001All right. Well, I'm showing six o'clock on everything, but the clock on the wall. So, we'll go ahead and go by the visual clock here. Everybody else's laptop six o'clock as well. So, we'll go ahead and call this. All right. Well, I'm showing six o'clock on everything. So moving on to order of education. Start roll. Next we got on the agenda of the [Music] 17 the summer readministration plan approval last March when was actually in April when we discussed that I had asked that we can do some thinking about that and look at statistics and it was my fault I didn't get up with Earl till too late to to discuss those uh statistics and what it looked like for this year. So, I'm asking that we move it to November 17th. So, he'll have
002time to get me those statistics that I requested. He didn't bing on last night. I didn't call till 3:30 today. I'm sorry. >> Do we have a certain time frame that needed to be through? >> He said December the 1st. >> Okay. >> We do have December 1st, but the as I understand it, the data that was requested is not something that we have that we actually have. >> Yeah. When we readminister the test, the proficiencies override each other. >> So there's no no way to >> that wasn't told to me last spring and I would I would like to discuss that anyway instead of putting it under consent agenda. >> Okay. We've proved it in the past. That's usually why we have them in consent or we've approved them in the past. >> Nothing
003nothing has changed except for >> so so really it's the timeliness. Um state sent out a memo September 25 I believe and gave us the option on options on what readministration would look like this year and then they've requested for u either the local boards of education to approve or disapprove and then for us to report that finding to them by December 1st. We've always readministered. >> We have >> I know we have, but I was my concern was how many kids are being readministered? That really it's not effective. And um and we were supposed to gather data to discuss that for this coming year. That was discussion in April. So um I would really like to know how many kids are being readministered. How many parents are saying no, we're not going to be
004readministered? those kinds of statistics to make a better determination whether you know if we're only remediating two to three days. How how is that affecting retesting is affecting that? We have some real reservations about putting these kids through another test >> if it's not helping and that's why I asked for that data. My can I ask question? >> Is it parent approved? Like the parents say that they want their child to be retested? It's not we're not making them take a rest. The parents are being >> correct >> another chance for the student to make up a better grade. >> Correct. >> Too often, but it does not help the student to have a better grade. They take the first one on everything. But I think the schools Mr. Please help me, Mr. >> I'm
005Pennington. >> Um, what do the scores help? >> It was the school plan, I think. >> Sure. So, so this year the way it's set up is if you test. So, last year the >> the state gave us an option and kind of sprang it on us at the last minute. That's what we presented in April. It was just a little bit different. This year they went ahead and frontloaded the testing and accountability department with uh you can readminister any student that's non-proficient within the five or 10 day testing window. Five day for high school EOC's, 10 days for the EGS. you have to be non-proficient. And that's that's rule number one. And rule number two is parent opt-in. Last year when we did this, we only tested students that were two to three points
006from being proficient. There was a couple situations. I think it was Blige, but don't quote me on that. There's a couple situations where the parents said, "My kids's five points off. They've always been a four or five. I really want them retested." And so we did that. We did two to three days of remediation. It was the request of the board that no one have I'm going to say fun time if you will that we didn't have a group of students remediating and and be ready for retesting and everyone else out doing fun stuff. So our school did a great job with that. they uh our administration took and we had eight dates right I think this is the last two days of school that we did the fun activities there but everyone was in
007remediation whether it be enhancement enrichment or remediation everyone did that >> but that's not this plan right this is for the summer school right >> so we have to take into consideration of what the testing windows look like and so students so Earl comes in Earl takes fifth grade math Earl fails fifth grade math Earl has one opportunity to readminister minister fifth grade math if my parents so want me to. I can reme I can re uh readminister during that 10day window or I can choose to come to come to summer school. The law says a minimum of eight days remediation but we always do 12 because that's coincides with our reach to achieve summer camp which is not included in what we're talking about now. And um then I can choose if parents so
008want me to uh again they can come to summer camp, summer school if you will and not readminister but uh most of our students do but everything is an optin from parents. >> So it's a parent's choice if they want to do it. >> Exactly. >> Okay. >> Exactly. >> How does the board feel that middle of the month or Are we going to gain anything by pulling it down? I don't see. I don't think we gain anything by pulling it down. >> We might gain some insightfulness. Um I I just have a problem with it being put in the consent agenda because we don't have the opportunity to really discuss it. And it's my fault that I didn't contact Earl earlier. uh it's been over a week, but I did not contact him earlier
009to get some of that information, which he says is no longer related. So, how are we to know if that's an effective uh strategy or not? Um I'm just not about kids taking tests for test sake and a lot of times we're doing that now. Those kids have free opportunity. We do checkins, we do the regular tests, and it's often our students that are uh struggling anyway who have to retest. And I wanted to know to what extent that was effective for those students and that's why I asked for that information last spring and that's why I'd like to discuss it further. Now, I don't understand why that information is not. Well, you said it took the proficiency. So in years past we used a program called windscan and in windscan I could go in
010select the date of administration and tell it to give me the scores proficiencies um as a for a group for a for example fifth grade language arts I can say give me a district fifth grade language arts proficiency for this given day and I could do that. Now we went to a totally new online reporting system uh through the state and when a student repeats it takes the higher of the two scores and gives you a proficiency. So unless we go back and drill down and I put a lot of extra work on our testing coordinators to say hey go back and look and tell me how many kids retested and readministered that we gave administration to it is going to be difficult but I can say that in most areas we increased two to
011three points in proficiency for the district and in some areas it was as many as six seven eight nine it just depended on that did not benefit from retaking the test >> again I haven't pulled that data >> see That's that's my concern. Is it worth it to retest it at all? Wouldn't have >> we wouldn't have that data regardless because it over it overrides with with the um highest test score. So we don't know if it's the same or whether it was higher or lower um the readministration because whatever the highest one remains in the system for each child and really it's parents you know parents choice >> and if they don't do it then they would have to come to summer school. Correct? If well then well then if they don't retest then
012there's no point of coming to school for some of the kids some of them some of it some of them have a full summer school and then they retest but we get two options what if a parent has a vacation already planned and they want their child to retest and and we do not I don't want to take opportunities with kids so it's not like we're forcing them to do it >> and there's no penalty so to answer your question, Miss Callum, you said, "What if a student is not proficient and doesn't come to summer school?" >> They just have a nonproficient score. There's no there's no penalty to it. Now, again, we're not talking about read to achieve legislative summer camp and and the good cause that whole that's a whole another chapter of
013the book, but we're just talking about EOCC's, EOGs, and regular versus readministration. >> And it could be high school. they can have to then completely re repeat the course and you know possibly put off graduation because those are required. >> Repeating an EOC course could give you a higher scale score, a 100 point scale score that could have an impact on that student grade and could push them into a passing grade. >> I don't see there's no reason to wait. I would like to make the request then if we're not going to wait which obviously um you know under the consent agenda I have real issues with consent agenda sometimes because we don't have a chance to discuss. Thank you for allowing us to discuss this but I want someone to keep up with the
014data for those kids that are testing and uh not making proficient to start with and retesting. I think that's important for us to look at. to see how our instructional plan is proceeding, how our testing is going. Um, I can't imagine not being able to pull up that information. We've had it somewhere or we wouldn't know which kids needed to, we're not proficient in which so that you know that's not available as I told you >> as I said this afternoon when you call It'll take a hot minute, but I'll drill down into it. But just from my short conversation, that will a pretty intensive thing. But if moving forward, if that's the request of the board, request of the superintendent, then that's what we'll do. >> We're giving them the opportunity. It's optional. And
015if they want it, it needs to be and it's following the guidelines. And I'm thankful that they've given you guidelines before April of how you're supposed to handle this. So, and it's not that different from what has been going on for 40 years in in this state with testing going all the way back, well, 30 years going all the way back to the 90s. So, I would also like to discuss policy 3200 more before we pass all of the policy. It's the only one that I have an issue with still. I would like to have more discussion. >> That that is the supplementary materials >> technology and the education program >> selection of instructional materials 3200. >> This is another example. These are all policies we already went over. >> That is a policy we
016have discussed, but a parent called me with some additional concerns that might apply to that policy and I'd like to redisuss some um some of the issues there. So, if you can let let us know that way we have the opportunity to research um but um that would be that would be great. I heard today. So I did it today. Did the work today. The phone call was this morning. >> We're still going through 3000s midmon >> on that. Um on there that >> is that something we can discuss at the next policy meeting? >> Absolutely. Can you send send the concerns to me now so I can do the appropriate research? Whatever that is, >> please. >> I will after the meeting. >> Yeah, that's fine. Yeah, thank you. >> I just want to
017make sure my team has the time to get the answers to whatever the questions are. Make sure I'm getting forward. >> Disagree on of course the meeting administration >> body [Music] policy 3200. You want to table that till next? >> If we can table it to the next. Is that the only one? >> Yes. >> On there. Okay. [Music] So from the consensus I'm hearing to approve the agenda is we will change the consent agenda basically to pool policy 3200 to discuss a bit of the special policy. >> I have a motion for such >> move that we approve the agenda with those um amendments. >> I have a second. >> A second. Any other questions or comments? All those in favor? Any oppos? Motion carries. Now we'll go on into open session. From there,
018the first thing on open session is the pledge of allegiance. Let's all stand together, please. stands nation, indivisible, liberty and justice for all comments from the super So, first of all, um gosh, it's November and boy, we're starting to feel it today, aren't we, with the with this wind tonight. Um I hear it's supposed to be beautiful the rest of the week. And we have some exciting um events happening, including um on Friday is our Veterans Day event. And so, we're really excited. did. Last year, we tried something uh different at Westwood Elementary School. Hosted a drive-thru parade uh with students, with all of our veterans. We're going to continue that. You know, sometimes when we're uh we're back and doing something different, uh great things come of it. So, uh, we'll start at Westwood
019Elementary School for the drive-thru and then, um, following, um, following that, that's at 12:45 is their drive-thru parade and then there will be refreshments at 1:00 at the high school and then, excuse me, um, then the program immediately following refreshments. So, we're really excited to be able to honor our veterans once again. Um and all of that will be Westwood Drive-Thru and then straight to the high school uh following that event. And the program um is coming along really nicely. So uh we have some we have a speaker uh that's actually in-house which we are excited about. Anytime we can honor fellow um employees who are also uh veterans uh is a great thing. And then of course you know my family, my son is a current uh service member. So, uh, very excited to
020do that. And Friday, um, we have all kinds of, uh, things on our, um, events. Our EC community support night is upcoming and so we're excited about another event. So, thank you for Terry and her entire team. This one is also um, at the high school um, and it's a combination. It's really secondary, so middle and high school. and they're going to showcase um some great things um from our middle and high school students who are exceptional and they're exceptional in many different ways. lots of opportunities that we provide um including transitions which um you know she'll be Terry and her team will be able to answer any of those questions while while there um National STEM day is upcoming and as you know we've had a lot more handson activities with our students um
021K12 really and a lot of opportunities with our community college and so we're excited um excited for that. Now that is a Saturday. Um so anybody's celebrating I know that there were some activities sent home and uh things online uh to participate but we're trying to increase those activities uh throughout the day as well. Monday is an optional teacher work day and Tuesday is Veterans Day. So as you know Veterans Day is uh legislated that we that we always have that as a holiday. Um could be a long weekend for families. Um, but Monday is optional teacher work day. Tuesday, all of our schools and offices will be closed in honor of Veterans Day. So, you can see there are lots of different things upcoming. I'm excited that there's a theater production. This is the
022first for um Ash County Early College and that's coming up the 13th, 14th, and 15th at the Civic Center. And so, a lot of different uh students who are participating in that. and so get to showcase uh not not just what they learned um but just their extraordinary skills. We've got some really talented kids here in Ash County. Um and that's at 700 p.m. at the Civic Center on the 13th, 14th, and 15th. 7:30. Well, I have 7 o'clock in here, so you'll have people arriving early. Um but it's 7:30 on those days. So, we're really excited about that. Uh we've got all kinds of things like uh Breeze has a leader in me breakfast upcoming um and their student lighthouse team is really exceptional. So I've sat in on uh quite a few meetings
023uh with it over the last couple of years with the student lighthouse team. They even sit down and do scholarship applications for high school students. So really the leadership that they exhibit um is fantastic. Um, we've got visits coming up now. Believe it or not, 8th grade visits to high school are upcoming. So, any mamas out there who were like me and, you know, worried about their child transitioning to high school, um, that's certainly something uh that they're looking forward to. Um, but that uh that's coming up right before Thanksgiving and then we're almost to the Thanksgiving holiday. I know we also have and this is really exciting too our spelling bee and uh the spelling bee is coming up on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. So that Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of course are uh
024largely off that Wednesday is the teacher annual leave day calendared for 11 and 12 month employees. So those were some uh upcoming things. November becomes that really busy month. Um, but I also want to um uh say this week um well actually last week is Sherry here today. There you are. She's hiding back there. There you are. So, um I know during the uh work session um we said a couple words about Kelly Hollowman and that is a tremendous loss for our district. And on the day um that she passed, AppState had sent an email to Kelly telling her that she had won um or received a grant award um for um and of course Kelly never got the chance to hear that. Um, but it's for our job shadowing for the middle school. And
025so when I received the call from Hannah to let me know that, hey, what do you want to do with with these funds? Are they going to be able to continue? And so I called Sherry uh Hinds and um anyway, it's going to continue. This $700 is going to be put to great use and we're going to continue the job shadowing program. Um, so instead of this week, the date is actually the first week of December. December 3rd, fourth, >> third. I was right the first time. So December 3rd. So we are um excited to get to continue that in Kelly's honor. And so um our our prayers are still with Kelly's family um and uh with the people at the middle school. Um but she did some great things and it continues to uh
026benefit our schools. So, I just wanted to um I just wanted to call attention to that. Um congratulations to a couple other people at our schools. Um Mountain View art teacher Jana Sparks presented two sessions at the North Carolina Art Education State Conference in October and represented um Ash County Schools very well. Um we have highlighted our school cafeteria teams and with their exceptional work and we have um Mountain View Westwood and Ash County High School cafeteria teams. 99 rating for Mountain View and 100% for both Westwood and Ash County High School. They continue to show excellence in everything they do. So, not only are they serving lots of meals um but they keep it clean and um meet the standards that we expect um that our school cafeterias would have. And so they are
027planting top trays of or planning plating the top trays of the week and uh we're highlighting some of those on social media. So look at our Ash County Schools website uh to see some of those great meals that they're serving. Amanda Estes, who's a second grade teacher at Blige Elementary School, and Tina Greer, ISS coordinator at Ash County Middle School and the high school, have been voted by their peers as October's employees of the month. And so, congratulations to both of them. Both of them go above and beyond. Um, and we are very thankful that they work for Ash County Schools. Um we have uh lots of things going on within our school nutrition department. I'm just thankful for Tammy um who uh keeps it running smoothly. Um but North Carolina Crunch and Farm uh
028to school menu day both part of the North Carolina Farmto month um was a huge success and students crunched into apples of all kinds. also enjoy Carolina burgers made with North Carolina grown beef and uh things like sweet potato cookies. Uh sweet potatoes, if you didn't know. Well, first of all, I read this as cookies are state vegetable, but it really doesn't say that. It says sweet potato um is our official state vegetable, but I read it cookies in my head. Um you see where I'm I'm going with that one. Yeah. Um, but anyway, we we serve some great meals and um I'm just really thankful for um our school and nutrition department. They really do work very hard. Um students and staff and volunteers um really made possible all the different fall festivals that
029have taken place. And now we're getting ready to come into our Christmas um uh festivals, including Second Chance Trees that's coming up. Uh Blige has their Christmas to remember. Um, we'll have Mountain View. I don't remember what you have coming up, but we have all kinds of different activities upcoming uh in December. Um, we highlighted National uh Bullying Prevention Month. Um, you might have seen that in our schools. Um, our high schools have been clipping each other uh with kindness. Uh some of our high school kids are going to share some of their things that they have done over the last couple of uh excuse me over the last couple of weeks since they were here last. Um but our staff members wore orange and of course if you think back to some of the
030things that we've done starting with our anxious generation and education of families. Um but our schools are really working hard to um provide an atmosphere where kids feel safe and feel heard. And so, um, and student leadership is consistently working on, um, ways that students can, uh, be seen in, uh, in their schools. The Lady Husky volleyball team, they were not only conference championships for the conference champions for the third straight year, but they've won they've made the fourth round of the playoffs, which is exceptional. And speaking of exceptional, Addison, who is sitting here to my uh to my right, um she placed fourth in the state for singles tennis. So, we are so very proud of her. I think that's the furthest anyone has gone in Ash County history um in tennis. So, congratulations
031to uh to Addie who uh was the silver medalist for the region, but she made it all the way to fourth in the state. So, exceptional. Um our JOTC Husky Battalion Raider Team is also exceptional. They brought home a first place overall victory at a competition hosted by North Iridel. And uh they were five teams including three allmale squad and ours is of course a uh a mixed squad or a co-ed squad. And so they dominated the field in the logistics relay uh the stretcher carry and the rope bridge. And they also placed second in the 5k group run and the truck pull. So if you want to see a hardworking group of um students that Raiders team is truly hardworking. Um, senior Huskys were recognized at the football game against West Wilks on October
03224th. uh the Ash County um Hall of Fame, the very first one for Ash County High School, whereas Dustin, that was a very nice event and um highlighted um four exceptional people affiliated with Ash County um high school, including a fairly recent graduate who um speaking of veterans and those who serve, has some um exceptional accolades at um at such a a young a young age of her career. Um, highlighting some other things, the newest group of Westwood ambassadors was recognized uh recently selected by their classmates and so kudos to uh that group of students and they're going to participate in um additional service projects and uh throughout the year to better our community. Um, Mountain View Elementary School had um participated in a corn maze fundraiser um for the school and Blue Ridge Elementary
033for the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helen. They made a special video um honoring um excuse me, honoring the compassion and the way the community pulled together. So, we're really proud of a lot of those things that have been going on and continue to go on, not just academically, but extracurricular for our students. And so, I'm going to turn it over. They have a couple of minutes to share some great things that are happening at our high school and early college. And we'll start with Addison. Okay. Good evening board members. My name is Addison Dollar and I'm excited to share you with you what's been happening at Ash Early College this month. Um it's been an amazing month for our students. 17 AEC students p placed at the district beta convention on October 28th. I have
034some other work to show you guys. Um, a special congratulations to Henry Hernandez who was elected district vice president. In academics division 2, we had Mark McNeil. He placed third in aggra science. Jonathan Perez Denza um second in Spanish. Sawyer Green third in a place in math. And then Melody is Melody Pierce was third in science. In academics division 1, we had Xavier Wait, second place in ELA. Carol Trinidad, third place in Spanish. And then in visual arts division 2, we had Mia Hodes first place in photography. Nina Clark, second place in photography. Hayden Donaldson, first place in painting and drawing. Michelle Toledo, second place in painting and drawing. Michael McCarrier, third place in 3D arts. And then in visual arts division one, we had Breer Rowan first place in photography and Destiny H in
035second place in photography. Sienna Graham second place in painting and drawing and Haley Lester third place in 3D art. And then finally, um Isaac Osborne placed third in performing arts. >> And that's in a region. >> Yeah, lot of schools and lots of students participating. >> This is Hayden Donaldson. She plays second. You want to step up here and show the everybody else? >> Um, Michelle Cleo, she drew this, too. So, >> this is Breer Rhoden. So, she was photographing [Music] and Sienna green painting and drawing. And then this is our 3D art my tool material. Oh no, this is Hersow [Music] in CTE. Our students are doing great things. One section of our Adobe visual design has a 100% credential pass rate in Adobe Photoshop and a second section is already over 50%. This
036year's senior class will be our largest group of CTE completers ever with about half of our seniors finishing pathways in areas like digital media, business, aggra, business, welding, criminal justice, and education. And I just want to say thank you to Earl Pennington uh for working so closely with our community college uh to help make those credentials uh possible because a lot of those classes are directly through the community college. >> Um we're also excited about our first theater production which has been mentioned. is at Ash Civic Center coming up on November 13th through the 15th at 7:30 p.m. We're so thankful for the Arts Council and the Civic Center for making it happen. And we would like for all of you to attend. Mr. Green and a few of our cast members will be featured
037on the WK podcast tomorrow. So, you should tune in. But I have some tickets for you guys to attend. Are they like, "Wow, I get to be." >> Our school has also had a great time celebrating kindness month, Red Ribbon Week, and a special paunted mystery event on Halloween. Each teacher and a staff member played a character and students worked in teams to figure out who stole the bowl of candy, where was hidden, and what item was used to carry it all. It was definitely a creative and fun way to build teamwork and school spirit. All of our ninth and tth grader students visited Appalachin State University for biology day where they attended an admission session, took a campus tour, had lunch in the dining hall, went on a nature walk with a biology professor,
038and even got to hold live crawads during a hands-on science presentation. On October 23rd, five AEC students, Louise, Kennley, Elen, Deacon, and Ashton, attendance Scholastics Media High School Media Day at UNC Asheville, exploring the campus, learning about journalism and podcasting, inspired by the experience, they have had they have decided to launch a podcast club at AEC, a student-led project to connect our school community, highlighted Yeah. highlight gear up initiatives promote global leadership and the first episode debutes November 20th. Okay. Senior Hannah Donaldson spoke to the freshman class about how to make the most of their time at AEC and super senior Sophia shared about her dental internship inspiring others to get involved in career exper experiences. >> Um this is about tennis so I'm not going to like say all that. That's But um I
039was the 4A West regional silver silver medalist and a state semi-finalist for tennis. And then myself, Addison Williams, and Riley Williams also received all conference for tennis. We're proud of Emma How for being selected to take part in the Europe Lad program, which helps build the next generation of student leaders. Through workshops and working with other students across the region, Emma will be building strong communication skills, teamwork, and leadership. Looking ahead, here are some of our upcoming events. Our theater production, which you all got tickets for, that's November 13th and through the 15th. Our skillup club will be meeting on basic bank skills workshop on November 20th. And our eighth grade visits will be on November 24th and 25th. The state beta convention will be on January 29th. Our open mic night, poetry slam, and
040art gallery on February 12th, and our community visit day on February 17th. But thank you guys for all of your support to our students and Good afternoon everyone. Um my name is Claire Hal. I am the uh representative for Ash County High School as you guys know. Um so I do not have Feliz Sue with um most of our academic updates. But his words, he should be here next meeting. So I do not have a lot of um updates regarding AP classes or courses like that. Um but he said he has many updates for us whenever he can make it. Um so starting off um our student life, we have had lots of Halloween events at the high school. We've had our costume contest this past Friday for Halloween and we had some amazing costumes.
041So many There's so much effort that students put into making those and I love seeing that. >> What was your favorite >> there? I think it was I think he won I'm not sure of his name. Um, but our third place winner dressed up as a character from the video game Five Nights at Freddy's and like he made his costume out of >> Is that the one that was robotic? >> Yes, actually there there were there were two one uh won first place last year. So, I know they wanted to give this other student um their spotlight as well. But those costumes are amazing. Like I said, lots of effort and dedication have been put into making those. So, that was that was really fun to watch the competition. Um, as well as we have
042um this past week we had a soccer Halloween spectacular. I'm not exactly sure how they worded it, but it was to celebrate our uh our men's soccer team for senior night. And I would really like to brag on them. They have made it to not the finals, they're like in the quarterfinals almost, but this year they have been 22, which is absolutely amazing. So, yeah, big round of applause. >> Um, so I I have many close friends that are on the soccer team, so I'm very proud of them and I know they are just absolutely so excited to go um to hopefully into the finals. So, fingers crossed. Um, uh, like I said, I'm waiting for academics for Lee. So, moving on, I would like to recognize we have another student, Mason Jenkins, who's a
043junior. He has also joined our Dick Miller Youth Leadership Program. So, um, that deadline was supposedly cut off, but they allowed him to join, and I'm super excited because I love Mason. So, I'm very excited to have him there. Um, I would also like to uh brag on myself a little bit and um another one of our uh Ash County School students, Andrew Mash. We both spoke on WKSK talking about the Dick Miller Youth Leadership Program and that was a wonderful opportunity. I love talking to Caleb uh or Mr. Marsh and Andrew and all of the wonderful people at WKSK. So, that was a lot >> pretty well on trivia about Thanks. Um, I would also, like Addison mentioned, there are there is a long list of sophomores and juniors that have also been accepted
044into our lead gear up program, which I'm also a graduate from. And um, I know that that is a wonderful program. So, I'm really excited for the I want to say there's like maybe six or so juniors and sophomores, maybe a little bit more than that. But, um I hope that all of those students have a wonderful time in that program because I certainly did. Um I would also like to talk a little bit about um Ash County High School student council. We are going to be participating in many I can't speak in many charity events um this winter season. I'm going to I'll wait till probably the next meeting to speak a little bit more about that, but we've got some big plans. Um as well as we have a very special present or
045I guess present if you want to call it that. Um, we have a surprise for our staff and teachers for um, America Educators Week in November. So, I can't spoil much, but be excited. Um, and as Dr. Cox has also mentioned, our Lighthouse team has uh, continued doing all of their amazing leadership stuff that they do. Like I said, um, they've continued clipping. Uh, I've seen, oh my gosh, I've seen so many students and staff and teachers just go around clipping each other. And it's it's honestly kind of funny to watch because half the time a lot of people don't realize they're clipped until they go home and get comfy. But I think that's pretty funny. Um, so yeah, I like to brag about the Lighthouse team as well. And then, um, and so yeah,
046currently we are in the transition of our from our fall to winter sports. So, I know a lot of athletes are currently in the tryyouts and practices. Um, but so there's not a whole lot of updates on sports except we do have a football game um this Friday. I'm not sure where, but I know we have one this Friday. >> Westdale maybe. >> Yeah, Westell. We'll go with that. So, um yeah, hopefully it goes good. Um, and then like I've already bragged on soccer and how proud I am of them. And then, um, there have also been many other sports such as volleyball that has already been mentioned that have made it to different levels of playoffs or whatever they have been doing. Um, I'd also like to talk a little bit about the FCA,
047Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I know that they have had many meetings and um, I know a lot of students have joined this year. So, I know that a lot of people are very excited about that. Um, I would also like to talk about how I like to brag on Miss Molly and Miss Hope and Miss Lorena. I know that they have been continuing to help students with college essays, applications, scholarships, and so much more, which I know many students have greatly appreciated. Um, and I'd also like to brag on our Ash County High School yearbook because they have been working really hard. Um and then last thing I would like to talk about our um Ash County High School Vanguard. They compete competed at Fred T. Ford and won second place drum major, second place
048visual ensemble, second place marching and movement, second place music, second place general effect, and second place overall. And um this will complete their 2025 competition season. But I thought that was really really amazing. So congratulations to them. And then um I'd also like to say how our child development class has been doing a lot of fun stuff as well as I know there have been many internships that a lot of students have been participating in and job shadowing. So I know we'll have some more updates about that later on in the year. Thank you. [Music] Next we've got for the board is public comment. So as we get into public comment in accordance with policy 2310, the board chairperson will recognize speakers in the order which they are signed in. Each speaker will receive three
049minutes to present comments. However, the public comment session will not extend 30 minutes total except by a majority vote of the board. If the speaker is unable to present all his or her information and the specified time limit, the speaker may provide the board with additional information in written form. Please refrain from addressing specific employee, student, or board concerns as part of this public comment. Comments can be directed and concerns to district leadership as described by the opposite. Board members will not respond to individuals who are addressed the board except to request clarification to points made by the presenter. The board chairperson has the authority to speak on behalf of the board and refer concerns to administration except in the case of emergencies, information received during presentations will not be acted upon at the time
050it is received. So, that being said, we'll start with public comment. And I have first on here, Miss Lily Cold Iron to speak. If you'll come up to the public, >> Good evening. My name is Lily and I'm a senior at Ash County High School. I stand here tonight as both the representation of the students who feel targeted and misunderstood because of their identities and the students who want to fight for the inclusion of their LGBTQ plus classmates and friends. In September, I emailed administration about refounding the gay shared alliance club at the high school as it had been ended a few years prior. When I received an email back, the answer was plain. ACS will not be able to create and support a GSA club. With this response, I decided to contact members of
051the community who may have been able to help me in taking further steps or creating other ideas for a GSA club. I received an invitation to a gala dinner with the Ashimatic Party during which I met members of the party, men and women running for county and state positions and professors. They were all in support of me fighting for this cause and encouraged me to take my thoughts on board which is why I'm standing here tonight. I was also encouraged by others to reach out to members of the board to request advice on what steps to take and how to approach my issue. I emailed a member of the board asking for advice on the situation and their response was to write a detailed description of what I wanted for the club and to sit
052down with my principal to discuss it. I later found out that my email was forwarded to the superintendent and administration. I was later then called into an administrator's office during which I was told I had the right to speak out, but that my chances were slim and I should consider the fact that I would be risking the administrator's jobs and my future by speaking out. My goal today is not to target a group or an individual, but rather to bring attention to the inequality with which my fellow classmates and I have been faced. While a Bible study session is being held in the library and members of a fellowship club were putting up posters around the school asking, "What has Jesus done for you?" I am being told that I cannot form a group that
053promotes inclusion, safety, and understanding among our school because the political climate is too risky and some parents may not like the idea of a gay straight alliance club. So, I'd like to present a statistic that many, not just some, parents may not like the idea of. The Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to young people of LGBTQ plus identity, reported that individuals of LGBTQ plus association are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. They also estimated that more than 1.8 8 million LGBTQ plus young people aed 13 to 24 seriously consider suicide each year in the US and at least one attempt suicide every 45 seconds. These statistics are not just numbers. They're people. There are peers, students, classmates, friends, and family. They're the
054percentage that I'm fighting for tonight because it's time we pay attention. The students of the Ash County High School deserve a safe space in which they can grow a community, work to help a minority, and share their experiences. By allowing a gay straight alliance club to be held at the high school, you're allowing children opportunity to feel safe and seen along with opportunities to work with the community to learn how to help minorities and make our schools inclusive. I hope each of you can take what I've said tonight into consideration and make a decision that benefits our community, not silences it. Thank you. That'll end the public comment session for the board. Next for the board to talk about our updates for the new Ash County Middle School. Good evening board members. Um the rain
055has not helped us. Um we did not have a successful week last week but um prior to that um we um working with Blue Ridge Electric we did um relocate the three phase underground power that served Forest Ridge. um at the classroom wing. The um plumbing contractor continued installation of the underground piping under drains were also being installed in that area. The block foundation in the um area A classroom was laid. Um in areas B and C, electricians are installing main fees and also duck bank for the data. Um work continues on cast and place retaining walls separating the classroom wing and area B. Um storm drain pipes and structures were installed. um up the road leading to the school. Um the soil now wall is complete. Just have to install the shot on it.
056Waiting for good weather for that. And top soil was placed above the wall and was hydro seated. We just need some more weather now for grass to grow. And um kickoff meeting was held with the school technology team. We are planning all the network equipment, security systems, AV equipment that is not part of the um contract. And um we also have a kickoff meeting for furniture fixtures for Clark Nexon on the 17th. So there's been a lot going on, but not last week. So So this weather's supposed to be dry, so hopefully make some progress. So does anybody have any questions? >> It's it's a really particular question, but what's the difference between Shock Creek and Conrete? >> Um how much water's in it? Yeah. Well, you can. It's actually they apply it through a
057hose. It's kind of like a fire hose. Takes about six individuals to hold it and they spray it. It's literally shot onto the wall. >> The same sort of thing you've seen on these road tanks where they're exactly right. The last application is to try to make it look nicer than what you see on the side of the highway. So, those aren't quite as attractive. We're trying to make it look a little better. the same temperature parameters for that as >> for concrete. Yes. Yeah. And we don't want to do it in the rain or we >> How long was that so long? >> About 700 ft. We've been working on it since July. July 1st of Yeah. It's remarkable to see. It's the longest wall I've ever done for sure. [Music] Okay. Thank you.
058>> Thank you so much. Any other questions? >> Thank you so much. >> Next, we'll jump in here to action items for the board. First item we have is the consent agenda, which are the minutes from the October 23rd and October 6 meetings. We've got the summer readministration plan approval, volleyball overnight trip, and the policies with the exception of 3200 on there. Do I have a motion to approve the consent? >> I'll make a motion that we approve the consent agenda. >> Okay, Mr. Gentlemen, thank you. Do I have a second? >> A second. >> Miss Calhoun have a second. Any questions or comments? I'll fade to raise your hand. Any oppos? Motion carries. Next, we've got the personnel on there and you have those and the addendum that was sent in for that. Anybody
059have any questions, Dr. Cox or Dr. Nathan? Entertain a motion to approve the personnel and addendum. >> I make a motion we approve the personnel and addendum. >> Thank you, Miss Eldridge. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Jones. Any questions, comments? All those in favor, raise your hands. Carries. Next, we'll jump into I think that's the shortest page of items we've had. Just keep going. >> There'll be a lot next month. I think >> next we've got updates and discussion items for the board. So, the first one is the update board of education student leadership exchange. Spark MC. That's the >> Why not? the whole front row about it. >> You can do it. Um good evening board. Good evening Dr. Cox, Dr. Morgan. We appreciate your support of um
060our spark lab at the high school and u of course it's um part of the early college as well. We have a few students signed up from the early college and we have um a Friday we're going to start Friday or Friday sorry fourth block time to go up to the our ambassadors will be going up to middle school sorry uh to the early college and they'll be sharing more about the spark lab with those students so we can uh garner more interest um with our early college students and um So, if you'll recall back in the spring, I came before you all asking permission to take a group of students to uh Wilmington um to uh the University of North Carolina uh Wilmington and for the Spark Leadership Exchange for students. And here are
061our five students that uh with myself and Miss Mandy Levelvel and uh always appreciate Miss Mandy and her support of our program as well. And um on the next slide on slide three uh you'll see that um before we went each student and um adult that went uh created a spark way card and this card is was kind of like a resume and told a little bit about each student gave a little bit of their background and their interest and then they had to build like a mission and vision and and what um they would like to achieve. uh through the Spark program. And so we have um Jaden uh Carpenter, we have Lily Jordan, um we have Savannah Blevens, um we have Elena Levelvel and Tucker Eller. And then on the next slide is
062just the Sparkway card for myself and and um Miss Levelvel. And I'm gonna let these ladies take over now and tell you about their trip. >> Okay. So, I'm going through the agenda of the Spark schedule. For day one, we came to Wilmington and we checked in and we had our opening session where they introduced the special activities that we got into and then we did a team challenge. For day two, it was more of an all day thing and we did live podcasts, student sessions, UNCCW exchange, teamship network, and connection dinner. On day three, we had a keynote speaker who spoke on their um spoke on their like connection with the spark and how they benefited from it. They did an innovation circuit, a scholar lab leader collaboration, and we had our closing dinner.
063And here are some of the pictures of the schedule and of our breakout groups. I'm going to be going over day one. So, we began by checking into our dorm, getting everything settled, and then we went to our opening session, and then they had some special activities, which were tie-dying shirts. They had some robot dogs and some VR sets. And then we had a team challenge, which was a descripting activity. >> I love robot dogs, by the way. >> They're cool. decryptting. Yes. >> And then on that slide you can see um that was us in our group doing the activity. What was your favorite? >> It was just like this up into group. So, we weren't with anyone we knew. Um, and it was just like a challenge. We had to like find like
064what was wrong in an email and it um but it's like a coding thing. On day two, we began with a breakfast and then went straight into a live podcast session where two of the staff members from Spark and C involved students and ambassadors to share their experiences with Spark and they were very student driven and even spontaneously let one of the students take over as the host of the podcast. And then we broke out into groups and attended student le sessions where ambassadors talked about their specific interest within Spark and C. For example, one session was all about 3D printing and another was about the Rub Goldberg challenge. >> And then Rub Goldberg challenge. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I actually believe everybody from Ash County attended the Rube Goldberg machine which was really cool
065because um so the people who are mainly a part of Sparky they created an app for all of us and through that app you could see the agendas and you could actually elect to choose which sess sessions you are attending. Um, so the student le sessions you can elect which ones you're going to attend and we all just by chance just chose the 3D print or the Rube Goldberg one I believe. Yeah, it was very fun. >> What did you What was it like? >> So we were we were actually the first group to ever do the Rub Goldberg. So he was kind of disorganized but that's okay. Um he actually he showed us a video of his Rub Goldberg machine and what his team did for the national Rube Goldberg competition. And so their
066goal was to feed a dog. So then as a group with everyone in that session, we chose to I don't remember but we do effect. Okay. Yeah. So, we chose to create a roof gold broom machine that would create a domino effect to like have you ever seen those domino arts? >> Yeah, it was one of those with the spark and C logo. That's what we decided to do. >> And I believe there are some photos of that on like the next couple slides that you'll be able to see. But the UNCC exchange was right after that and that was UNCC like UNCC Wilmington professors and teachers who we also elected to choose. But particularly I really enjoyed a UNCC one of my my favorite one was the nuclear physics one where we went in
067and the professors taught us about nuclear physics like just the basis of it and tried to get us more interested to lead a career. Yeah, I thought that was really cool. And then we also went to I believe a teamship network after that and a connection dinner. The >> so person allergies so I had a special food but what I heard from my peers was that it was very good. It was what the UNC students would eat as their like daily food. So it was very good. Yeah. Um according to other people anyways. So the the networking opportunity was where a member of district C which is a program in Spark North Carolina which nobody I believe in Spark has had the opportunity to attend but it sounds really interesting. It's from what I understand
068it's a leadership opportunity where students go and like a manure but the district C he came in and he told us how to do an elevator pitch and he told us he kind of prepped us for how to talk to businesses and how to make connections and then we were all supposed to sit at separate tables as a practice run for what our connection dinner was going to be that night. So we had our practice one, we did our elevator pitch and then all of these businesses just came in all at once. And when in my table particularly, we gave our elevator pitch to our two businesses. I had the opportunity of talking to a college counselor and a tech software engineer. And I gave my elevator pitch and then we all went around and
069he talked about well the tech software engineer talked about how his business how he started his business and what led him there and what connections he had to make to become as successful as he was. That prepped us for our connection dinner. And then our connection dinner was the real thing. So I don't know about everyone else but I was pretty nervous to like do the real thing and make these real connection. Of course, the counselor and the tech software people were connections, but they were not I feel that they weren't nearly as important as what you would make at the connection dinner. So, we had we all sat down and we had our connection dinner and we talked to there were two representatives at every table and no one was with anybody they knew.
070You were all split up. It was a seating arrangement table and it was industry networking. And in this picture specifically was a spark ambassador who was introducing us to what would be happening during that connection dinner. He also remarked he also gave remarks from our senator John Josh Stein and he it was a video that he gave us. >> So I thought it was pretty cool. >> Governor Josh I apologize. I don't think about it. >> On the next slide, you'll see photos of our day two, which is our biggest day. You'll see the UNC UNC UNCC Exchange Hall, which all of the student le and UNCC Exchange was that was the building it was in. And then there are a couple videos in the podcast panel and our Root Goldberg machine with all the
071dominoes and our breakfast. And then on the very far left, I believe, is a photo of the closing party and activities. This was only for students who are actually in attendance. Um, so it wasn't for the businesses. It was just for the kids as kind of like a this is our ending night. We want to have fun, you know. So there was dancing, there were games, candy parties, fun. Yeah. and I will be talking about our closing day, day three. This is the day we had our keynote speaker of a student from NC State. She is still a student there. She will be graduating this year. Her name is Aisha Hai Rakara, I'm pretty sure. And we also had our innovation circuit where we continue to engage with high-tech industry professionals as well as representatives
072from universities and colleges where we continue to make these connections. A lot of uh the representatives in the innovation circuit as what I saw were able to give out their deed cards and I was able to connect with quite a few people that have sought after for internships when I have graduated college or when I am in college and also possible job outlooks in the future. So I believe that this specific event has helped like a lot of the kids that were able to go and able to meet these people continue what they would see connections that would last for their lives. In the second slide, we can see more pictures of what happened. specifically. Um during day two, we were awarded from the ASA, the American Student Assistant, um Representative Kevin Fudge, I believe.
073>> Kevin Fudge uh showed a check for $1 million to SparkNC because he thinks that SparkNC has the opportunity to give students in North Carolina the connections and the possibilities that they need to exceed succeed program life. Tina Piconei was a major support in finding these connections. She started as just a normal warehouse girl. She did not have a major job, but she was able, as she provided through her story, and I was able to meet with her personally in the connection dinner. She was able to provide that she knew how to rig up a car to see how fast people were driving before they had GPS trackers. She did this to as kind of a way to show the men that she knew how to get them in trouble. Um, and she was very
074blunt about doing that because they did not believe that she could do what she did because she was a one. But she had many mechanics in her family and she was like, "Well, I'll show you what I can do." Um, and through this she was able to meet many people. She was able to succeed in her career and she brought most of the people that we met with and we saw with that day. She was a very big aspect in she wanted young leaders to showcase their abilities in succeeding and she wanted young students specifically to lead theirelves into their own pathways. And that will be closing for Spark NC. We hope that you have enjoyed letting us go on this trip and we have benefited from it as you have expected us to. Is
075there any questions the board would like to ask us? What grade level are you guys? >> We span from juniors. We have two juniors and the three of us are seniors. >> But any grade level um within like I'm pretty sure 8th grade to seniors are allowed to join this as long as it's the summer before their senior year. And after senior year, you can continue to go and do some of the student le sessions. You just cannot join as a student in small team. We have plans to expand into groups this spring. >> Yes, we have three blocks of classes right now um in the spark lab. So, we hope that you are going to come and uh see the spark lab on November the 13th from 5:30 to 7:00 >> and the Spark
076Lab will be open and the students we have ambassadors here. We have some other student ambassadors and uh some of our students will be demoing some of the things that they're doing their modules. Um they're um part of it supports tech so they're online. The other part is they may be in like a cyber security um module. And so for part of that cyber security module they'll build a lock they have to build a lock box um in like section two of that module. In section three, it's totally hands off or totally computer off. Uh, and they it's all hands on and they actually go back and build um a hieroglyphics using ciphers. Um, they go back to they do a um a cipher from Thomas that Thomas Jefferson built. They'll do a Caesar cipher
077and they hand create a Spartan cipher that se many that were used during war. And uh then they actually come back for the last module and it is all online and they create ciphers online different ones. So they have to create an online log box, they have to create a music cipher, um a combination lock cipher, different things using coding. So there's all kinds of modules the students are into. We are up to almost uh 30 students that are within the block schedule and then we have approximately 10 students right now who are considered virtual meaning they may have a full block schedule classes are full they may be from the early college um but they still want to take part in spark because once the kids start sharing what they're doing then that gains
078a lot more interest and I think As of this week, I'll have met with all of PLC's, all the teachers and um which actually helps two because then those teachers are telling the students, you know, what we're doing. So, Sharon Stra, thank you to you and Mrs. Love for taking these guys and like you guys probably had a good time too, but you may have to do us a separate demonstration. We're going to be at a conference on that date. four out of five. >> You're welcome. Anytime. I think they enjoyed it a little bit more than my back did. You know, >> I finally just pulled my mattress off and put it in the floor. I don't know how to get back to what I [Music] >> keep going down to federal shutdowns. So,
079next we've got on the agenda is a DPI update on federal shutdown child nutrition. >> Well, and I'll just share with you that I sent an email last week following this being published sharing essentially that the funding is there for um child nutrition. It is separate than the SNAP benefits and so we look forward to that continuing. It also helps that our students are uh right now enrolled in the C program. Um, so all of our children are getting free breakfast and free lunch if they so choose. Anything else I need to say about that, Amanda or Lake or Tammy? >> No, >> I did just read that Governor Stew put out something that partial SNAP funds would be addressed in November as well. So somehow they worked out some of that. come down >>
080and SNAP funds are separate from school lunch funds. So we don't have to worry about that as far as school lunch is concerned. >> I love it. Every morning everyone has coffee. So love that. >> Good feedback, Tammy. >> Thank you. >> Next we just keep going. We've got school improvement. see this paper miss. Yeah, Miss >> without the I think I would rather follow Spark and see than I would federal money. But uh anyway, with that said, we'll talk a little bit about federal because school improvement plans are somewhat federal. Miss Smith passing out a uh explan explanation. We had a meeting this morning and uh I think this really helps sums up more so than the uh attachment that's in the school that's in the board agenda. So, I apologize, but uh I'm
081going to do my best to fill in if you have any questions. We'll uh we'll phone a friend and we'll get Miss Taylor on the We'll get Miss Taylor on the phone. >> I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. So, each every two years we bring new school improvement plans to the board in December to be approved. We thought on the the month before this, we thought since there's been some changes in the format, changes in the expectation from the state department that we would come and share those and uh Miss Smith says she'd take all the questions and and we'll and we'll talk through those and maybe that will help with the uh I know it'll help us with the development because like I said, we met just this morning with Stephanie Vashi with her
082with her regional support and uh made it much much clearer with it. The attachment that you have, let me get my attachment. >> Okay, maybe not. Yeah, there it is. So, the attachment that's in the board packet goes over purpose. And basically the Yes, thank you. Basically, the purpose of any school improvement plan, it's a breathing living document. It's not to be made and put on the shelf and and and sit there, but it's something that's visited each month. and its whole sole purpose is to take a look at the data and the opportunity gaps in the school and come up with measurable goals to help close the achievement gaps. That's it in a nutshell. Um it it also talks about who serves on the school improvement plan. There has to be rotations just like
083our just like with any committee people rotate in and there's a set of acting folks that sit on each one the principal instructional folks your counselors parent representatives and it also goes over the core responsibilities of what the school improvement team is and then the key feature fe features excuse me of an effective school improvement plan. One of the things we thought that was really important to take a look at in the years past our schools have done a self assessment, a data analysis assessment if you will, and they've taken a look at some ridiculous number 140, 130 different indicators. And from that, they choose two or three and work on those for a couple years. Well, this year, the way the state has set this up, and Casey will talk more about this in
084just a moment, they set up three strategic goals. And under each of those strategic goals, there's two indicators. Now, what and that's the same for our state. That's what our school that's, excuse me, that's what our district strategic plan is going to be built around as well. And so, it just makes sense this is passed on down to the school levels. The difference is school levels will have some autonomy. Casey, I'll let you talk just a moment about the different about the different goals there. And >> Okay. So, the handout that I just gave you gives you a little bit more clarification on what those goals are. And so, Mr. was saying is three big buckets so to speak or three big goals that every school every system has to have and within those would
085be goal one eliminate opportunity gaps goal two improve school and district performance goal three increase education educator preparedness um to meet the needs of every student within those three goals or those three three buckets those two indicators have to be underneath there that's how you're going to get there So that they're all going to look the same to you initially because when we first looked at them like they're all the same. So when you start looking at these you're going to say they're all the same, right? >> So when you get the our direction that we've traditionally presented the the overarching look the same because that's what supports the state and that's why we were like out we need to look at this drill down more into it. So what you'll see there is uh
086what you'll see is the beginning of each of each plan. So as you drill down into the plan, where you're going to see it differentiate from each school will be within its action steps. That's going to be where it's data driven and based upon student school needs. Okay? And so every one of our schools or we are going to have um an academic goal that's going to go with goal two that's going to be differentiated for that particular school. and all of our principles have attended workshops um sessions through our um through our state, through our region. Of course, we're working with our consultant Stephanie Davei and she's helping coach us through that and they're continuing to refine that so that we're ready um for next month and that their goals are tailored specifically for
087their school and their needs. Um and then additionally, um any school that is designated CSI or ATSI, they have to have that indicator down at the bottom. So you will see that for those particular schools whenever you're reading the plans as well. >> So just a little bit on that. Um that's that's a federal designation. That's why I said it it is school improvement plans do have a federal component to it. And that's the um can't say I agree with the way it's arranged, but that's looking at from a federal standpoint how many students um in a certain category or a certain classification are college and career ready. It's not looking at proficient students. It's looking at students that score four and five. I have a little bit of a problem. I don't want to
088get on a soap box, but it it seems to always target our students with disability subgroup. and if the students were college and career ready, not that they can't be, but in looking at it from a testing one day standpoint, that's that's a little unfair. Um, so so we have we do have three schools that are that are school um TSI schools and then we have we have one school is TSI consistently underperforming and that's >> TSI, >> excuse me. >> What's TSI? targeted >> something improvement >> improvement >> targeting school improvement I'll >> use sorry >> Mr. SL too >> Mr. wrote usually gets me real quickly on that. He'll say he'll say anyway. So with our targeted schools, >> the schools that are that have not met the students with disabilities subgroup long
089range >> targeted supported support. There we go. Thank you someone for helping me out there. >> Thank you. So in looking at those in looking at those we have one school that's consistently underperforming and then the other two schools are are additional supports. Um, and it all has to do with how long you how long has that long-term goal not been met. So, you you'll see some different you'll see some different languages on two of those. And again, um hopefully uh hopefully the the CU school, the consistently underperforming, that's an annual. The other two schools, that's a three-year cycle. So, after three years, those schools can come out of that identification um or designation rather. and uh that's consistently underperforming can come out on an annual basis. And uh Dr. Cox, I know you have
090a whole spill over there on that, but I tried to paraphrase I tried to paraphrase that because we both feel the same way about that. Um and again, >> two things related to that. >> I think the only thing that's a major like overall difference, one thing that Stephanie said this morning was she said we want to try to simplify things. Less is more. And so it does look like it's less and everybody has the same, but they do when it comes to big buckets, but then you'll see that it will be more differentiated. >> I'll just say that a school improvement plan with six, eight, 10 goals, >> you're not going to get a lot accomplished with that. >> Yes. >> And principles, if anybody want to anybody wants to chime in, please do.
091Two to three goals. That's best practice. That gets things moving. you know, if you have a couple action steps with each of those um then that's a perfect setup. Now, can some goals be accomplished in six months? Sure. Can some goals extend into 2028? Sure. So, you'll see an you'll see an arrangement. You'll see a wide array of uh completion dates. Um I know we're writing our CTE local plan right now, and it's it's the same way. I heart this all the time. We have about 40 goals that we have to work on in two years. Too many. And I and I echo that and I'm like, can we do like a school improvement plan? Again, that's a different day and a different topic. But you you'll see some differences there. And some schools will
092have three goals. Some schools may have four. Some you'll see ending at at earlier times than others, and some you'll see extending out beyond. >> But it's still a two-year plan. >> It's still a two-year plan, >> but that doesn't mean it's all accomplished in two years. Exactly. Exactly. >> Wisdom fit into the differentiation. >> Well, if you look here at um under goal two and and if you notice the yellow highlights around that, that's the key language um that's around all those goals. And so um actually uh Stephanie Dashi mentioned that earlier this morning we talked to her. She said for example the entire state has initiatives and legislation around literacy and literacy instruction. So they're all going to have some type of action step around that because that's where the state is going.
093And so whatever your um curricula is, that's where that action step is going to come in and pull that curriculum and pull that resource and instruction and then push that through the action step. So yes, you may see that on there potentially because it is part of um improving school and district performance and it does fall into that bucket of curriculum. And so since it is a state initiative include legislation that >> I guess my biggest concern about it it's not very differentiated. So >> well yes well yes we're learning how to differentiate. There are parts of it that in every single lesson has differentiation. And so that's where our coaches come in. They help teachers try to figure out the best way to differentiate so that that the kids are still meeting the learning
094goal of that lesson or that module, but they're differentiating so they can scaffold to get them to that standard, >> especially our ones that we consider. >> Absolutely. >> And again, that's the autonomy of the school. So, so the states presented the strate the three strategic they presented the indicators and that's where the autonomy based on data and based on performances that that school improvement team will see that's where that autonomy autonomy piece Lord I can't speak this afternoon forgive me uh that's where that piece comes in so that although that may be a component or an action step or or an intervention it may not be all that may not be something we see in Miss's plan as opposed to that may be an indicator for a specific grade level that's been underperforming in
095that ELA area. >> I mean, so we can look at them before they're meeting. >> They'll be on they'll be on a >> so they were the last time. That's what I was asking. We did not have those to look at. I'm pretty so the one and I always say it backwards because one direction and for those you folks that like music you know that's a band not school improvement our direction is the overlying um shell or abstract if you will of each plan and that will be uploaded at >> there was a glitch somewhere we didn't have a physical I Any questions? >> I'm just curious. I don't know how really to word it, but it talks about the the close achievement gaps. Can you tell a difference in our schools if the gaps
096are getting smaller with the new wit and wisdom program? >> Because I I don't know like >> Yeah. Yes, >> after the year we had last year >> and considering where proficiency I I'll take that from a proficiency standpoint and then Miss Smith can jump in on her expertise with the literacy part proficiencies. Yes, we s we saw some gaps closing. Now, did we see at every single grade level across every single school? No. There there's one that's there and and I'll call it out, but there's one that u I don't know what's going on because it seems to be it seems to be a tough grade level, but yes, we saw proficiency gaps. >> Okay, that was [Music] Thank you so much. I would like to say that I appreciate all the extra work
097that goes into the school improvement plans because there is a lot of work has to happen to appreciate that little improvement to build maintenance. >> Good evening everybody. I think I get impressed with everybody that speaks to this group because I know I get tongue tied and and mumble. So I'll do my best to share usually with >> I did share out in the board agenda uh you know some updates on the on a couple of projects and I'll be happy to kind of hit some highlights of those and and take questions in between by all means. um with the fire uh child or water power project at Westwood. We uh did receive a u proposal from Manner and Craig on work. Um we did review it and we've had a meeting with Town Jefferson
098um our team uh a local vendor to discuss some options and what the specs of that job look like. Um, we've come to some identifying pieces that we weren't really in love with current spec for that job. So, we're in the middle of negotiating or not really negotiating, but building out a design that's going to be best suit for us, the town, and making sure we're functioning it's going to function the way we need it to um when we when we get operations. So, it's so it is moving along. We're also doing the administrative part. um working on getting a contract with Matter and Craig. Um and that does take time, too. So, I see this project moving along. Um I have aspirations of getting a more concrete timeline after I get the contract uh
099from Matter and Craig. And then we're able to uh scope out what the uh specific um pieces of the job will look like and all the components and then um do the get the design and then go out to bid. you guys are starting to get real familiar with the process, you know, with other projects too. We know those take time and they'll have review from DPI. Um, and you know, we'll work diligently on that and see what that timeline looks at. Um, I am planning um for some hopes and been talking about strategically um looking at some dates in case things happen. So, we so we plan ahead, but I won't too far ahead and say something now and be caught later on if I said one thing or another. But I do feel
100like there's moving on it. Um, does anybody have any questions before I jump into the next next project? Uh, the roofer replacement project. Again, we're working with Teraccon with that. And um, forgive me, it feels like there's there's weeks not only that happen in between when I submit this report and uh, it's not but just a week, but it does feel like there's some things that happen. Uh Terracon has replied that uh we did get initial feedback from DPI. There were about four items that need to be addressed. Um I was informed that they did res submit to DPI last week. Uh which is good. So we'll hope to get back u a final hopefully. Uh they weren't major issues. It was just something like uh some gaps from the roof to the um structure
101itself. Nothing I don't think the engineers will worry about. Um but they wanted them designed anyway. So we we we'll feel good there. Um the the rough timeline that I'm getting from Teraccon is still somewhere in what we were shared when we went through the conversation when they came in. Uh we would look to go out to bid after the new year with tariffs being an impact of what what vendors would be looking at for pricing. Um after that we'd be um moving to getting con construction dates and choosing a bidder. um and then being being started at the beginning of the spring if if the commissioners and those those funds come through and all that pieces work out. Um we would be in going into a little bit of the next following year with
102with um anybody have any questions on that? >> DPI been pretty responsive or they dragging their feet or >> uh the the second the review came back fairly quick from the first review. I think it was like maybe a week or two. I don't think they sat on it very long. Um the roof is not uh not something I don't think they they stare real hard at is what I'm stating. Again, it's my first experience with North Carolina DPI Group. So, I'm pretty happy on where we're at right now, which may be a bad thing to learn early on, but I'm not sure what that's right. Um but no, it's it's been pretty smooth and terrifying continuing to drive with them in their work. Any more questions on roof? All right. [Music] And then going
103into uh some FEMA projects and I kind of partnered it with our drainage system over at Mountain View. Um we did complete that work. I think um we were able to share some photos on Facebook of the completed slab and it's down. They've seated it and we hope to get we'll get grass back around it which will be nice. Um it's a new playground slab. I don't think Jerry had any any wos other than they saying we can do the other one quarter of it but maybe that'll come down the road. But I do think they were pretty happy with it. We've um finished the u some work at the bridge at the high school. Uh the sinkhole was repaired in addition to what the FEMA work was doing while we were at Mountain View.
104So people kind of forget that was like two jobs essentially became one big job, but it was that was done. There was some uh storm drainage also that was above Mountain View that was completed by the by the vendor was out there. So that was that was finished as well. Um and uh see uh the middle school we're still working on that. They were actually uh we we signed a contract I think since um last updated with our erosion control engineers. Um they've come on site. They were testing last Friday uh doing samples and they're going to be giving us some reports and options on what best case scenarios for where those where the building once was, how we can handle erosion control there because that's a that was a concern from FEMA and then
105from us and then we'll be able to address that based on that. Um I don't think it was in the notice. We did we did end up working with our vendor who we signed a contract with and move forward on the uh tennis courts. uh that will be kind of pushed to the spring. Uh the recommendation from them is to keep it covered that way the ground uh doesn't absorb as much moisture over the winter. Um and then we'll we'll kind of do the demo and then that work from that. That's exciting part of it. I was hoping to come today with u that notes that uh the dugouts have been started but the footers are dug. Um, I am continuing to conversate with that vendor. Um, and they will be, you know, finishing up
106the dugouts there and we'll be adding a few more netting pieces and fence. They're kind of a part of the dugout because it's a new design. Remember, we have the old dugouts that had fences in them, but now we're just doing something a little different that will make sure the athletes don't get hit when they're in there. But that's that'll be finished up when the dugouts are done. So, uh, I think that'll be a pretty good, uh, you know, check box for that for that work that's there. Um, I think, uh, that's a pretty good wrap-up of of that work. Does anybody have any questions on that job or those jobs? Or I'll say projects because it is more than just one day. Let me say that. I would again, you know, thank my team
107and it's been great to work with them. They they do a great job. You know, I always encourage them or ask them if they want to come to these meetings and they they lightly decline, but they they do a great job and we've continue to use our tracker board. We've got a lot of great projects done, continued projects that are working on. We're uh finishing up heating um installed at their learning center and that's a great thing to see heaters running and not having calls for that. Um and then continuing little projects here that are that have been kind of hanging out there for a long time that we're able to start scratching off. Um and then hopefully um growing into a department that has more of a plan maintenance mindset where we work on
108equipment uh and in hopes of not having to replace equipment as often. And that's a goal of ours and we're eager to share that as well as having conversations about our facility assessment uh plan that will come out soon and we've scheduled Andrew Laro uh to come up in December um to the board meeting and present for that. So that's that'll be some good information as we look to plan what the next steps are for for facilities and maintenance. comment. >> You do. Thanks so much. >> Busy. We're gonna put you up there with Alison and just keep on. >> No, it's good to have that help. Happy to share >> all five of us get questions where this that helps us stay. Yeah, I'll work to to share it and I think again think
109the the men staff and Ron has been great to share the photos because I think those photos are worth the thousand words or a million words some days when when we can share the little work that we do and again it's great that uh you know we had to spark a lot of folks in there. I'd like to say that was great on our maintenance team as well. Give us a little bit of props. We did help work to put new carpet down in that room and paint those rooms as well. So it's really welcoming and I it's it's good. It's a good feeling on my my end to know that students are getting an opportunity from spaces we we put effort into and funds into. So that's what we do. That's important. >> Thank
110you guys. >> Thank you. >> Keep up with property. We got the Warrenville property update. I don't know who's leaving that. So, um, well, [Music] so the Warrenville property, as you know, we brought some information to you, uh, uh, last time, and Brandon Miller is the one who is our contact, um, for that property, and he is the only one, um, essentially, um, affiliated with that property at this point in time. Um, we did get clarification from Fred that the um, as the original lease was written um, to remain active through 2036 because the Brock broke the lease and vacated the property in 2023, it does revert to Ash County Schools. And um, anyway, so we do have um, confirmation of that at this time. Um, so according to Fred, um, I mean the property
111holds no value to us. Um, so it's, you know, we essentially would reclaim ownership. However, um, uh, per the deed. However, um, it's up to the board to decide what what you want to do with it next, which um could include selling the property. However, that would you have to give the first right of refusal to the county commission. So if that's the case, then uh we would take it to the county commission to have first right of refusal. And um so whether they take take the property or um or we sell it. Were there any other options that I'm missing? >> Okay. >> But you can't sell it unless the county >> correct. Right. >> Correct. We have to take it directly to the county commission and they would have to decline it. I
112was looking to open that today. It's in bad shape. It's bad. And whomever gets that property will hope to destroy the building >> cuz it's fall. Um I don't know that you could give away that. It's in the flood plane now under the >> I don't see us ever using that. It's just not I mean the hurricane really did a lot of damage. There's a lot of clean up there. There's the building that we use vote in. It's gone. I mean it's just awful. >> But you never know. Somebody may want it. I don't know. Somebody might want it. Somebody might be more creative than me. There's a number of um people who live in that area that lost a lot during the hurricane. Some of them might want it for some kind of expansion
113of of something you build on it. I don't think [Music] build on it, but they may they may be able to use it for a parking out or something like that. >> Um I don't know. It's how much is in it? A little over there's not even an acre, is it? >> Hold on. I got to look at it. >> It's not very big. >> Didn't we discuss maybe it see the church would have something to do with it like a playground area or something? But we're waiting. We're currently waiting to >> So we have to So what we So what we need to do is we have to take it to the commissioners um say that we don't want it and give them first right of refusal and Fred can um write up that
114documentation. I put it under discussion because I wasn't sure where where you'd go with it, but yes, I would need a in order to take action on it to take it to the commissioners, I would need um action from the board. Amanda to talk with Brandon last >> said that he was the only member left condition were not able to meet with the community longer as well. I think was sick. Miller, he just said he was the only active person. I I started to ask him the night and wasn't sure if we were ready for that or not, but it is our it is our property according to Fred though. >> Just thought maybe he had an idea like building a bakery over there. Okay. So, you really rather have >> from your conversation. >>
115Yes. Talk to him. It's just he's right there. >> Worried about it. because he knows he can't manage that and the community is just not as active as it once was. >> What's the mission of the board to the commissioners? I don't know the exact words you're supposed to use [Music] that form of motion. >> Yeah, formal we take it to the commissioners for first review. >> There you go. Okay. So, >> and I second that. >> Second. >> We got motion to second. >> So, right now the motion and second on the floor is to go ahead and extend the to the commissioners to see if they want to first write the fusel on the property and then go. Any other questions, comments? All in favor? raise your hand. Motion carried. We're going next
116policies for review that will be talked about the november 17th special call. Maybe you on that >> and we'll add 3,200 to that as well. >> We're about to get there to 30,000. >> Anything you need to discuss later? you know, they said that the um she's ready with 4,000s whenever we uh whenever um the board finishes the 3000s. And I said it would be December more than likely. Um, but anyway, um, anyway, if you have any questions about any of them, um, that I can have in advance so I can do some research and get some attorney opinions through the schoolboards association since they crafted them or even through Fred if that's what the board desires. >> I think we were doing 3:00 to 6. >> Okay. That was from I think I sent
117an email asking about the last one being pushed back to four. That's what I think [Music] next. [Music] Do I have next on the agenda? Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> Move we do have a second [Music] question. Comments raise your hand. >> We are