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Regular Meeting

Dates: 
Monday, December 16, 2024 - 6:00pm
 
The Transylvania County Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Monday, December 16, 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 December 16, 2024.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

02. Student Recognitions

 
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
 
 
 
 
The board would like to recognize the following students for their outstanding achievements in academics and athletics:
 
AP Scholars
Each fall, the AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams.  The AP Scholar Awards criteria is outlined below:
 
Award
Criteria
AP Scholar
Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
AP Scholar with Honor
Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
AP Scholar with Distinction
Granted to students who receive an average score or at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
AP International Diploma (APID)
Visit APID to see the criteria for this award.
 
AP scores come out in July.  The following TCS students earned AP Scholar Awards last year: 
 
Christian Adair, RHS – AP Scholar                                                               
Zoe Axtell, BHS – AP Scholar with Distinction
Emma Bailey, BHS – AP Scholar with Distinction
Maxton Ballard, BHS – AP Scholar with Honor
Matthew Barton, RHS – AP Scholar with Distinction
David Bohn, BHS – AP Scholar
Steven Bohn, BHS – AP Scholar
Andrew Burkett, BHS – AP Scholar (graduated)
Amara Campanini, BHS – AP Scholar
Miles Foster, BHS – AP Scholar with Honor
Saya Geer-Hardwick, BHS – AP Scholar with Distinction
Vaiden Girolamo, BHS – AP Scholar
Silvan Guidry, BHS – AP Scholar
Julia Hardy, BHS – AP Scholar with Distinction (graduated)
Avan Hinkle, BHS – AP Scholar with Honor
Caroline Jenkins, BHS – AP Scholar with Distinction
Brooke LaRowe, BHS – AP Scholar with Honor
Jesus Lopez De La Santos, BHS – AP Scholar
Ryan Merrill, BHS – AP Scholar with Honor (graduated)
Leo Murray, BHS – AP Scholar
Brady Odell, BHS – AP Scholar (graduated)
Mya Parlier, BHS – AP Scholar
Luke Powers, BHS – AP Scholar with Distinction (graduated)
William Presnell, BHS – AP Scholar
Prudence Queen, BHS – AP Scholar (graduated)
Gabriel Rood, BHS – AP Scholar (graduated)
Parker Sisney, BHS – AP Scholar (graduated)
 
BHS Men’s Cross Country Team
The Brevard High School Men’s Cross Country Team won the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A State Championship for the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.  A letter of congratulations from Que Tucker, Commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, is attached.  In addition to excelling on the track, the BHS team excels in the classroom.  The team member’s weighted GPA is 3.93 and unweighted GPA is 3.68.
 
Max Bailey                             
James Brooks
Keaton Campbell
Andrew Gorman
Ezra Greene
Avan Hinkle
Leo Murray
Ezra Stubbs
                      Ben Morgan, Coach
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon MXC 2A letter.pdf
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
 
 
 
National Technical Honor Society Inductions
During two ceremonies that were held on December 4th and 5th, Transylvania County Schools inducted 102 students into the National Technical Honor Society, which is the honor society for Career and Technical Education.  These students have excelled in learning employability skills, which they will take and build on throughout their careers.  Transylvania CTE students earned 1,754 credentials in 2023-24 and are No. 2 in the state for their attainment rate, 83.5%. To achieve membership in the National Technical Honor Society, students must meet the following rigorous academic standards:
  • Have a 3.0 or higher unweighted overall GPA and 3.25 or higher unweighted GPA in CTE courses;
  • Have been recommended by two teachers, at least one being a CTE teacher;
  • Have completed a CTE career pathway, which consists of 3 courses; and  
  • Demonstrate scholarship and skill.
Congratulations to the following new members of the National Technical Honor Society for 2024-2025!
 
BHS Seniors
Eric Alvarado-Ramirez
Raul Alvarado-Ramirez
William Anders
Emma Bailey
Maxwell Bailey
Maxton Ballard
Annaly Baron
Alaana Bennett
Steven Bohn
Cynthia Boyd
Zion Brown
Marguerite Coyne
Raphaella Athena Dabao
Gabriel Delgado
Lotus Draegen
Ephraim Drennen
Michelle Drennen
Miles Felty
Miles Foster
Dillon Galloway
Jackson Garrett
Saya Geer-Hardwick
Isabelle Gentle
Ava Gorman
Isabella Gravley
Elsie Hobbs
Grace Hogsed
Abigail Huter
Savannah James
Madison Judy
Brogen Justice
William Kittrell
Hannah LaFever
Keenan Loomis
Jesus Lopez De Los Santos
Kaitlin Lovett
James Manoogian
Elena Masters
Zander McCall
Ella Mooney
Leo Murray
Patience Pandolfo
Emma Parker
Mya Parlier
William Presnell III
Zane Romero
Adeline Schultz
Addison Shober
Lillian Skeen
Ezra Stubbs
Kayla Studt
Kevin Valencia-Vega
Cooper Weaver
Judson Weaver
Zoey Whitmire
AVonta Whitmire Jones
 
BHS Juniors
Victoria Brown
Ayanna Carter
McKayla Chambers
Janaysia Cornett
Cole Cubbison
Paige Dinsdale
Kenadie Dodson
Sarayd Dugan
Jack Friedman
Brooklyn Hill
Gracelyn Jackson
Jenna Kingdon
Sophia Kirk
Aaron Lopez-Cervantes
Jackelyn Mejia-Perez
Ian Merritt
Sophia Miguel
Greysen Motley
Joshua Nelson
Carter Powell
Julia Sherrill

Luke Weaver

 
RHS Seniors
Hunter Arnold
Matthew Barton
Tarron Boley
Garrett Connor
Colton Dodson
Hayley Hogsed
Addison McCall
Addison McCall
Jonathan McCall
Carter Mendes
Lillian Orr
Nathaniel Owen
Kreed Smith
Brayden Waters
 
RHS Juniors
Hope Cook
Walter Gunther
Addyson Houston
Ryan Lamb
Kirsten McCall
Wyatt Owen
Tristin Powell
Avery Pressley
Jack Santaloci

Braylon Simmons

 
County Schools Receive Growth Awards for 2023-2024
Six of the Transylvania County Schools were recently recognized by the North Carolina State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction for student performance during the 2023-2024 year:
 
Brevard High School
  • Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Graduation Rate of 96.8%
  • Exceeded Academic Growth Award for exceeding expected academic progress for students during the 2023-24 school year
 
Brevard Middle School
  • Academic Growth Award for achieving expected academic progress for students during the 2023-24 school year
 
Pisgah Forest Elementary School
  • Academic Growth Award for achieving expected academic progress for students during the 2023-24 school year
 
Rosman Elementary School
  • Academic Growth Award for achieving expected academic progress for students during the 2023-24 school year
 
Rosman High School
  • Exceeded Academic Growth Award for exceeding expected academic progress for students during the 2023-24 school year
 
Rosman Middle School
  • Exceeded Academic Growth Award for exceeding expected academic progress for students during the 2023-24 school year
 
DRS 1st Place Christmas Parade Float
Many of our schools and programs participated in the County's Christmas parades in early December.  Davidson River School teamed up with Pisgah National Forest and won 1st place for their float that included students playing the Taiko drums in the Brevard Parade—Impressive!
 
Congratulations to Ashley Owen
Please join us in congratulating School Health Nurse Ashley Owen who successfully completed the requirements for National School Nurse certification last month.  Board certification in school nursing is a formal recognition of advanced knowledge, competence, and a personal commitment to excellence in the specialty practice of school nursing on behalf of the better health and education of school-age children.  School Health Nurse April Owenby states, “We are so proud of her and know that she would never share this amazing accomplishment.  Our small but strong school nurse team has all obtained national certification now.”  
 
TCS School Nutrition Receives Award
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has awarded the Transylvania County Department of School Nutrition the Rural Non-Congregate Innovation Award for their efforts to reach and feed as many children as they could by using a home delivery mobile route system and offering two pick-up meal sites at Champion Park Pool and Brevard Middle School.  The School Nutrition Program served over 26,000 breakfast and lunch meals last summer.  Well done!
 
T.C. Henderson Teachers Attend Mathematics Conference
T.C. Henderson teachers, Angie Reese and Samantha Jones, recently attended the NC Mathematics Conference in Winston-Salem. We are proud of Ms. Reese and Ms. Jones and all of our teachers that are committed to continuous learning to improve instruction.  Reese and Jones will share strategies learned with all staff at TCH.
 
BHS Alumni Named Davidson Rhodes Scholar
BHS 2020 Alumni, Madeline Dierauf, was recently named as a Davidson College's prestigious Rhodes Scholar.  Dierauf is currently a senior at Davidson and plans to pursue her master's degree in American Studies and Philosophical Theology at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Madeline is a songwriter and musician, who plays the fiddle in her band, The Wilder Flower. See the full article on Madeline's accomplishments:
https://www.davidson.edu/news/2024/11/16/davidson-college-musician-awarded-rhodes
 
Backpack Buddies
On Wednesday, December 11, volunteers from the Ed Center staff, School Nutrition, the Transylvania County Schools Education Foundation, Grace Brevard Church, and school counselors and social workers worked at the Education Center from 8:00–9:30 a.m. packing 300 bags of food for students to take home over the Christmas break as part of the TCS Backpack Buddies Program.  Our thanks to everyone for taking the time to help ensure that children have access to nutritious food during the holidays when schools are not in session. 
 
Can’d Aid Donates Instruments to PFES
The Can'd Aid Organization visited Pisgah Forest Elementary School on Friday, December 6 with a few presents in tow!  Can’d Aid partnered with Woody Platt & Company. to give Pisgah Forest Elementary School's music program new guitars and banjos.  Ms. Hazel Ketchum is the music teacher at PFE and was thrilled to receive the donation.  Platt & Co. gave a musical performance before revealing the presents to the students.  Afterward, the student's string instrument cohort came up on stage to play a few songs, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, with the members. Students and staff sang along, excited with the new gifts from Can'd Aid and filled with the Christmas spirit!  Can’d Aid partners with nationally touring bands to facilitate instrument donations in underserved school districts nationwide.  They also rally volunteers to assemble art kits for kids in foster care, assemble and donate bikes and skateboards for deserving youth in underserved communities nationwide, build and maintain access to trails and parks, and more.  For more information, visit https://candaid.org/.
 
Brevard Bands Winter Concert
The Brevard Bands Winter Concert featuring the Brevard Middle School 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands and the Brevard High School Wind Symphony will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Porter Center Auditorium, Brevard College.  Admission is $5.00.
 
Rosman Students in UNCW Honor Band Festival

Congratulations to Rosman High School students Camden Stamey, Ayden Gibson, and Kadin Chaga for being selected to participate in the 13th Annual UNCW Honor Band Festival that was held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 in Kenan Auditorium at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  Kadin plays Bass Clarinet, Camden plays Flute, and Ayden plays Alto Saxophone.  Tiffany Hurley is the Band Director for RMS and RHS.

 
 
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

04. 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 September 16, 2024 meeting
  2. Minutes of the October 21, 2024 meeting
  3. Personnel report for December 16, 2024
A motion is in order to approve the consent items.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Minutes 9-16-24.pdf
PDF icon Minutes 10-21-24.pdf
PDF icon Personnel Report 12-16-24.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

05. School Improvement Plans 2025-2025

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

The School Improvement Plans for 2024-2025 were presented as first-read information at the November 18 meeting.  They are presented for second-read approval at this time.  An overview is attached.  The individual plans are available by clicking the link at the top of page 4.   Chief Academic Officer Carrie Norris will be available to answer any questions you may have. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the School Improvement Plans for 2024-2025.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon School Improvement Plans Overview - TCS 2024.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

06. Policy: Spring 2024 PLS Custom Updates

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

The board is now in its fourth month of reviewing policies from the NCSBA Spring 2024 PLS Custom Updates.  With three new members, it may be helpful to review where the board currently stands in the process:
 
Sept. 16 – The board received 18 policies from the Spring Custom Updates and one policy from the July Special Custom Updates as first-read information.  The 19 updates contained revisions to 17 existing policies and two new policies. 
 
Oct. 21 – The 19 policies were presented for second-read approval.  Mr. Wiener requested to postpone all of the policies for another month due to his lack of time to review and his general concerns regarding policies.  It was recommended that Mr. Wiener set a time to meet with Dr. Brian Weaver to discuss his specific concerns before the next board meeting.  Per Dr. Weaver’s recommendation, the board approved 4 policies due to their impact on student safety and/or time-sensitive nature.  The remaining 15 policies were postponed to the November meeting. 
 
Nov. 18 – The 15 policies were presented for third-read approval.  Mr. Wiener moved to table 5 of the policies because he wanted incoming members to have an opportunity for input before the board takes action, and at the board attorney’s recommendation, moved to table 2 more policies for which he proposed changes.  Board Attorney Chris Campbell advised that before a board member proposes changes during a meeting to a policy that is up for approval, he or she should first communicate the proposed changes to the attorney and Dr. Weaver so that the proposed changes can be vetted beforehand.  The other 8 policies that were not tabled were approved by the board as presented.  
 
The 7 policies listed below were tabled on November 18.  They are presented for approval at this time.  Dr. Brian Weaver will review the proposed revisions to policies 1310/4002 and 4270/6145 that were presented at the last meeting.
 
The board may take action to approve the 7 policies listed below:
 
  • 1310/4002, Parental Involvement.  Adds language from SBE policy PRNT-002 in subsection C.2.e.  In subsection C.3., adds a reference to the notifications required by law when a school and/or school system is identified as low-performing.  Clarifies language in subsection C.4.g.  In Section H, references the reporting requirements of SBE policy PRNT-002.  Corrects minor errors in Section D.  Updates the legal references.
 
  • 3220, Technology in the Educational Program.  Adds new Section D to address the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI).  Adds information on training on the use of generative AI in Section E.  Updates the other resources. 
 
  • 3225/4312/7320, Technology Responsible Use.  In Section G, references generative AI guidelines as described in policy 3220.  Adds other resources.
 
  • 3420, Student Promotion and Accountability.  Creates new Section K to address students receiving high school credit for courses taken while studying abroad.  Adds a reference to three-year high school graduation in Section L.  Updates the legal references.  (See lines 220-223 for revisions based on recommendations from September 16.) 
 
  • 3460, Graduation Requirements.  Adds new student notice requirements in the paragraph preceding Section A.  Reorganizes information from the paragraph preceding Section A into other parts of the policy.  Adds a reference in Section A to policy 3420 in regard to credit for courses taken abroad.  Changes the local graduation “requirements” to local graduation “recommendations.”  Adds information in C.4 regarding gradation high school in three years.  Updates the diploma endorsements language.  Includes various other minor changes.  Updates the legal references.  Custom language in c.7 has been removed for consistency with G.S.115C-83.31(c).
 
  • 4270/6145, Concussion and Head Injury.  Updates statutory references throughout the policy.  Includes other minor changes.  Updates legal references and other resources.  
 
  • 6125, Administering Medicines to Students.  Updates the division names of N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.  Updates the other resources.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 1310-4002_revised.pdf
PDF icon 3220_revised.pdf
PDF icon 3225-4312-7320_revised.pdf
PDF icon 3420_revised_10-07-24.pdf
PDF icon 3460_revised.pdf
PDF icon 4270-6145_revised.pdf
PDF icon 6125_revised.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

07. Budget Amendment

 
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
 
 
 
Dr. Brian Weaver will present Budget Amendment No. 2 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.  The amendment and a summary of the changes are attached. 
 
A motion is in order to approve Budget Amendment No. 2 for FY25. 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Memo for Budget Amendment #2 12.16.24.pdf
PDF icon 2024-25 TCS BUDGET AMENDMENT #2_DATED 12.16.2024.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

08. Update on District Strategic Plan

 
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 will give an update on the Transylvania County Schools district strategic plan.  Sample documents from Brunswick County Schools, Harnett County Schools, and Cumberland County Schools are attached. 
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon BCS goals and metrics.pdf
PDF icon HCS Metric Page.pdf
PDF icon HCS no metric table.pdf
PDF icon CCS One page for release.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

09. 41 Confederate Lane Property

 
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
 
 

At the November meeting, Dr. Fletcher reported that the board does not have the ability to clean up the property at 41 Confederate Lane.  The house cannot be salvaged.  The Planning Board estimates that cleanup would cost approximately $15,000.  Board Attorney Chris Campbell reported that the local Education Land Trust is in the process of conducting due diligence on the property.  The property tax bill for 41 Confederate Lane is past due and continues to accrue interest.  The tax notice and information from the Planning Board are attached. 
 
The board may discuss next steps.  The superintendent will recommend that the board approve payment of the tax bill before the end of December 2024. 
 
A motion would be in order to authorize payment of the property tax bill for 41 Confederate Lane, Brevard, NC in the amount of $1,677.04.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon Information from planning board.pdf
PDF icon 41 Confederate Lane tax bill.pdf
Groups audience: 
School Board

10. Bond Project Management

 
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
 
 

At the last meeting, Dr. Fletcher reported that the next step in the bond project management process would be an interlocal agreement between the Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners.  She will give an update.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

11. Facilities 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
 
 

Facilities Director Kerry Putman will give an update.  Attached is a Preliminary Engineering Report from McGill Associates for the retaining wall behind Rosman High School.  Mr. Putnam will discuss the findings and request a decision from the board regarding which option to recommend to the commissioners for repairs to the retaining wall.
 
A motion would be in order to approve an option to recommend to the Board of Commissioners for repairing the Rosman High School retaining wall.
 
Public Attachments: 
PDF icon 2024-12-12_Preliminary Engineering Report_Rosman Support Wall Investigation.pdf
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
 
 
 
Dec. 20
Noon dismissal - students
 
 
Dec. 23 – Jan. 3
Winter break
 
 
Jan. 6
Students return from break
 
 
Jan. 17
First semester ends
 
 
Jan. 20
MLK Day (teacher workday)
 
 
Jan. 21
Second semester begins
 
 
Jan. 21 (Tues)*
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 p.m.
MEC
Jan. 29-30
NCSBA CORE Training
Day 1:  9am – 5pm
Day 2:  9am – 12pm
WRESA Office
Asheville
Feb. 14
Noon dismissal – students
 
 
Feb. 17
Teacher workday
 
 
Feb. 17
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 p.m.
MEC
 
*The January board meeting will be held on Tuesday, 1/21/25 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, 1/20/25.
 
 
Groups audience: 
School Board

13. 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.3).  
 
  • 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.  Board meetings, which include public comment, are a limited public forum.  The board limits public comment to issues relevant to, and within the jurisdiction of, the Board of Education.  The board will not discriminate based on the viewpoint expressed by speakers on permissible topics.  
 
  • 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 three (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 request 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.
 
  • Public comment is not a time for dialogue between individuals and board members or amongst individuals.  Board members will not respond to individuals who address the board except to request clarification of points made by the presenter.  The board does not transact any official business during public comment.  
 
  • Individualized personnel and student matters are confidential as provided in applicable federal and state law.  Such matters are within the jurisdiction of the superintendent or designee to investigate and resolve or make recommendations to the board in accordance with law and board policy.  In such matters, the Board of Education serves as an avenue for appeal and/or final decision in accordance with law and board policy.  Therefore, public comment is not the appropriate forum for complaints related to identified school employees or students.
 
  • The superintendent or designee shall make available this policy and other relevant grievance procedures to any individual or group wishing to submit a complaint regarding an identified school employee or student.  In addition, nothing in this policy prohibits the ability of a citizen to send the Board of Education comment in writing which may be maintained as confidential in accordance with applicable law.  State and/or federal law may require disclosure of a written comment or complaint to any employee, student, or parent(s) of a student identified in the comment or complaint.
 
  • 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.
 
  • Personal attacks on school employees or board members are prohibited and disruptions by any person or persons of a public meeting will be subject to action in accordance with G.S. 143-318.17. 
 
  • 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

14. 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/6778