001Angel [singing and music] [chant] of God by name. Oh tidings [singing] of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. Oh [singing] tidings of comfort and joy. [singing and chant] [applause] >> [clears throat] >> Deck the hall with vows of laarald [singing] La through the ancient I La [singing] passes laes [singing] La sing [singing] all together. La of the [singing] wind and weather. La. [singing] [applause] That concludes Wow. [applause] >> That's super. Thank you so much for the carolers from West Carterette who um conducted under Mr. Jeffrey Danielson. Um I do want to note there is a full quorum at this meeting. Um I'll now welcome Mr. Holt to introduce um for the pledge. >> All right. Thank you so much and good evening. We bring two fine cadetses to lead the pledge. So we have executive
002off officer Chase Samo and commanding officer Chris Zacharias Lopez. >> Please join me in reciting of the pledge. >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> And if you'll come forward, we have Watch your >> great job. Thank y'all. [applause] >> [clears throat] >> you'll remain standing. Mr. JD Davis from Glad Tidings Church is going to give our invocation. >> First off, just on behalf of Glad Tidings Church, we want to thank you guys for what you guys are doing, what you guys have done, and what God's going to use you for in the coming days. Let's pray. Father, first and foremost, we want to thank you for who you
003are, Lord. That you are a way maker. You are a mountain mover. You are good even when we don't deserve it. And so, Father, we want to invite your presence into this meeting, into our schools, and in our community. Therefore, God, we just ask for your protection and your provision. God, we ask for discernment in the midst of difficult situations. We also ask Lord that you would give us wisdom in the everyday decisions. Lord, we thank you. We thank you for the individuals in this room that are dedicated to making an impact and making a difference. And it's all possible because you made the ultimate difference 2,000 years ago. Lord, we trust you. We invite you into this meeting with open arms. And we welcome you and we give it all to you and everyone
004who loved the Lord said together, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Thank you, John. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate. [clears throat] >> Now it's over to Mr. Taylor. In accordance with the Carter County Public Schools Board of Education policies 2200 and 2210, an annual organizational meeting for election and qualification of officers will be held regularly at the regularly scheduled December meeting. The chair of the Carter County Board of Education shall perform all duties required by law um or by board policy for the office. Shall preside at the meetings of the board, execute all documents on behalf of the board as approved by the board. approved um approved the proposed agenda for board meetings as prepared by the superintendent and perform any additional duties as authorized by the board. The chair shall have the same rights
005as all other board members, that is to introduce and/or second any motion or resolution to participate in discussions and to vote on all matters in accordance with the Robert's rules of order. So nominations are now in order for the chairperson of the Cordic County Schools Board of Education. >> Mr. Mr. Taylor, I would like to nominate Miss Katie Statler to remain as our chairperson for the upcoming year. >> Second. >> Okay. Um, so there's a nomination in a second. Are there any other nominations? Okay. Um, I'll ask for a vote. So, um, I'm trying to keep up with the script. Since there's only one um nomination, then we will vote. Those um in favor, raise your right hand and say, "I." >> All right. It's unanimous. So, now we'll turn the meeting over to our
006newly elected chair, Miss Katie Statler. >> Thank you all. Um now, we will nominate a vice chair. I don't have a fun script. Um but do we have any nominations? >> I'll nominate Clark Jenkins. >> I will. >> Perfect. Do we have a nomination and a second? Um, do we have any other Nominations closed. All in favor, raise your right hand. >> Thank you. >> You're in. >> Fantastic. Thank you. >> Perfect. We are now going to recognize, back to fun stuff, the North Carolina Honors Chorus High School students. Um, we have Okay. Cooper Coleman from East Carter High School. Charlie Morris from East Carter High School. Isaac Moss, East Carter High School. Thomas Murray, West Carter at High School. And not present because they do have a concert this evening are North Carolina Honors
007Chorus High School students Erin Mackey, Jasper Kelly, and Ryan Shusco, and Adeline Taylor all at Croatan High School. >> [applause] >> Y'all are going to sing, right? [snorts] Congratulations. [clears throat] >> Good job, guys. >> [clears throat] [snorts] >> Thank you. >> We lost everybody. >> I know. No one stays for [laughter] >> Hi everybody. >> See you later. >> Perfect. And we're back with Mr. Taylor. >> So, good evening. Um, it is my pleasure to present the board of education with the gold bell award that signifies that 100% of our board completed at least 12 hours of professional training between July 1st, 2024 and June 30th of 2025. So, good job board. UM, [laughter] [applause] guess y'all get a picture with your >> All right. Oh, [laughter] >> why would we let Katie get
008the picture? We'll see. >> Why would you stand right here? Thank you so [laughter] much. >> You all stand up. >> Are we really? >> I'm not [laughter] doing it by myself. >> Come on. Look at us. >> Tabby would be so proud. [laughter] >> I'll be a little more professional. >> Thanks, Tabby would be so proud. A gold bell with a gold. >> Expect that to be in Richie's office. >> All right. On to item two. Do we have the a motion to approve the meeting agenda? >> I'll make the motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. A >> motion by Miss Wheatley. Do we have a second? Second. >> Second by Mr. White. All in favor? Now it is public commenting. It is now time for public comment. Anyone present tonight wishing
009to make 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 state his or her name at the beginning of his 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. It will then beep a final time when your time is up. For 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
010session at a later date following consultation with the superintendent. Much information about individual 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 occasionally to request clarification. And our first speaker tonight is Miss Melissa Rose. Hello. I apologize for my outfit. I'm get going to work right after this. >> You're good. >> Perfect. >> Good. >> Uh, good evening members of the board. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak tonight. My name is Melissa Rose and I'm the parent of two West Carterette High School students, one of whom is very involved in the band program. I am here to share
011just how truly exceptional the program is, not only in the recognition it has earned, but also in the profound impact it has on our students, our school, and our community. Earlier this spring, the West Carterette band achieved an incredible honor being selected as the headliner band for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC. This was nationally televised and our parade feature in particular was viewed over 66,000 times on our Facebook page alone as well as countless times on local news sources including WCTI and WITN. The West Carter color guard was elated to be part of a commercial breakaway on Good Morning America with ABC anchor Gio Benetz the morning of the parade. Being chosen for this event was a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication of our students and their director Andy
012Wright. Performing at such a prestigious event is a reflection of the excellence within this program. For our students to be recognized on a national stage is an unforgettable experience that speaks volumes about what is happening right here in our school and in Carter County. In fact, after we returned from DC in April, Lockwood Phillips of the Carter News Times wrote an editorial with the headline, "Wh Marching Patriots parade as the county's best." I'm gonna hand one of these to you guys. Oh my god, I have a minute and a half. [laughter] Mr. Mr. Phillips stated, "The band's performance was a great example of what students are learning outside the classroom and the variety of extracurricular activities and in the process they are posing as ambassadors for the county." In addition to this national recognition, the
013West Carter band also shines at the state level. Can you tell I'm rushing? They have consistently received superior ratings at the North Carolina Music Educators Association Music Performance Adjudication, the highest possible recognition in North Carolina. These ratings are not just a manifestation of their musical talent, but also the discipline, teamwork, and commitment these students bring to everything they do. To earn this level of recognition year after year is a remarkable achievement and a direct reflection of the outstanding instruction they received from Mr. Wright. The program continues to grow and involve evolve. This year, West Carter enrolled an astounding 160 students in band. We also added an additional jazz band, giving even more students the opportunity to explore jazz music. And we now have a highlevel performing jazz combo which also received superior ratings last year
014at MPA showcasing the advanced skills and artistry of our most talented students. These musicians are learning to master one of the most challenging and technical genres of music and their performances are nothing short of spectacular. The jazz combo was the only student musical group chosen to perform at the Carter Education Foundation Gayla in November and I saw some of you there. They received compliment after compliment and I was there as a chaperone that night and I heard so many people say that the jazz music was their favorite part of the evening. It is this sense of community and opportunity for personal growth that is at the heart of West Carter band program. Oh, I'm so sad. I have the best yet to come. >> Okay, thanks. >> You guys are great. Um, it's just like
015a tiny bit. Students learn not only how to play their instruments, but also how to collaborate, lead, and push through challenges. These are skills that extend beyond the band room. Whether they go on to pursue music or not, they leave the program with a strong sense of who they are and what they are capable of achieving. Westgart bands fill our school and county with pride and spirit. This is seen in everything they do. Football games, parades, fundraising, gayas, jazz band performances, and Christmas concerts. As a parent, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that the band program has provided my son. As a community member, I ask for your continued support for this extraordinary program. West Carter at bands provides students with life changing changing experiences, opportunities to excel, and a place to belong. Thank
016you so much for your time and attention this evening. >> Thank you, >> Miss Rose. I just want to say you're my most favorite parent in the world. >> Oh, thanks. >> I I encourage you to keep championing these young people and um don't don't give up on them and keep doing what you're doing. I appreciate you so much. >> Thank you. I'm an avid volunteer. you'll always see me around and >> um keep us in mind, you know, next budget season and everything. [laughter] >> Yeah, >> we will. We will. >> Thank you so much. >> Mr. Scott Cucer, hopefully I said that right. >> And thanks for letting me let go. >> You're good. [clears throat] >> Good evening and thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak about the West Carter
017bands program. My name is Scott Coachera, former science teacher at West Carter and currently a volunteer band dad. Music performance has always been a big part of my family. I started playing the drums in the third grade, but not because of any school programs. It was my older brothers who inspired me to play in a band with them. Now I have two sons that have developed an interest in music at a young age. Unlike me, they benefited from excellent music instruction in public schools. We are thankful for the teachers who inspire our children. The reason I'm here today is to remind you of the valuable resources currently supporting music education and I want to encourage your consideration to enhance those resources. I realize the budget 2026 2027 discussions are not on the agenda for tonight's
018meeting. My goal instead is simply to keep music programming and education on your mind for next year [clears throat] because the successes of the past can continue and grow with support from families, the community, and you, the board members. My sons began their musical journeys with Miss Jackie Scherzer at Tiller, Mr. Jason Robinson at Morehead Middle, and Andy Wright at West. They inspired musical excellence to the degree that my sons and many of their cohort achieved top awards including first chair positions in the allstate jazz band, concert band, and symphonic bands. Learning music taught them life skills like time management, teamwork, and how to take and give constructive feedback. I remember sitting in the audience at UNCC Wilmington Music Hall to hear the middle school state jazz band playing some highlevel compositions. The boys and
019girls on stage worked hard, had fun, and made great friendships. Since then, these kids have been asked to perform at local events like Toys for Tots Christmas fundraiser, jam sessions at local restaurants, and the Marty GR fundraiser at the Dunes Club. The community is realizing the potential and the value of having excellent music education in our county. More and more students are joining in as evidenced by near record numbers of participation in all the West Carter bands for the school year. But as the bands grow, the available resources are stretched thin. That that's why I choose to step up and become a more active volunteer with all the other band moms and dads to find ways to promote the events, encourage community involvement, and create awareness of this valuable resource. Some upcoming opportunities to see
020outside standing live music include the holiday festivals and parades. Uh the Newport parade, the Christmas parade, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, and a jazz combo at Mugshot. A busy year, end of year schedule, and they're just getting started. Once again, I thank you for giving me the time to address the board. My goal was to actively participate as a volunteer, highlight the extraordinary music opportunities that we all enjoy thanks to your past budget support. My hope is that the allocation of support and resources from the board next year is proportional to the growth of our band students interests, talents, and commitment. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Lastly, Mr. Dan Kelly to follow. It's >> all right. >> [clears throat] >> Richie and I have done a lot of talking in the
021past couple years about what's gone on with teachers and some of the things we've seen happen in the last few years is inspiring with the level that our teachers have attained as far as their ability to teach. And there's unfortunately some abilities they don't have and that's the ability because of their salaries to some of them to be able to afford to live in this area and others unable to do the things that they would like to do. So Richie and I talked about the time has come now and Katherine has heard her husband some of what we've talked about because Kyle Gardner also helps and we we lost a councilman because the town has also become in this past are very derisive. And Bucky Oliver informed that he was not going to return to
022the council, but he was going to find a way as an individual to still make the same effort to support doing what's necessary for the citizens in our community. As soon as he made that statement, Kyle and I both said that we would step up with him and get involved to help. So that also concerns funds, money, what we're going to do, how we're going to do it. And uh I recall just and this may be over four minutes, but now you there's nobody else behind me probably and meeting doesn't get over till 7:00. God help you. [laughter] Anyway, what we have talked about is why can't our teachers afford and I'm not talking about just our school system. I'm talking about teachers all across this state. Why can't they afford to do things I've
023always had a habit of keeping statistics, never knowing when out of my mouth the how can I help you will turn to that rather than just what I enjoy which is coaching them and teaching them and working with them in those respects. And as a psychologist, when I hit 87, they said, "Well, you did a great job on the field, and last year you stayed on the field to protect Jason when he was in a wheelchair, but now we've got to protect both of you. So, at 87, you're [clears throat] going to the press box." And uh I agreed with that because we all slow down at some point and I didn't want to find out whether I did or I didn't. So I wasn't going to waste time on that. But here's some things
024that are really terrible. The amount of money that this state has and how well and how cleverly it's hidden from all of the citizens. Uh there was enough money to take care of all the damage that was done by the storms. I know that when Chris went in replacing Jonathan Robinson, or actually Eddie at the time, that the first thing he did was the same thing that Jonathan Robinson did down east, is he got rid of the six years worth of trash that was sitting by the side of the road. And uh he jumped right in. And we just recently in the last few days there was a bunch of us that said if he ever stays around as long as Jonathan did that he'll probably be honored with something also because we know how
025much he cares. So hopefully we can start making an impact on what we have to do as a community to get the money active and circulating and not sitting around. >> Thank you, Mr. Lee. I think Clark and I would both love to sit down and speak with you if you have some ideas. Um I said Clark and I would both love to sit down and speak with you if you have some ideas. We absolutely agree teachers are underpaid. Well, I think the ideas are going to have to come from many directions, not just I've spent my life [clears throat] running companies and on Wall Street and the day I left Wall Street, they didn't know who I was, so I don't like to fill And uh I had a a mentor at one time
026that when he came over after he bought our company so that his Jack could become chairman of the board, he said he went back to my high school days to wonder why I was complaining. And he mentioned something about amensa and I said I'm Mensa not to be. [laughter] My wife never understood. She used to say, "Well, gee, because everybody works for you, I get all these catering jobs." And what I heard was, "Well, he told me there was six guys with doctorates that work for me and 42 with masters." And I said, "Here, not one of those people if we didn't live in small town." The factory was in Ashkosh, the last place I was. And that's the only place I stayed for more than a year because they wanted me to re save
027that company. And >> Mr. Lee, what I'd like for you to do is I'd like to sit down and talk to you in a more personal setting. We can do that any >> if you said you talked to Richie a lot. If you will get my my name is Clark Jenkins. If you'll get my name, I mean my number and my email and reach out and let's do something over Christmas. Let's do it soon. I'll come and sit down. We'll go to coffee or something. >> Right. Right now, the schedule in the next few weeks with Christmas coming up and everything else and the things we're committed to already is pretty high. If >> I'll just I'll tell you what. see if there's any time we could s give my contact information from Mr. Pal
028and I'll come personally and we'll I'll work with your schedule and we'll we'll work something out. >> I'll give you my phone number right now. >> Okay. What's your phone number, Mr. Lee? >> Right here. >> You've got we've got your phone number right here. >> Okay. >> It's 25 Well, I'm not going to say it [laughter] >> because everybody's listening on YouTube, but >> I think I've got it right here. So, um I will reach out to you and and then we will move forward and we will sit down and we will have a personal conversation and it will be great and I appreciate your >> get some other people involved with you also. >> You can bring anybody you want >> and I'll bring Katie. >> I'll be there. >> All right. I
029want to I want to go over some facts about why we have to work hard on this. Well, would we rather go real quick? Would we rather let's go over these facts in a personal scenario >> so we can sort of discuss them back and forth because we're not supposed to respond to these facts in this. >> I'm not asking you to respond to anything. >> But I would like to is what I'm saying. >> Well, you can do that when we're not in this >> but we're pass room >> when we get together. If you want to be part of group that >> Well, I I think what I think I I just want to make sure that we're staying within the parameters of >> I'm actually looking to see who in the school
030community wants to take a lead in making this happen because a lot of this is going to have to happen at the state level. And the older I got, the less my influence either in Washington or at the state level has stayed because I've heard that most of my friends, doctors included, are dying ahead of me. >> Right. >> And they're saying unbelievably that I may last to be over 120. >> Well, that's great. >> That's great. >> I used to say, "God, help me." Oh, I just say one day at a time. >> Thank you. >> But anyway, >> here's what we >> I think we need to move on because you're only supposed to have three minutes, but we'll we'll be glad to talk with you in a private setting. >> All right,
031that's fine. >> Yeah, I appreciate you coming out tonight. >> We're going to make it happen. >> Absolutely. >> We'll make it happen. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you for coming, Kelly. >> You're welcome. >> We appreciate it. Item four, um, consent agenda. Do we have a motion? >> I will make that motion. >> A motion by Miss Wheatley. Do we have a second? >> Second by Miss Chadwick. All in favor? >> Now we are to Miss Julie Bernotski for a budget resolution. >> Good evening. So, tonight we are presenting the budget resolution for the 2526 school year. Um, the North Carolina State Legislature has not passed a budget. So, I was holding out as long as we could to see if we could get a budget in
032place. Um, however, the latest words out of Raleigh are perhaps not to expect one this year. So that being said, we need to go ahead and get a budget in place and that is what you have in front of you now. [snorts] Uh even though the state legislature has not passed a budget, they have allocated money through DPI and DPI has given out amounts in the most fiscally conservative scenario possible. So there could be more money coming as the year goes on, but for now um it's pretty much the lowest amounts that they could possibly give in every PRC until we hear otherwise. So uh the first page of the budget resolution resolution is the local current expense fund and that is a total of 33.1 million. The next page is the state public school
033fund and that is a total of 59 million. The next page are the federal grants for a total of 5 million. Following that is the capital outlay fund with a total of 2.8 million and below that the child nutrition fund for 4.9 million. And on the last page, the special revenue fund for a total of 4.6 million. So in total, we are looking at just shy of $110 million for the budget this year. Um given the uncertainty with everything at the state level, I definitely expect these numbers to change and we'll bring amendments as the year progresses, but this is what we have for now. >> Thank you. When we were at state school board meeting, the senators up there were talking about possibly next summer, >> passing a budget. So, I wondered how that
034would >> um do we have any questions? >> Do we have a motion to approve the budget resolution as presented? >> Make that motion. >> Motion by Miss Chadwick. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Miss Wheatley. All in favor? >> Thank you. We have Mr. Blair Pro. >> Good evening, board. U before you, I've had some policies for second read. Uh these policies come from the North Carolina School Board Association's fall 2025 update packet. These revisions reflect modifications in state board policy, changes in federal and state legislation and judicial creative precedents established in case law. There were no new revisions to these policies since the last meeting. However, there's one clerical mistake on my part. Um, the agenda reads policy as child abuse and related threats to safety. Actual policy
035submitted is correct and the re the revision is actually 42706145 concussion and head injury. So, I mistakenly passed that along to Miss Bulla and and so she will correct that on the agenda. Mr. White caught it as well and I was excited that somebody was reading my policy. [laughter] >> You did? >> You know, I read your >> absolutely. >> I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. >> Do we have a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Motion by Mr. White. Do we have a second? >> I will second that. >> Second by Mr. Jacobs. All in favor? back to >> thank you very much. Uh first read policies. These policies are the remainder of the fall 2025 update packet except for one that will come to you sometime soon. Um these
036specific revisions actually just reflect state board policy changes and state legislation changes. Um nothing really of note to provide you for that one. Um additionally with the policies there is a regulation 3420 which is credit recovery program. This one is provided forformational purposes. The change in the regulation reflects a state board policy change requiring a numeric grade for credit recovery. Uh previously students would receive a pass or fail mark for credit recovery. Now a numeric grade is averaged with the grade originally received for the course. So that's why we made that change. Happy to answer any questions you may have. >> Thank you. >> Distick. Thank you, >> Miss McClenny. >> Good evening, board. Tonight, I'm pleased to share a limitless learners update that highlights student achievement, growth, and ongoing opportunities that are aligned with
037our strategic goals. The data you are going to see reflects the collective work of teachers, students, support staff, parents, administrators, everyone, and there's much to celebrate. So the first goal that we are going to talk about um is on how we increase the percentage of our student groups that are meeting or exceeding growth in grades 3 through 12 in reading, math and science. And important to note that growth is a measure from year to year. So it's where that kid came in that year, where they left at the end of the year, and it truly reflects the value our schools add through instruction. And so this goal ensures that we are constantly monitoring progress for every student, not just overall proficiency. On the screen, the the groups you see listed there are actual the groups
038that are reported for Carter County through our accountability model. Um there is a diverse group there and it's important that as we are analyzing data that we look at student groups to make sure we're using the resources we have in the most reliable way to make sure that every group and every student is progressing. I want to point out that this year we had increased achievement in 94% of our student groups. 94%. The only group that did not increase in their achievement was our homeless population. They decreased by 3%. I also want to point out that 94% is pretty remarkable. Last the previous year, the 23 24 year uh school year, we only had 28% of our student groups on an upward trend. So, in one year's time, with the increased focus and intention of
039everyone that works with children, we went from a 28% to 94% of our student groups improving their achievement. Um, I do want to also point out that we have two groups on that list that for the last four years have showed an upward trend. And so our economically disadvantaged students for four years have improved and our black student subgroup for four years are showing an upward trend. So there's much to celebrate there with how um how our students are performing. If we break that down a little bit further, when we look at the percentage of student groups in math, reading, and science, um you'll see four years of growth there. This past year in math, we had 90% of our student groups meet growth. The only group that did not meet growth um were our
040students with disability and only in two grades. So students with disabilities in grades four and six did not meet growth. Every other group met growth in math. When you look over at reading, we were down to 80% um this year. Again, our students with disabilities in grades three and eight. And if you think about grade three, that's a big jump for a kid. Um, in eighth grade is a huge transition. Uh, so those two grade levels did not meet in reading. And then our economically disadvantaged students in grades in reading in fourth, fifth, and eighth. Every other grade, every other group met growth. So again, 94% of our students um met or exceeded growth. So much to celebrate there. We're going to shift from growth to proficiency. And this is about ensuring not only are
041students making growth but are they meeting grade level standards and grade level expectations. And again we analyze every grade, every group, every subject to ensure that they are advancing academically. And I want you to think about this goal and that through the through a broader objective if you will. This is where we ensure every student leaves our system prepared for their next steps whatever their next steps may be. So let's look at the past two years just for um some some perspective on that. When we report all subjects, it takes all end of grade, all of end of course assessments. And this past year, our overall proficiency um was 68% a slight increase from the year before. When you look at end of grade test in grades three through eight, that includes reading, math, and
042science. Again, we had a slight increase there as well. And then our end of course exams which are math one, math three, English two and biology. Uh you can see an increase there. So we saw increase in achievement across the board um in that realm. To do a bit of a comparison, where do we fall in comparison to the southeast or the state? The state um is going to be your lighter blue on the left. The gray is the southeast region and the navy blue um represents the district. I'm not going to read all of these numbers to you, but you can look and see that Carter County is outperforming um the southeast region and the state across the board in all grades, all EOGs, and all end of course assessments. If you look at
043our um reading and science proficiency, I'm going to break down some numbers here. This past year, reading and 38, we were at a 62%. That was an increase of 2.4 percentage points. Our English two uh at a 69 was an increase of 1.5 science 5 through eight we did not increase we actually had a decrease there but I know why we had a decrease there we had new standards and last year was the first test >> where students it's expected across the state in fact the state did a whole presentation on what happened with the science scores we outperformed everyone in that um so even with the seven percentage points nothing for us to panic about there because when you look over at biology they actually increased and they too had new state standards and
044a new test. So we're moving along very well uh with the proficiencies there. Um again this is in comparison with the state the southeast region and us not going to read those numbers to you but you can take a look at that and know that Carter County has some really incredible things happening in our classrooms um thanks to the commitment of students, staff, administrators and stakeholders. Here we're going to look at math. Um, our math grades three through eight, uh, at 69% was an increase of 2.6%. Math 1, we did see a decrease of 3%. Um, we went from 61 to 58. But our math 3 increased from from uh 277 and that was a 3.2 increase. So, what I love about when you look at we're here, we had a dip, but we rose.
045Education isn't in a silo in a school. And so it's important that when we think about it starts in prek and we're going to get them across that stage and how we work together with transition and how instruction builds upon itself. So great things happening with math instruction as well. And again, I'm not going to say the numbers there, but you can take a look and see that Carter County is outperforming the state and the southeast region with that. The next slide is just a overall achievement for us in the district. As you went back to 2017, um last year of the 2024 year, we saw a dip. Um we recognized that we took it serious. We did some problem solving. Um and the commitment of our teachers and administrators of making sure we did
046what we need to do. We did get back up to 68% this year. Again, not going to read those numbers to you. They're awful small to see, but just to point out, um, I've said it once, I'll probably say it about seven more times before I sit down. We're doing extremely well and have much to be proud of and how we perform compared to others in the state. So, our performance uh compared to the Southeast region in the state continues to stand out. If you look at the Southeast region, we rank number one in nearly every tested area. There are a couple of number twos in there, um, but most of the most of those areas, we are number one. If you look on the right side, that is in recognition of 115 traditional school
047districts in the state of North Carolina. That's where we rank. Um, so again, these rankings demonstrate not only excellence, but they have consistency across content areas, across grade levels, and across schools. Um, when you look at ACT and Work Keys, I'm very proud of those numbers as well because those numbers really show that students are developing the skills they need for the next steps in their life once they leave us. So, great work there. I'm going to shift gears just one um little bit for this one. We've talked big picture, but let's talk third grade and why we have a goal about increasing the percentage of students that are proficient in reading by the end of third grade. And the reason why we have one of those goals is because this is one of the
048most predictive indicators of later academic success. Our elementary schools, we have a lot of resources, whether it's curriculum specialist, um where we can intervene early because research tells us if we do that, it's going to be greater predictors for their success down the road. And so when we look at third grade, uh the state of North Carolina uses a system called MClass. Uh and that is looking at everything from basic skills where I say kindergarten and first grade you're learning to call words you're learning to read and then when you shift towards second and third grade you're beginning to read to learn. Um this data helps us figure out what interventions we have what small group instruction what support students need. I am going to always thank our teachers for the work they did with
049our professional development with letters that ended in the summer of 2024. every new teacher that comes BT is required to have that M's level type commitment to work there. Um and then Dr. Brooks and I were in watching um a training today and the lady said, "Is letters working?" Well, the reality of it is is we shouldn't see results yet. We should see results in K1 this year. We should see instructional practices change, but we truly won't know yet the full impact until 26 27 years. So, is it working? Yes, it's working. But it's working because we're continuing to work it. Um, letters is not something you implement fast. Uh, we're very thankful that DPI gives us an early literacy consultant that works in our schools. Um, so we are excited to continue to see
050that work grow. And here is a chart that just kind of tells you where we've come in the grade levels um, for the last four years. If you look, second and third grade dipped a little, and I already alluded to that. K1, we're learning to call words. In second and third grade, we're learning to read to learn, but some kids aren't there yet. And so, we have to make sure that we're balancing every part of that reading framework. And the last goal that I'm going to talk about now, um, ensures that every student in our district has access to career and college ready pathways and planning. Um, this includes dual enrollment, industry cred credentials, pathway planning, and work-based learning. And so, just a few highlights on that. We had more than a thousand combined enrollments
051last school year through the community college um over the fall and spring semester. So our students have the opportunity to take those classes. In our schools, students learned earned almost 4,000 industrybased credentials um which again shows real tangible skill development. Sorry, didn't mean to hit that. We continue to hold please. We continue to focus on career and pathway planning in our middle schools and high schools. And then we have work-based learning. We average about 80 interns a semester where our students are getting a credit. They're going out into workforce when businesses um learning on the job. And I do want to point out that our CAPE program, which is not that old, if you'll remember, we started with one partner, which was us. We now have nine partners and 126 paid interns. 126 students being
052paid to pursue passions and find out what they want to do in the future. And so these opportunities strengthen our workforce pipeline and give students meaningful real world experiences. And so I'm going to close very quickly for you as we look at everything that I just shared their celebrations. and and I I'm a broken record, but our district ranks third in overall proficiency out of 115 traditional school districts in the state of North Carolina. That is something to celebrate. Um we are in top 10. Yes, thank you Britney. [laughter] We are in the top 10 in North Carolina in reading math science, EOGS and math one in English two biology and we had increased overall proficiency reading math and biology. That's amazing. I'm most proud about this next point. We have talked for many, many
053years about our grad rate and how we improve it. Um, last year we had a grad rate of 87.5, the highest it's been in five years. So, we're improving our proficiency, we're improving in our growth, and we're getting kids to graduate and and we just want to continue to see that grow. >> 92% of our teachers met or exceeded growth during last school year. 92% of our teachers did that. And I really want to celebrate the fact that when when Richie talks about all, we mean all. And that's an emphasis on a student- centered whole child approach. We're not just teaching reading, math, and science. We're teaching the whole kid. And we have to keep that in mind as we we move forward. So, there's a there's a lot to celebrate there. I'm never going
054to be one that just talks about celebrations. There's always an opportunity to get better. Um, and as we look at that, we want to celebrate, but we want to we we want to continue to grow. And when I talked about grade levels that weren't meeting growth, we know that middle adolescent learner about fourth grade through 8th grade, um, is still having some challenges. So, we're going to deepen our focus on them. We're going to strengthen standard-based instruction and make sure we're expanding academic supports when needed. Uh, we want authentic student engagement. You'll hear us preach this in in this office a lot, authentic student engagement. We want kids engaged and to be there. We need to look at our strategies for our English learners and how we strengthen and support those. And certainly with our
055students with disability, how do we support those students, support classroom teachers in making sure that they meet their needs? Because ultimately our aim is to create a system where every student grows and every chu student achieves. And this last I'll leave you with this. A limitless learner isn't born. They're supported, challenged, and believed in by our system and the community it serves. It's a partnership committed to creating limitless possibilities for every student. And together, we are committed to continuing to provide that for every student that walks through our doors in Carter County. That's all I have for you. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. >> I love that we're at the top of the state and the region and yet obviously things to celebrate, but also plans to just keep getting
056better. There's no accepting that that's good enough. Great job, >> Brooks. And so many I I've got a question. Well, I've got some statements and some questions. [laughter] That's just sort of how I roll. I want to tell you thank you for you and your staff and everybody works for the school systems for first and foremost. Um I [clears throat] feel like like Mr. Lee says, I I feel like every year it's more challenging and every year y'all have to think more outside the box to create these results. And um to me that's special. That's a special group of people that's sitting here doing this every day. I come up here once a month and I walk in all disheveled and y'all are like presenting me this stuff and I'm I don't hear about it
057during the month and it makes me proud to sit up here and be part of what y'all do, even just the small part. So, thank thank you to all of y'all who do this and um any anything I can ever do to help, I mean, call me, you know, don't wait for me to come once a month. I mean, I'm here for y'all. So, thank you all. >> Next, we have a calendar with Mr. Mike McKay. >> Good evening, board. Glad to be able to come and share with you. It's seems like it was just a few days ago that we were here last year, but it's been a year. Um, just to share with you again, you you know this process, but just for the public in case they wonder how do we get
058to a calendar for Carter County Schools. It's not something that we developed here at the central office. It's not something that just the principles come together and do that. Um, we compose a video to kind of share the regulations, the law, the major points of that. That's then shared with principles. Principles then share that out with staff. Staff then looks at that, gives feedback to their um school improvement or school leadership team rep and that comes back to the principal. At the same time, principal is also taking that to their parent advisory and getting feedback at the same time for that. Principal then provides feedback to us in the cabinet through a document. I compile that information, bring it to the cabinet. Also, at the same time, we've done something a little bit different this
059year. We also reached out to Carter Community College. um I work on their um calendar committee. They're a few years out because of their requirements for that. Um so wanted to make sure we could align as much as possible, have some feedback from them. And then the cabinet makes a recommendation to the board looking at all of the input from the principles, the teachers, um the parents that have provided that. We know that, you know, when we look at a school calendar, we may say, why can't we just make one that works for North Carolina? I mean, excuse me. Well, for Carter County, let's say that um this past year, we've had a number of competing bills um that were passed by the North Carolina legislature in either one house or the other. Um Senate
060Bill 1754, school calendar flexibility, actually introduced by typically the proponent of not introducing any school calendar flexibility. I won't say a name, but anyway, speaking um with Representative Kieran's also shared that House Bill 121 and then there was also Senate Bill 104. Both of those basically said we're going to take all of the requirements out other than the minimum days and number of hours and give the control back to the local board where it used to be. Um but that is um statutory for general statute 115C um-84.2. What does that say in those requirements? basically the start date no later than the Monday closest to August the 26th. That is August the 24th for the 2026 year. We get a little bit of a because that's a Wednesday and we can push it back to
061that Wednesday, get a couple of more days. And I know you think what does a couple more days make? But it makes a lot of difference in the calendar. Um end date no later than the Friday closest to June 11th. That actually is June 11th for 2027. Covers at least nine calendar months. Must have a minimum of 85 185 days or 1,025 hours of instruction. In all honesty, if you go between August the 24th and June 11th, there is no way to get 185 days with the work days and days in total for the staff. That is for pay from the first day that staff reports to work, that's for 10-month employees, to the last day that they walk out of the building has to be 215 days. Um, school shall not be held on
062a Sunday. And Veterans Day, and it will come on a Wednesday this coming year, has to be given on the day of Veterans Day. It can't be given on a weekend tied to that. It has to be given on November the 11th. Other requirements when you look at that must have at least nine teacher work days. Those are a minimum of nine work days. Those can be optional or mandatory. A minimum of two work days where teachers may take accumulated vacation leave. In other words, there's two optional work days they can take off if they have leave. Minimum of 10 annual vacation leave days. Typically, those are Christmas and Easter. Those typically take up both of those. And then the same or equivalent number of legal holidays per the state personnel commission for state employees
063and that's 11 during our school calendar. So when you look at this calendar just to kind of give you some brief overviews of it. The number of days in each semester there's 85. They are balanced. We specifically asked our high school because there was some communication. Hey we really would love to have exams as we all would before Christmas break. How important to you is that? Do you want balanced semesters or do you want an imbalanced semester even slightly to try to get that? They all three high schools said a balanced semester. So they are 85 days in both. There are 23 work days, five of the county PD days, what we used to call red days. They're not called red days anymore. They're just mandatory PD days. Um, three school mandatory days. Those are
064mandatory days that you can't take annual leave and they are assigned to the school. They're not when we put on anything here for PD for those days. And then there's 15 that are optional or mandatory. And you see optional, mandatory as set by the SLT. The school leadership team with the direction of the principal can set those as optional or mandatory depending upon the needs of the school. So that's the reason those are designated that way. Annual leave days, there's 10. Christmas and Easter. Holidays, there are 11. Early release days, four. Number of days for students, 170. for staff 215 minimum number of hours 1,036 now that does give us 11 hours to play with and by play with I mean one day if we have um inclement weather so we've talked about that as
065a cabinet and really said we've got to make sure that we are ready with remote learning and we will uh emphasize that and make sure that we're there with our learning management plans um during the summer workshops with our principles and then also um in support of that as we start up the school year. Just to go through the calendar and look at it, come to August 10th, you have that first school mandatory day. School said, "Principles, give us that first date. Don't touch it. We want everybody to be here, but new staff coming into our building. I want to see their face first before you see them at any kind of PD." Absolutely. So, that's that school mandatory day. You see the rest of those days there are optional mandatory is set by the
066um SLT. the two red days which would be the start of the year what we would have called red days August 13th and 14th there that's the reason it says school man that's the reason it says mandatory work day students coming back on the 24th coming through first holiday there September 7th Labor Day coming into October looking at early release day there on the first and then followed up by a workday pairing that up there for parents hopefully to help out with that as well but also to give that time that if there's new implementation of new programs or that kinds of things at instructional strategies at the school. It's a good time to do that check-in at the school level with that early release day to have that time to do that and that's
067releasing three hours early. As you know, that's also the end of the first six weeks. Um, and each of the work days are at the end of either the first six weeks, excuse me, or the nine weeks, which was also a request of the schools. October 23rd. Um first of the nine weeks there, the mandatory work day. Um coming down and that would be our red day there that we've typically had in October. Um coming down November, you see the 11th there um Veterans Day again really strong almost all the schools said please we really that travel day is very important that Wednesday before Thanksgiving. So we put that there. Um Thanksgiving holidays there coming into December. Um, if you've been in elementary or middle school, high school is, but not quite as much. But,
068uh, elementary and middle, it's kind of hard keeping the roof on sometimes when Christmas breaks coming. Um, so the 18th, there's early release day going into annual leave and holidays there. Coming back on the 4th. The thing that you'll see different is we're not looking at two full weeks and then doing the red days after Martin Luther King holiday. The reason for that, you'll see in just a minute. We're trying to get, in all honesty, as a former high school administrator, you're trying to do review three days, hitting it hard with review, and then jump straight into exams. Is it the best? No. The best would be to be able to take them before Christmas, but we're working on that. Um, just the law hasn't changed for that yet. Coming into those two red days,
069switching semesters for high school, basically starting the school year over, January 14th, 15th holiday on that Monday, starting second semester on the 19th of January. coming into February the 10th, um having that early release day. Miss McClin, remind me that that's also tied in with kindergarten registration um there. And then February the 26 um optional work day again the end of one of those marking periods. March again, end of the marching marking period on the 26, Easter break. Some of our schools said, "Hey, can we have a shortened Easter break and then move to a later time?" We opted not to do that this year because when you look at the community college calendar, this is aligned with their calendar. If we have those high school kids that are dy enrolled, they've got to be
070still in class if we do that and switch that. So for this year, we left it where it was. Plus, you'll also see our ending time came up almost two weeks. Um, so we think that that's a good stretch and really coming into the last right before exams, we want to be hitting it hard as we can. um the April the 16th work day there again end of a marking period coming into May we would finish school before Memorial Day um well for students um so graduation would be that that 28th um school mandatory workday there and again two school mandatory day days there to wrap up the school year it takes a lot to get everything ready for the summer um early release day on the 27th work days than we typically have at
071the end of the year but you're either going to put them at the end or you're going to put them at the beginning because you can't put them in the middle if we still want to have a similar schedule. >> Other than the fact that we cannot take our exams before Christmas, which is no fault of yours or ours, I love this calendar. >> Yeah, [laughter] >> I think >> I really really love the Yeah, this this is I think as as shed up as we can get without, >> you know, doing anything crazy. >> Love it. And actually to keep us in the um realm of looking at that, reached out to Representative Karens and said, "Hey, if we asked for a local bill, because Senate Bill 754 didn't come over." She said, "Actually,
072let's talk in January." She said, "I want to find out where that's at." She said, "Can we take that up in the short session in January?" And she um but she's going to get back with me in January and talk about that or can possibly do a local bill, however board, you would need to request that. Um, but that would mirror Senate Bill 754, which would start us on the 17th of August and end up with our semesters before uh Christmas break. >> This is as pretty as it's going to get. >> The October 2nd too, I think, is seafood festival, which I know people have requested to not have buses driving through >> and it just happened to fall that way. We didn't intentionally do it that way, I must admit, but then when
073we looked at it, we're like, "Oh, yeah, that's that's that was good for that." I do have one question. Um, and don't tell my daughter because it's her birthday, but for I know the 14th, 15th of January is definitely the transition for high school. Is it possible for the 14th to be a regular school day and the fourth to be the workday? I know elementary and middle really loved that workday in with the holiday break and I definitely understand it's for semester change, so I respect that the high school has a lot to do. if they could utilize that day to catch up on grades and such, would that potentially work or no? >> There are a number of ours that have that requested that, but really when you look at that, you're going to
074bump then into that starting of the next semester. Um because you're going to bump that day down and you're going to end up with it being coming back that Tuesday after Memorial Day. >> It takes two consecutive days to successfully turn a high school. >> They've got grades coming got kids in the right classes. So, it's very difficult for high schools to do that. >> And then especially if you have students that for some reason or another do not successfully meet a course in the fall semester, getting them reregistered and getting them in the right courses um and making sure those schedules are ready to go. >> Okay, >> that's going to be a painful loss. >> We tried we tried to make that thing I would also like to um point out I am
075not going to support this calendar but it's not because of the work you did. [laughter] I appreciate the work you did that it's the principle for me that there's one man in Raleigh who supports surf shops over the education of our children. So I will not be voting to approve this but it's not because of you. I appreciate the work you did. I think we should all go to Riley and take our school buses [laughter] >> circle the building and not just our school system, every school system. >> Thank you so much. >> Perfect. And this is not final. We'll be voting next month. Correct. Right. >> Okay. >> Perfect. Um to Mr. Pal for bond project updates. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, so at West Carter High School, I' I've used the term
076punch list for several months now, and we're still on the punch list. A big project like that. You can imagine how many uh small things there are to clean up. Um, but we are still slated to start the auditorium project over Christmas break. And um there's a question about whether the seats will be in in time for the deadline, which we're hoping is the end of February, but that that's going to be the hold up if there is a hold up. But we're hoping to have that project done by the end of February. Um at East Carter High School, the culinary lab is complete and very nice. Been a nice addition to East Carterette. Um as at Croatan and West, um the art room is in the final stages of cleaning. They're putting in baseboards.
077Um doing um touchup. Um we're hoping the furniture comes for that room this week and we're hoping that project is complete before we go home for Christmas break. So we're very close. And that concludes my bond update. you. >> All right. Good evening, board members. Um, first, congratulations to our reelected chair and vice chair. Um, we look forward to continuing our work together um as we advance opportunities for all students in Carter County Public Schools. Um, I'd like to thank uh West Carter High School Bariton Ensemble led by Jeffrey Danielson for their holiday performance this evening. Um, congratulations also to Morhead City Middle School band and their director Jason Robinson for their outstanding performance at the 2025 NC Music Educators Association annual inconference um, inservice conference that was this past month in Winston Salem. Um,
078a great job by the Morhead City Middle School band. Um, thank you to Miss McClenny for sharing the data highlighting the excellent work of our students and teachers and the accomplishments over this past year. Uh, please note that today is special education day and I'd like to thank all the teachers and staff who work with their special needs students um with their diverse learning needs to help them thrive every day. I'd also like to congratulate all of our schools that received grants um today from the Big Rock Foundation on Giving Tuesday. We truly appreciate the Big Rock Foundation and their support for our schools and our community. Um hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Um, as we entered into the Christmas holiday season, I'd like to wish our students, staff, and board a merry Christmas
079and a successful new year as we continue working together to engage, educate, and empower all of our school community. Um, our next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 6 at 6 PM. And Mr. Chair, this concludes my comments. >> Thank you. Do any board members have comments? >> Okay. Just as Mr. Taylor said, "Our next regularly scheduled board meeting will be Tuesday, January 6th at 6 p.m. and it will be livereamed on YouTube. Do we have a motion to adjurnn?" >> Make that motion. >> Motion by Miss Wheatley. Do we have a second? Second by Mr. White. All in favor? Thank you.