001Um, good evening and welcome to the January 6th regularly scheduled board meeting. Um we do have a quorum present with Kevin and Katherine absent. Um we're going to be begin with the pledge of allegiance. If Miss Arthur wants to come introduce her students. >> Hi, I'm Miss Arthur, principal at Atlantic Elementary. And we are fortunate enough to have some of our boy scouts from fourth and fifth grade with us today. From fourth grade, we have Andrew Goodwin, Braden Berthold, and John Grady Davis. And our fifth graders are Braden Dunn and aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Good job, fellas. >> if you guys want to all come forward, we've got certificates. You'll
002come stay right here. >> Right here. Good job, fellas. Way to go, guys. >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> And if you'll remain standing, um, senior pastor Merl Hunt of Morathna Pentecostal Holiness Church in Bowfort is going to give our, um, indication. >> Let's pray. Gracious heavenly father, today we do love you. We thank you, oh God, Lord, for everything that you're doing. Father, today, God, Lord, we ask you, Lord, that you'll just move in our midst, God. Lord, be with every decision that's made today. God, Lord, put a hedge of protection around our schools. Lord, we thank you, Lord, for all the teachers and the students. And Lord, all the Lord, custodians and everyone involved that makes school what it is. Father, today God, Lord, we pray that your will be done in our lives.
003And Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we do pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you. Next we have Mr. Pal with the proclamation. >> Thank you. Whereas each January is declared as National School Board Appreciation Month. And whereas the men and women serving as members of the school boards are dedicated to children, staff members, learning and community and devote many hours of service to our public schools as they continually strive for improvement, excellence, and progress in education. And whereas the members of the Carter County Board of Education respond to the educational needs of the schools in this county. And in doing so, these leaders help strengthen our school's educational system and improve our children's futures. And whereas the members of the Carter County Board of Education are appreciated for their willingness to serve in
004their roles. Now, therefore, I do hereby proclaim January 2026 as school board appreciation month in Carter County. >> Thank you. Up next, we have the approval of the meeting agenda. Do we have a motion? >> I'll make that motion. >> A motion by Miss Wheatley. Do we have a second? >> I'll second that. >> Second by Miss Kerich. All in favor? Perfect. Up next is public commenting. It is now time for public comment. Anyone present tonight wishing to make public comment should have filled out a request to speak public comment form to ensure civility, relevance, and time management. There are specific requirements for public comment set forth in schoolboard policy. They include comments are limited to matters pertaining to public education. The speaker shall start his state his or her name at the beginning of
005his or her comment. Speaking time will be limited to three minutes per person. A three minute timer will appear on the TV screens in the bottom corner. The timer will beep when there are 30 seconds remaining and will beep the final time when your time is up. For civil civility and decorum, no speaker shall make obscene remarks or issue personal attacks or insults. No complaint against the school employee or student will be permitted, although this may be heard in close session at a later date following consultation with the superintendent. Much information about students, including a speaker's own child, is confidential under state and federal law, and we discourage and often prohibit such information in open session. The chairperson may immediately terminate any comments that violate these rules. Board members will not respond to questions except
006occasionally to request clarification. First up, we have Mr. Dylan Reid. >> Good evening, members of the board, administrators, and guests. My name is Dylan Reid. I am the junior drum major at the West Carter High School band. Thank you for your opportunity to speak with you tonight. Our band program has seen significant success in both performance and student participation. We now serve over 160 students and that number continues to grow. With this growth comes increased instructional demands, rehearsal needs, and logistical responsibilities. Challenges that currently fall on a single band director. Mr. right is the heart and soul of our program, but no one person can reasonably meet the instructional, administrative, and supervisory needs of an ensemble of this size alone. Much of our success is sustained by student leadership and the dedication of parent volunteers
007who generously give their time and energy. While we are incredibly grateful for that support, a program of this size should not rely primarily on volunteer effort to remain successful. Funding a second band director is not about fixing a problem. It is about protecting and sustaining success. Additional instructional support would allow for safer and more efficient rehearsals, greater individual attention for students, and stronger preparation for performances as our program continues to grow. The Westcart Band is more than an extracurricular activity. It builds leadership, discipline, teamwork, and school pride while representing our community with excellence. By investing in an assistant band director, you are investing in students and in the long-term success of this program. Thank you for your time and your continued support of student success in Carter County. >> Thank you, M. >> Mr. Ree,
008what what year are you? >> I'm a junior. >> Okay. >> And how many did you say were in the band >> there? We have roughly 160 members right now. I want to tell you first and foremost um when students get up here to advocate for what they really believe in, it makes me proud to sit in this position because um you know it's not easy to be the first person to stand up here and talk to us. I know it's not. So I just want to tell you I'm proud of you and thank you for advocating for what you believe in. >> Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. >> It's hard at our age. >> Oh yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Clearly. >> Thank you. Thank you. And this Emily Go Lightly. Good
009evening, members of the board of education, Mr. Pal, and members of our community. My name is Emily Gollightly, and I am the secretary of the West Carter High School band boosters. I'm also a band parent of two percussionists who have come through this program. And tonight, I'm here because band changed my life. My husband and I are high school sweethearts who met in the band room more than 25 years ago. Today we still play music together in the community sunshine band. Band gave us more than music. It gave us discipline, belonging, confidence, and a lifelong connection to our community. That is the gift we are trying to protect for today's students. Right now, approximately 160 students in the West Carter band program are supported by one director. That number should stop us in our tracks.
010Marching band is not a quiet elective. It is a physically demanding, high-risisk activity. Students rehearse for hours in heat and humidity, carrying heavy instruments, moving in complex formations, and trusting the adults in charge to keep them safe. One person cannot monitor heat illness, injuries, equipment, instruction, and student emergencies all at the same time for nearly 200 teenagers. When one student needs help, supervision of the rest is compromised. That is not a hypothetical risk. It is the reality of this program today. But safety is only one part of the story. Band is where many students feel seen for the first time. It is where they learn to show up early, stay late, push through adversity, and support one another. Research shows that students in music programs earn higher grades, attend school more consistently, and experience lower
011levels of anxiety and isolation. Band keeps kids connected, especially the ones who need connection the most. And yet, without adequate staffing, that lifeline is stretched dangerously thin. This is not about asking for more than we need. This is about asking for what's responsible. We should not wait for an injury, a crisis, or a burned-out educator to tell us what we already know. Once a program like this begins to decline, it is far more expensive and far more painful to rebuild than it is to sustain. West Carter has something special. It has students who show up like Dylan, families who give their time, a director who gives everything he has. Now, the program needs you. Adding an assistant band director is not an enhancement. It is a commitment to student safety, academic success, mental health, and
012the strength of our school community. Tonight, I ask you not just to support the band, but to stand up for the students who are a part of it. Please choose to act. Please choose to invest. Please choose to protect what matters most, our children. Thank you for your time and your leadership. >> Thank you, >> Christina Fulture. Good evening board members, superintendent, and members of our community. My name is Christina Fulture and I am the West Carter at Bands and Ensembles booster president, a band parent of a senior that is in the band and color guard, and a former band and color guard student myself. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm here to talk about something that often gets reduced to a line item in a budget that in reality is much
013bigger than that. A thriving band program. Right now, our band serves exactly 153 students and is being led by one single band director. That number matters because when a program of that size is underfunded and understaffed, the impact is felt every single day by students, families, and the wider school community. For students, band is not an extracurricular. It is their reason for coming to school. It is where they find belonging, structure, and purpose. It's where students learn discipline, teamwork, leadership, and accountability. Our students show up early. They stay late. They balance academics and rehearsals, performances, competitions, and community appearances. And they do this while being guided by one director responsible for instruction, logistics, performances, equipment, travel, communication, and student support for 153 children. That is not sustainable. Without adequate funding and staffing, opportunities disappear. Equity
014suffers first. Talented students walk away not because they lack commitment, because the system can no longer support them. A strong band program strengthens the entire school. Band brings energy to football games, ceremonies, graduations, and community events. They build pride for students, staff, alumni, and families. When the band thrives, the school feels connected. When it struggles, something vital is missing. And the impact reaches far beyond the campus. Band programs are one of the most visible connections between schools and their communities. Parades, community events, and celebrations depend on student musicians. When brand programs are weakened, communities lose shared traditions that cannot easily be replaced. This is not about luxury. This is about capacity, equity, and sustainability. A program of 153 students cannot thrive long term with one director and limited resources. Once a program declines, rebuilding it
015is far more expensive and far more difficult than sustaining it in the first place. Directors burn out. Enrollment drops. What took years to build can be lost in a single single budget cycle. We have seen this happen over and over in our state with programs that were highly successful withered down to 20 to 30 band members today. When we talk about preparing students for the future, the arts must be part of that conversation. Music education develops the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally. It keeps students engaged, connected, and invested in their school. So tonight, I ask you to view the West Carter Bands and Ensembles program and other music programs in our county as essential, not as an add-on, but as a cornerstone of student success and community pride. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Dylan
016Livingston Keer. >> Hello. My name is Dylan Livingston Keer. I'm a proud graduate of Westcart High School and I was a member of the Westcart band for four amazing years. As a drum major like Dylan was, I saw firsthand how much went into making sure each and every band student was set up for success and able to thrive. Additional staff for the band is needed for the program to continue to positively impact students in the profound ways it already does. I can speak for myself and say that I would never have gotten to where I am today without the experience and support from the West Carter band program. Having additional staff to help with the growing and thriving program not only makes the experience better for students, it also includes the community and everything keeps
017that going. The connection we have with our community. Thank you for your time today listening to us all. And I hope that hearing this impact the band program has had on both past and present students allows you to see the importance in protecting our future future students by giving this band program what it needs. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Lita Cunningham. I think I have the the privilege to maybe uh close out this group. Good evening, members of the board of education. I appreciate the opportunity to speak tonight. My name is Lita Cunningham and I'm here to speak in support of increasing the public school systems investment in the West Carter High School's bands and ensembles program. I'm the vice president of the band boosters organization there and honored to follow the eloquent speakers
018and dedicated volunteers who went before me. I have two students at West. One is a freshman member of the Scholastic Leaders Academy, cross country and track teams, and Student Government Association. The other is a sophomore member of the Scholastic Leaders Academy, a prize-winning horseback rider, and an accomplished musician on the clarinet, bass clarinet, and tenor and baritone saxophones who is active in the West Carter marching band, symphonic band, jazz ensemble, and jazz combo. They are high achievers for sure. I credit their successes in large part to their band education. Ban taught them to work hard, try new things, learn from their mistakes, and support others. Ban taught them to manage their time. Ban taught them to show up, to focus, to keep commitments even when other opportunities seemed more appealing in the moment. Ban taught
019them to care deeply about their community. band taught them the hard the value of hard work and the value of a dollar. Given how many of them it takes to rent or purchase an instrument, get new shoes to march in, new reads to play on, how very many dollars it took to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington DC to perform as part of the headliner band in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade as they did last April. I'm a single mom. My kids understand how precious time is and how valuable their mom's time and money are to both their experiences and making those experiences accessible to all kids whose parents may have less time and money to give. Which is why I'm here tonight. The West Band program needs your help. Our band director,
020Andy Wright, who is right there. He's been talked about a lot tonight. Uh is fantastic in all the ways you've heard. And he is one person leading a program of 153 students, often all in the same room at the same time with no additional support. This has created significant challenges last fall when on three occasions he had to tend to a single student emergency leaving the rest of the class led by other students. In my seven months on the booster board, I've watched countless times as a very small group of parent volunteers and the director himself set aside other work commitments, personal needs, and muchneeded time with family to address pressing band needs. This is not safe and it's not sustainable. people are burned out or they're burning out, threatening the quality, even the survival
021of West's band program as we know it. I often wonder what football games would be like, what Veterans Day would be like, what the holidays would be like, especially what the Crystal Coast community would be like without West Carter at band since that it is by far the largest and most decorated school band in the county and a central hub of activity for much of the county's musical and performance education, wisdom, experience, and vision. I invite you to wonder what that might be like as you consider difficult budget priorities in the coming weeks. West desperately needs an assistant band director and more operating funds. And I urge you to please put these needs at the top of your list so Carter County students, their families, and community members can continue to look forward to stellar
022musical performances, education, and experiences that benefit us all. Thank you. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Up next, we have a notice of public input. Um, this is our notice of public input opportunity on the 2026 2027 budget. The Carter County Board of Education invites parents and citizens to provide input regarding the school systems 2026 2027 budget. A public comment session will be held during the regular meeting of the board of education Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. The meeting will take place at 107 Safert Drive, Bowfort. Individuals wishing to speak during the public comment period must sign in no later than 10 minutes prior to the start of the meeting and each speaker will be allotted three minutes to address the board. While public comments may cover a range of topics, the board is particularly interested
023in input regarding budgetary priorities. Speakers are encouraged to share their thoughts on areas of needs, items to include or exclude and suggestions for improvement within the school system. To ensure an efficient use of time, groups with shared interests are encouraged to designate one representative to speak on their behalf. We value your input and look forward to hearing from the community. That sounds really bad to read right after you went, but I promise we will take into account everything you just said. [laughter] >> And you beat everyone to the punch. >> Yeah, you just beat everyone. I was like, this sounds awful now. >> Yeah. Thank you. Um, up next we have meeting um approval of the consent agenda. Do we have a motion? >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.
024>> Motion by Miss Wheatley. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. and a second by Mr. Chambers. All in favor? Perfect. Up next, we have um the academic school calendar for [clears throat] 2026 2027. >> Thank you, Just coming back to you again tonight from where we presented in December. um with only a notable change is May the 7th was added as early release day. That's our um celebration of excellence for our county employees. So we added that day and then one of the dates um we double numbered it. So we actually have 171 days in the calendar for next year. >> Can you repeat that last >> 17? We had 170 when we presented in December, but we had numbered two days as 52. >> So, it was actually 171 days, which actually
025helps us when we look at some >> inclement weather. Yeah, absolutely. >> Okay. Thank you. [snorts] >> I feel like I'm you're going to get tired of this question, but is there still a way to bring that vac the workday to January 4th? And obviously, other board members may have different thoughts. I know it would have to move one of the work days from the 14th to the 19th. Um but is there any other implication for doing that? >> We've looked at that and there is not. Um as we've looked at it, it would push back obviously so that you would have right now if you looked at it a high school schedule would have three days to review and then typically would be able to get rid get done with all of their EOCC's
026during that Thursday and Friday, the seventh and the eth. putting in the fourth will push that and split that exam window. So that they would exam window would not start until the 8th which they could have EOCC's on and then most likely not coming back from a weekend on a so it would push them over to that Tuesday which would put them later in that window fiveday window for high schools. >> And I only asked for that because I know that's something elementary and middle school have asked for repeatedly is that workday back that they had last year. Um, I don't know what anyone else's thoughts are on that. >> Well, I'll tell you my thoughts. We wouldn't be having this argument if the people in Raleigh did not pigeon hole us into a ridiculous
027calendar parameters. Um, again, I want to thank you for the effort you and your team have put into this calendar. Um, I know it's hard every year and I know we reach out to our uh staff. Our elementary teachers want one thing, our high school teachers want another. And again, it creates tension. It's it's tough to work with and I appreciate everything you do. Um, anyway, I get fired up about this. I I you know so with that said I'm not going to support any of our calendars tonight but I will tell you that as a parent who had students who just graduated for all practical purposes from a parents perspective the longer Christmas break was not fun. Um they I felt like they were at home forever and so I would probably not support
028moving uh a workday to to the fourth. So that's just my perspective. I might have said different if you had asked me yesterday too. >> Right. >> I know. Sorry. >> Um we've discussed Katie and I talked about this and I would prefer to keep the fourth as a regular starting date for um Janu January 4th as a regular starting date and not have that. And I believe if you know if we do come to an agreement that if it is work day that it should be a mandatory work day, not optional. >> Not opposed to that, but I don't know what the numbers look like to make it mandatory. >> We could make that happen. >> Not opposed to that. >> It's not my favorite. >> Um I feel like for parents by that
029point in the time frame, we've had two full weeks off. And I think that most people, this is just my opinion, um, most people typically have off during those periods. Um, and I feel like by January 4th, people are getting back to work and not necessarily the the high school, you know, kids, they can think for themselves, but as elementary students, I think that it's helpful for parents to be able to get back to work by January 4th. I would have to, you know, as far as my opinion goes, I think the same thing is not making it a mandatory work day. just um have a regular work day. >> A work day or >> you're saying you make it an >> op, pardon me, school day for people that have regular work days, I
030guess. Because you're, you know, you do want to get back to work and uh after the long weekend from the um you know, from the um January 1st, I think is, you know, everybody's ready to get back to work and get their kids in school. So, I would have that as a mandatory um school day. Not a mandatory. Um, yeah. >> School day. Yeah. Excuse me. >> Okay. Do we have a motion on the calendar? >> I'd like to make a motion to approve the calendar as presented. >> I'll second. >> Motion by Miss Wheatley, a second by Mr. Chambers. All in favor? >> All opposed. >> Thank you, board. >> Thank you. And now we have uh Mr. Propes. Good evening board. >> Um the policies uh just second read policies tonight. The policies
031uh come for you uh from the school board association's fall 2025 update packet. Uh these revisions reflect changes in state board policy, federal and state legislation and judicial precedence established in case law. There were no changes to the policy since first read. So I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about those policies. I do want to reserve one comment after you uh make the decision of how you want to approve those policies. >> Okay. >> Speak about the regulation that's before you as well. >> Okay. Absolutely. Um do we have any questions or discussion? >> Do we have a motion for these policies? >> So move. >> Motion by Mr. Jenkins. Do we have a second? Second. >> Second by Miss Wheatley. All in favor? >> Thank you board. I usually talk
032to you about regulations during the first read of policies. We don't have first read policies at this time, but I do want to highlight the fact that we are bringing 3420 back to you forformational purposes. After we you saw that last month, after you saw it last month, we looked at that policy and saw that there was one error in it that we needed to fix. And to make sure that the language is compliant with the regulations of the state, we made a few changes. And again, it is just to meet the requirements of the state. So, if you have questions about that, >> to refresh my memory, what's this regulation and what? >> So, that was the credit credit recovery program. >> Credit recovery. Okay. >> Yes. And so, um, previously the credit recovery
033program, and Jody, correct me if I'm wrong. >> Previously, you didn't get a grade. Now, you do get a grade, but it is averaged with your previous grade from that course. So, >> pass fail. >> Correct. >> Okay, >> that is correct. >> All right. Thank you very much. Mr. Taylor for bond project updates. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Um, so the punch list continues at West Carterette. Um, they are uh beginning to work in the auditorium on the renovation there and uh again, just to remind you the completion date would be around March, hopefully early March. Um, they're continuing to test and balance the HVAC system, so we know that's not perfect, but they continue to work on that. Um, at Eastart High School, the art room is finally complete and occupied. Um and
034they are continuing to work on punch list items there also. So that's it. >> Still with you if you have any closing comments. >> All right. U good evening. Um happy new year. I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas break. Um I'd like to take a moment again to recognize our board members during schoolboard appreciation month. Your continued dedication and supporting uh the students and staff of Cart County Public Schools is sincerely appreciated. Um, and as a reminder, we encourage public to share their comments regarding the 2627 school budget at our next board meeting, Tuesday, February 3rd at 6 PM. Um, this will be an opportunity for the community to provide input into our budget process. Um, lastly, I look forward to um a productive second half of the school year. We're
035very fortunate to have great uh teachers and students and families and we're looking forward to a a successful spring semester. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Do we have any board member comments? >> Do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> A motion by Miss Wheatley. Do we have a second? >> I will second. >> Second by Mr. Jenkins. All in favor. And I should have said our next regularly scheduled board meeting is February >> 3rd at 6 PM in the boardroom. Thank you. >> Thank you'all for coming.