 
June 17
Four-day summer schedule begins
 
 
June 17
WORK SESSION
6:00 p.m.
MEC
July 4
Independence Day holiday
 
 
July 22
REGULAR MEETING &
WORK SESSION
6:00 p.m.
MEC
July 31 - Aug. 1
TCS Administrator Retreat
2 days
TBD
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

16. Timeline for Superintendent's Annual Evaluation

 
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
 
 

Reminder--
Policy 7805, Superintendent Evaluation, requires the board to perform a performance evaluation of the superintendent each year.  The following draft timeline is recommended for the 2023-2024 evaluation process:
 
June 17
Superintendent provides self-assessment to the board.
Before July 22
Chair and vice chair meet with superintendent to discuss self-assessment.  Board members complete individual evaluations and return to chair or vice chair.
July 22
Board meets in closed session to prepare consensus evaluation.
August 5
Board meets with superintendent in closed session to discuss the consensus evaluation and agree upon performance goals and recommendations for the next school year.
 
            
Groups audience: 
School Board

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: 
School Board

III. ADJOURNMENT

Groups audience: 
School Board
Source URL: https://aws.nc.transylvania.schoolboard.net/node/6653