001I will call to order the Lincoln County Schools Okay, let's try it again. How about we try it again? So, I'll call to order the Lincoln County Schools Board of Education monthly meeting for May 12th, 2026. If you will join me If you'll join me for a moment of silence. Thank you very much. So, we will go ahead and uh begin our meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. And we have two students that are here with us tonight from Battleground Elementary to lead us in the pledge. I want to introduce y'all to Layla Lowe. Turn around for me, Layla. All right. So, can you tell everybody what grade you're in and who your teacher is? First grade. Who's your teacher? Ms. Evans. All right. Thank you for being here with us tonight to lead us
002in the pledge. So, Layla, your teacher told me that you love math. Is that your favorite? All right. I love that. Come here, Cash. So, this is Cash Sober. Can you tell everybody what grade you're in and who your teacher is? First. Who's your teacher? Ms. Lenz. All right. What's your favorite subject? Making crafts. Oh, I like that. That's awesome. Well, if y'all will stand and join us in the pledge. Fantastic. So, while they're having their picture made, I'll tell y'all a little bit about them. So, Layla um is in Ms. Evans' class and Layla loves cheering with team jumpers and enjoys playing soccer. She also loves spending time with her baby sister. Layla has a joy for reading and especially enjoying The Boxcar Children. So, she's a natural leader in her classroom and she
003works hard and is always willing to help others making her friend making friend of everyone. So, Cash, like he said, he loves being creative and making art. He enjoys baseball and playing video games. He's kind, helpful, and always brings a smile to our faces. He keeps us laughing every day and is incredibly artistic and creative and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this young man. So, let's give them a round of applause. And um every month we make sure that we keep the the first things first and so we will um say our Lincoln County Schools mission statement. Board members, if you will join me and y'all are welcome to join in as well, community members. Lincoln County Schools will work together with students, families, and the community to ensure a
004quality, innovative educational program in a safe environment where students become responsible, contributing citizens, and lifelong learners. At this time, I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda as presented. I moved. I have a motion by Ms. Heavner. Is there a second? Second by Ms. Wyatt. All those in favor signify by saying "I". I. Those opposed? The motion is carried. I will turn it over now to Dr. Allen for our superintendent updates. Thank you, Madam Chair. So, bear with me. I do have a lot to celebrate. This is our last um probably big meeting of our school year and there's a lot to to bring forward since our last time together. First off, I was I was on on a uh conference call this afternoon for a press conference that said we finally have the
005General Assembly agreeing to confer about a state budget. So, yay for everybody. And we look we look forward to uh the compromise that comes from people working in conference and working through that detail. Um but good good start to that um opportunity. Want to also lift up all of our young artists that are that participated with recognitions at the art show at the cultural center over the last couple weeks. We've had a lot of great talent and it was hard for me to judge a superintendent selection in those categories, but well done for our arts arts students and well as our art teachers. Also want to give kudos and shout-out to some businesses that were part of our first annual Meals that Matter week. Um and think about it was last week, the 3rd of
006May through the 10th of May. That took over Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day holiday. So, these businesses were are willing to give us a portion of the money raised um from just all sales to help with our teacher teacher leadership academy um goals for the year and that's to provide PD opportunities for teachers throughout next year. So, I want to give a shout-out to Carolina Steak & Rib, The Cherry Pit, Cook For You, Giovanni's, Goodwood, Johnny's Mexican Grill, Lineberger Steakhouse, and Poppys of Maryland for helping to suit support us from one side of the county to the other with anyone who participated in that Meals that Matter week. We're also in the middle of our EOG testing for our middle school and elementary schools. We're on We've got two tests down and one more
007to go. And then our high schools kick off their test this Friday for EOCs. We also want to remind everyone that we are in the midst of pre-K and kindergarten enrollment. If you know a young person that wants to enroll with either one of those, we are we are glad to take care of helping them to do so. Also want to give a shout-out to our West Lincoln High School student Lighthouse team for their sponsorship of what we call our second annual Limitless Field Day. This was an opportunity for our peers to help their peers who are visually impaired. And this year we expanded it to students from Cleveland County and Catawba County to join our students from Lincoln County in an opportunity to play and be with peers and experience some joy in different
008ways. And so, I appreciate the students' leadership in that endeavor. We also want to give a good appreciation to our school nurses. This This week, excuse me, last week we had our school nurse appreciation day and it is very important that we realize our school nurses are on loan so to speak from our health department and so it's our inner agency communication that really makes this a great partnership and we want to appreciate our school nurses for the work that they do. Of course tonight we have a lot of our of the year meaning our best of the best in nine different categories. We surprised them last week as a drop in to their school site with gifts and and bearing opportunity for that. I do want to give another shout to Chris Ryan Financial
009Management for sponsoring our teacher of the year prize with an extra thousand dollar check for that teacher of the year to just say thank you and he does that in honor of his mother every year. We also got a chance to sign 10 more students up into our Lincoln County Health Academy this year at Atrium Health. They're our partner along with Gaston College. We had 10 students to qualify for the LPN program. For those who don't know what this is for us, it's an opportunity for our high school kids to be a part of an LPN pathway and they graduate from high school their senior year and the summer after their graduation if they pass their boards, they become an LPN a licensed practical nurse and it's all for free. And so we've got 10
010more students from our schools that qualified for the next year's cohort and then we are only the third program in the nation, first one in North Carolina to do this opportunity for our high school kids. So congratulations to those students. I also see and I know the camera won't pick this up cuz it's so far away, but I'm holding um a ketchup bottle lid and this is important um because last week our board had a chance to have a work session at Aptar, one of our local industries here in in the county. And what's important is that this little lid right here that sits on every Heinz ketchup bottle is made right here in Lincoln County. They make a million of those a day and to see that happen along with any other flip top
011lid, our kids are part of the operations of that of that business. They have apprenticeship programs that allow our kids to come in and see. So if you get a chance to just appreciate the the local industry impacts for our system, but also our community, Aptive is making probably something that's in your cabinet, in your in your refrigerator, and definitely in your house, more than likely, >> [clears throat] >> made here in Lincoln County. Also, want to give a congratulations to our Nano Knights robotics team from North Lincoln High School. They were the first team in Lincoln County to compete in a world championship in Houston, Texas. It was the first world championship in Houston, Texas, but they were one of 15 North Carolina teams, and they placed 20th 20th out of 75 teams in
012their division. There were over 600 teams competing worldwide converged on Houston, Texas, and our little Nano Knights team came back from 4 days of being in Texas. That's a long drive on a bus, cuz you can't fly. I learned that. You have to drive to Texas, cuz you got to drive your robot, and you don't want to damage it in in air flights. So, that was a long trip, and I appreciate Ms. Townson being a trooper and and sponsoring those those young people to go to go to something that is definitely a memorable experience. I'm almost there. Bear with me. There's been a lot this past month. We want to recognize Julie Carpenter as well. She was a home economics teacher from Lincoln High School, who's just been awarded $10,000 from Disney, and I don't
013know that we've had anybody to win this award from Disney before, but congratulations to her. She was a Disney teacher of celebration, and she got to go to the greatest place on Earth, go to Disney World to get her get her check. We do have our young athletes day this week on Friday at our Highland Highland Drive Park. That is for our pre-K kids to have a kind of field day experience, and so it's it's pretty fun to watch a bunch of 4-year-olds run around and try to contain them. And then the last day of our school this year is on Thursday, the 21st. It is a half a day, and then that same day we kick off Asbury's graduation at noon. The next day on Friday, the 22nd, East Lincoln Mustangs will graduate at
01410:00 in the stadium. And then the 22nd at night, 7:00 p.m., West Lincoln and North will graduate in their stadiums. And then for the first time in a long time, Lincoln will graduate on the 23rd on the Saturday at 9:00 a.m. outside in the stadium. That's all of my announcements. All right. Well, we do have so much to celebrate this month with us um reaching the end of the school year. And I do want to say thank you all for being here. In my six years, this is the the most crowded this room has ever been. And um it just is a testament to all of the really great things that are happening across our county. And I will I will ask y'all to be patient as we work our way through our recognition. So,
015board members, if you'll join me out front. Good evening, everybody. I'm going to begin tonight by recognizing three of our schools for winning the Battle of the Books championships within our district. And these three schools went on to compete in the regional competitions as well. And I'm going to tell you a little bit about their team, and then we'll call them up um each school once at a time. So, the first school is elementary, and it is Union Elementary, and it is led by Mandy Randall, Katie Lynch, and Ann Dickson. And they have won the district Battle of the Books competition four of the last 10 years, and the last three consecutively. And these fourth and fifth graders had to read 16 books and answer some crazy questions. So they are amazing. So I would
016like to call up Union's Battle of the Books team, which includes Darcy, Eva, Carson, Gemma, Faith, Maddox, Elliot, Kaylee, Tessa, Harp, and Mary, as well as their coaches. Next, we are going to recognize our middle school team. This is North Lincoln Middle School, which is led by Annette Hebner, Caitlin Grig, and Don Reese. And they have won five out of the last 10 years and the last 2 years consecutively. The middle schoolers had to read 20 books. That's the most. 20 books, crazy. So let's recognize North Lincoln Middle and their team members are Haley, Paulina, Ethan, Grayson, Abby, Mac, Zaila, Frankie, Sarabeth, Juliana, Lena, and Owen and their coaches. And our high school Battle of the Books championship went to North Lincoln High School, who is led by Lindsey Fear and Ellen Harrell, and they
017have won two out of the last 9 years, and they had to read 16 books, but their books are really big. So, we would like to call up their team, Rebecca, Elise, Madeline, Morgan, Mallory, Halley, Isabella, Jonathan, Gabby, Anna, and their coaches. >> At this time, I'd like to ask Stephanie Porter to come to the front. She is going to present our grant winners for the Lincoln County Public Education Foundation. All right. I'm going to present our this year's 2025-2026 technology and innovation grants. This year we crossed the million dollar stone for grants that we have been able to award to our schools since our inception as a foundation and over half million dollars for these innovation grants. And tonight we'll be awarding 35,000 dollars more and to our like teacher innovation grants. So starting
018with Cindy Stewart from West Lincoln High School for her aquaponics and growing food and skills in community grants. And this is a $8,000 grant. Right, next from East Lincoln Middle School is Belinda Redfern for her independent slab and this is another $8,000 grant. Then from Northbrook we have Taylor White with her living waters ecosystem a $7,500 grant. And from North Lincoln High School we have Ashley Wilson leading the way the Knights Leaders Lounge and Tutoring Center a $6,000 grant. And last from West Lincoln High School as well, Tammy Allen, the Independent Access Innovation Hub, a student-driven library upgrade, a $5,800 grant. All right, our next reckon is for our Purple Star schools. So, we are recognizing nine schools this evening who have earned the Purple Star Award. And this is a state-led initiative that recognizes
019schools demonstrating a strong commitment to students and families connected to the military. These schools receive a designation for implementing military-friendly practices such as specialized staff training, student-led transition programs, and dedicated resources to support children of active duty National Guard and reserve personnel. So, we're going to call up our four new schools this year. That means this is their first year receiving this award. They will get a banner and a certificate. So, we would like to recognize East Lincoln High School, Lincolnton High School, North Lincoln High School, and Saint James Elementary. And then, we also have five schools that renewed this year, and most of them have renewed for at least three or four years. So, we have Asbury Academy, Catawba Springs Elementary, Love Memorial Elementary, Northbrook, and Union. And they already have banners at their
020school, so they get a fancy 2026 sticker to add to their current banners. >> Young Lincoln Leaders is next. All right, I've had the opportunity this year of leading our Young Lincoln Leaders. Um, this is a group made up of individuals, about five or six from each of our local high schools. And they participated in the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. This year, they met monthly. In December, they did a Do Good December project where they went and they delivered books and they spent time in some of our EC classrooms here in Lincoln County. Uh, but the reality of this is it was an opportunity for these kids to understand what a vision looks like, an outcome, and how do we actually put boots on the ground? Um, they, after probably a month of debating, they decided
021they want to put on a spring fling for Lincoln County. They believe that the win-win would be that if they could put on a free event for the community that they would be able to give families an opportunity to come out, have a good time, free. The only The win-win in the situation is they decided they want to put the money back into local, um, charities in the area Hope, um, Amy's House and our Veteran's Society. And what they wanted to do was save donations. Uh, they planned the entire event, all the activities that were there. They had to go out into our community. They created the flyers that you saw. You probably, um, recall about a month ago they were on all of the social media sites and they visioned, they birthed the vision
022and they carried it out. There were some hiccups along the way. 24 hours before the event, we had a few truck cancel. These kids had to put on their, I guess, fixing to be 18-years-old mindset and find a way to problem solve. They did all of those things. Um, if you were able to come out that day, we appreciate it. This group, along with the others that weren't here tonight, they raised over $1,500 to give back to our community. So, at this time, if you would just give a round of applause for this group right here. Several aren't here tonight, so we're going to let them go and, uh, they are represented, but we're not going to call them out individually, so we can keep everything rolling. >> Our next recognition is the Robinson-Lineberger Literary
023Competition winners. The Lincoln Cultural Center puts this on and it is their 43rd annual literary competition this year. Trustees of her estate, Flo Robinson's estate, established this competition to memorialize her lifelong interest in poetry and prose and to encourage young writers to pursue excellence in their craft. The competition is open to students in public and private schools from grades 3 through 12. This year, 17 of the 18 winners came from Lincoln County schools. So, we will start by recognizing our elementary winners first. So, in poetry, in third place from Pumpkin Center Intermediate, Valeria Martinez, come on up. In second place from S. Ray Lowder Elementary, Elizabeth Sug. And in first place from Rock Springs Elementary, Faith Messler. And we will go on to elementary prose. In third place from Rock Springs Elementary, Isabel St. George.
024In second place from Rock Springs Elementary, Oscar Gibson. And in first place from Pumpkin Center Intermediate, Ellery Koenig. Come on up. All right, we're going to go on to middle school. If you guys will just stay put, okay? Middle school poetry from East Lincoln Middle School, third place was L. Boone. In second place from West Lincoln Middle School, Madeline Salter. And in first place from North Lincoln Middle School, Morgan Lee Lawing. Middle School prose, in third place from West Lincoln Middle School, Emma Turpin. In second place North Lincoln Middle School, Morgan Lee Lawing. And in first place from West Lincoln Middle Middle School, Joshua Publico. And for high school poetry, in second place from East Lincoln High School, Peyton Passmore. And in first place from North Lincoln High School, Madeline Huss. And finally, high school
025prose. In third place from North Lincoln High School, Madeline Huss. In second place from North Lincoln High School, Leslie Lopez Matias. And in first place from East Lincoln High School, Caitlin Hahn. >> As Dr. Allen talked earlier about our of the year, we would like to recognize our 25-26 of the years. Our counselor of the year is Jennifer Gosnell from Battleground Elementary School. If you would please come forward. Our exceptional children's teacher of the year is Joseph Rothwell from East Lincoln High School. Our child nutrition employee of the year is Angela Eisenhower from East Lincoln Middle School. Our media coordinator of the year is Lori Fisher from East Lincoln Middle School. Our support employee of the year is Tonya Johnson from G.E. Massey Elementary School. Our assistant principal of the year is Brett Bowen from
026Lincolnton High School. Our bus driver of the year is Melissa from Love Memorial Elementary School. Our 2016-2017 teacher of the year, who also received a new car, is Mallory Ellis from Pumpkin Center Primary. Our service employee of the year is Jason Sanders from transportation, our transportation department. Our principal of the year is Kelly Dalinger from Union Elementary School. Our volunteer of the year is Carol Morrison, Carol Morrison from Union Elementary School. And our beginning teacher of the year is Caroline Beam from West Lincoln High School. What a talented group of people. The best of the best, yeah. It's always a pleasure every year to be able to recognize our high school that was the Quiz Bowl champion. So, if West Lincoln High School Quiz Bowl team, if you're here, could come on up. Surely there's
027somebody. Miss Wagoner. Uh West Lincoln High School, all four schools participated in the Quiz Bowl held here on April 17th, and West Lincoln High School really had a great uh great showing that day. So, congratulations to them. Ashley Pittman and Susan Wagoner are the advisors, and Raya Hull is the captain, and Kaylee Brady Brady, Austin Trump, Miles Havener, Katie Laney, Isaiah Peeler, Ben Filbeck, Reed Wagoner, and Abigail Workman. Uh give these Quiz Bowl folks a big old hand. And y'all, when I say Quiz Bowl, I'm not talking about normal kind of trivia. This is some serious business that these folks answer when they represent their high schools. Uh so, congratulations to all four schools uh for their intellect and their competitiveness, but especially West Lincoln High School uh for winning the plaque this year. Thank
028you, Casey. Okay, at this time we want to recognize the East Lincoln High School DECA state winners. Uh their advisor is Craig Baggert, so Craig Mr. Baggert, come on up. Uh these folks uh finished in the top 10, and many of them finished in the top five at uh the Greensburg competition. So, we want to recognize them for their time that they've given to DECA, which is a a CTSO, a club affiliated with marketing classes in high school. Uh so, Brooklyn Miller received first place in sport event marketing. >> Jay Shirley received second place in quick serve restaurant management. Macy Gordon received fourth place in apparel and accessories. And Garrett Tyson and Brandon Prado both received first place at the in virtual business sport. So these student Now, Brooklyn also went to the national competition
029in Atlanta. Come on up here, buddy. All these students that are here tonight and the other ones that I'm They went to the the national competition for DECA in Atlanta. No no finishes at in Atlanta, but y'all were really proud of them and I know they represented East Lincoln High School nicely and Lincoln County Schools in Atlanta. So good job, y'all. There's a lot of time that these students give to DECA and any of the CTSO clubs after school just like most clubs. So it is a commitment that we appreciate you making and thank you so much. Say that one more time, Baker. It is stiff. So fourth sixth thousand, good job, y'all. Let's go ahead and do Lincolnton High School DECA. And their advisor is Mr. Cheatham, Stephen Cheatham. I know Mr. There he
030is. And I'm going to recognize them. I'm not quite sure if they're here this evening. Abigail Campbell received second place in apparel and accessories. Good job. Clara Parlier received fifth place in apparel and accessories. Gavin Ponchi had a top 10 test score in sport and event marketing. And Skyler Morgan had a top 10 test score in sport and event marketing. Where she is. So, one more hand for these DECA stars, please. This next. HOSA. I don't need it up here. Mhm. Good job. At this time we want to recognize another high school CTSO and it's the North Lincoln High School HOSA team. It is a It is a CTSO club affiliated with healthcare careers and healthcare pathways. Um the this team from North Lincoln High School and their advisor is Miss Zettle. Miss Zettle, are
031you No, I hadn't seen her. She is here. Not here? Okay. Well, I'm going to call her now. They placed sixth in the HOSA bowl, which is at the at the uh state competition. And it's Deangelis Cruz, Gavin Porapat, Alyssa Barefoot, and Justice Ram- Oh, good. Justice Ramsey. Congratulations, Deangelis. Thank you. >> And Morgan Lowe is Morgan here? Do you know if Morgan's here? Morgan Lowe placed eighth in medical math. So, these students are in I guess they're health care pathways. Hopefully, they're interested in health care careers and I can promise you there'll be jobs available for you. Promise you. So, give these HOSA students a a big hand. And we are spreading the wealth tonight. The last CTSO competitive team that we're going to recognize is FCCLA from East Lincoln High School. And if
032Miss Kathy Hurst would come forward and Miss Cassie Pennington. I know Miss Hurst is here. FCCLA is a CTSO that is connected to family consumer science classes and careers. So, we want to recognize this evening Zoe Snodder who placed first in education and training knowledge and this is at the Greensboro State competition. Zoe also finished first in education and training at the district fall leadership conference. Leah Salzman placed second in event planning. James Hammon placed silver in entrepreneurship. And Lauren Taylor earned a bronze prize in baking and pastry. >> But for all you young students in the crowd, you really have CTSO clubs awaiting you when you get to high school. A lot of things for you to do in high school. Congratulations, East Lincoln High School FCCLA and Miss Hurston's students. So, it's my
033privilege to be here tonight to recognize some amazing students in our schools' fine arts departments. The first recognition is for Dakota Meredith. As they are coming forward, I would like to read a little about the competition. North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities Art Showcase is a competition that recognizes both the best individual artist and best art programs in North Carolina schools. Students are presented with a prompt and given a period of time to create their submission. The prompt this year for middle and high school students was the Declaration of Independence. The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be on July the 4th, 2026. Create your artwork inspired by this document or event, reflecting what its ideas mean to you in relation to our nation's history, current events, or future. So,
034we are proud to recognize Dakota Meredith for achieving first place in this state-level competition in the category of mixed media. >> Congratulations. The next recognition is for our high school honors chorus as Mikaela Cromer and Yemiel Santos come forward. I would like to read the following. The purpose of the North Carolina High School Honors Chorus is to honor outstanding singers from high school choral music programs in our state by giving them the opportunity to perform at the highest level of achievement, to provide an outstanding educational experience for both the students and the teachers of choral programs across the state. Students audition and are chosen for this honor. We are proud to recognize Mikaela Cromer and Yemiel Santos from Lincolnton High School for participating this year. Let's give them a round of applause. THE NEXT RECOGNITION
035IS FOR MIDDLE school honors band. Um and if you will come forward, Nicholas Benninatti. I apologize, Nicholas. Claire Quinn and John Toscano. Come on up. Oh, yeah, they're all here. And I would like to read the following. Similar to the purpose of honors chorus, honors band is to honor outstanding band members from music programs in our state by giving them the opportunity to perform at the highest level of achievement. Students audition and are chosen for this honor. So, we are recognizing Nicholas on the bass clarinet, Claire on the mallets, and and they are from North Lincoln Middle School, and John on the tuba from Lincolnton Middle School, congratulations. All right, congratulations. The next recognition is for drama. If Harold Garcia is here, if he will come forward as I read the following. The North Carolina
036Theatre Conference is North Carolina statewide service, leadership, and advocacy organization and supported by the North Carolina Arts Council. We are proud to recognize Harold Garci- Garcia from North Lincoln High School for receiving the Excellence in Acting Award for his role in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at the State High School Play Festival. Congratulations. And the next recognition is for the North Lincoln High School Band of Knights uh for their Winds Ensemble. I think I said that right. As they come forward, I would like to read the following. I know that Mr. Minnick is here. Oh, there's some more. Come on up. With over Yeah. With over 45 years of history, WGI Sport of the Arts is the world's premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions. This event was held in Cincinnati
037Cincinnati, Ohio with 12 groups in the competition with North Lincoln High School. The group that won first place by 0.71 points was from California. North Lincoln has been doing winds for 4 years now, and last year was their first year going to the championship, and this year they medaled. We are proud to recognize North Lincoln High School Band of Knights for their second place finish in the Winter Guard International Championships Winds Only Group. >> [cheering] >> Vote them. Look at that trophy. Congratulations. If you are a teacher for any of these students recognized tonight, will you please stand so you can be recognized? We appreciate the many, many hours you pour into our students each and every day. Thank you. I'd like to welcome up a North Lincoln Middle School baseball team. >> Okay, on
038April the 30th the team completed its mission to become back-to-back Tri-County Conference champions. A true testament to their hard work and determination. The season began with a tough extra innings loss to West Lincoln, but from there North Lincoln went on an impressive run stringing together 11 consecutive victories to to secure both the regular season and conference championship titles. In the playoffs, the team once again met and defeated the Crest Dragons, a familiar post season opponent for the last four seasons. In the championship game, the team battled a very tough Burns Eagle squad and emerged victorious with a 13-6 win. That result Excuse me, that result marks North Lincoln's third Tri-County title in the last four years. Here are just a few of the team's highlights for the year. They scored a total of 126 runs
039while limiting their opponents just to 47. They hit 16 bombs, or what we call home runs, but I like bombs sounds better. Finished with team batting average of 439 and a final record of 11 and 1. Congratulations to North Lincoln Middle School for winning the Tri-County Conference Championship. All right, guys, come on. Yeah, y'all get in here. Just like a team picture. >> Next, I'd like to welcome up North Lincoln Middle School girls' soccer team. Congratulations. Okay, the North Lincoln Middle School girls' soccer team finished the season 10 and 2, but the record doesn't fully capture what makes this group special. They truly are the definition of a team, supporting each other, working hard every day, and always putting the team first. I'm especially proud to share that all 23 players earned at least AB
040honor roll with 17 of them making A honor roll. That's That's pretty impressive. Their only two losses came to rival East Lincoln, but when it mattered most, they played with confidence, toughness, and a lot of heart, and came away with the Tri-County Conference Championship, defeating East Lincoln Middle School. It's North Lincoln's first championship in 9 years and one that won't be you know, forgotten. We couldn't be more proud of this group, not just for winning, but for the way they carried themselves and represented North Lincoln. Congratulations to again to North Lincoln Middle School girls soccer team for winning the Tri-County Conference Championships. I'm going to go a little off script here. I'm making a recognition to someone that's special to a lot of us. This is Mr. Last Board Meeting. He is retiring at the
041end of the month. So, come on up here, B. I don't even know. So, as as tradition with any of our any of our district leaders and our board members who are ending their service to our system, we like to recognize them with some words and opportunity just to brag on Brian because he is he started out in South Carolina and worked a little bit down there and so he's had to work a little longer in North Carolina to meet his full retirement age. So, he is a little older just due to the fact he worked somewhere else before he came here, but all said and done, Brian has spent 18 years of service to Lincoln County Schools in various roles as an administrator and as a district leader and ending his term here as
042a chief of administrative services which includes job of county athletic director. I'm going to also be ran school at Tech for the last couple of years as their principal. So, um, the dedication that Brian's given to the system, to the kids, to our staff, to us, to me, um, is definitely, um, service that can't be put into words. And so, I appreciate his service, his friendship, and opportunity to celebrate him later on with his retirement celebration. Um, but definitely wanted to congratulate him on the job well done. Here's a plaque to commemorate that, and Ms. Sutton also wants to say a few words. Oh, I want to say that you will be missed greatly. Brian is one of the nicest people that I have ever met in my entire life. He's the guy that you
043can call with the biggest problem, and he's like, "Yeah, you know, we got this. We can do this." And so, I just want to say on behalf of the board that you you have, um, created a legacy that will be hard to replace. We, um, all are grateful for your service, and just for your kind spirit that you bring to the leadership team. Um, every meeting, Brian's always the most positive person in the room. So, we we will miss you greatly. Thank you. Right, we're nearing the end, but we've still got some really important awards to, um, give out. We're going to start with, well, we have three We Are Lincoln recognitions, three different schools, and I'm going to talk a little bit about Battleground first, and then I will call those folks up. Um
044Miss Withrow wanted to acknowledge two staff members, and I believe some children, too. But Lee Davis, who is a fifth-grade science teacher and mentor, and Jonathan Huff, who is a beginning music teacher, they both collaborated to spearhead Battleground's first-ever musical, Aladdin Kids. Together, they've demonstrated the power of hard work, unity, and strong coaching while blending their unique talents to create something truly special for our school community. They've worked tirelessly behind the scenes, dedicating countless hours to rehearsals, planning, organization, and supporting students to ensure this opportunity became a reality for our children. By empowering one another and embracing their individual strengths, they not only grew as educators, but also provided an unforgettable experience for Battleground Elementary School students that will leave a lasting impact for years to come. This is a prime example of what Lincoln
045County stands for, community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to do what's best for kids. Well done, Miss Davis and Miss Huff. Are there any actors out here? Not? Okay. Well, I want to make sure they got in the picture with you if they did. And I can attest, I got to see it, and it was amazing. So, congratulations. Next, we have several staff members we're going to recognize from Lincolnton Middle School. And these folks are being recognized for student-focused collaboration. So, we are going to recognize um actually a group of students from Ms. McClain's 8th grade social studies class at Lincolnton Middle for their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to real-world problem-solving. As a part of their study on how democratic systems develop and respond to the needs of communities, students were challenged to move beyond
046the classroom and apply their learning to an issue within their own school. This group chose to focus on a topic that often goes unseen. They examined the barriers faced by students experiencing homelessness. Through their work, they demonstrated key Leader in Me habits in action. They began with a clear goal, worked together to analyze multiple perspectives, and synergized to develop solutions that went beyond individual thinking. Their project, titled Invisible Barriers, identified challenges that extend beyond basic needs. While schools often meet nutritional needs, these students recognized gaps in areas like hygiene, access to technology, and consistent support systems. They didn't stop at identifying the problem, they developed actionable recommendations. Their proposal included expanding needs assessments for grades 5 through 12, increasing access to hygiene and academic resources, and strengthening the role of school staff as trusted connectors
047to community support systems. On May 5th, you got to raise you got to wave when I say your name, okay? Kenyatta, Giselle, Taylor, and Makira, I'm sorry. >> [laughter] >> Presented their work directly to the Lincoln County School Board. This is what student leadership looks like. This is what it means to apply learning with purpose, and this is what happens when students are given opportunity by Ms. McClain >> [clears throat] >> to lead, think critically, and advocate for others. We are proud to recognize their work tonight. Congratulations. Okay, next we have Lincolnton High School's child nutrition staff. If you could come forward, please. You are being recognized for teamwork and culture. I'm going to share what Ms. Ballard wrote about you. Tonight, Lincolnton High School is proud to recognize our child nutrition staff for their
048leadership in supporting students through the second chance breakfast program. At the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, LHS staff recognized the need for an additional opportunity for students to receive a morning meal. While over 65% of students qualified for free or reduced lunch, fewer than 100 of them were taking advantage of the free breast breakfast available to them before school began. School leaders considered whether teenagers might not be awake and ready for breakfast at the traditional time and proposed the idea of a second chance breakfast to the LHS cafeteria staff. Without hesitation, they agreed to try. Now, instead of only offering breakfast before school begins, students have another opportunity, a second chance, to go through the line at the end of first period. Their willingness to take on this challenge has led to a 300%
049increase in student breakfast participation with an average of over 400 students receiving breakfast daily. And those 300 students who are served during second chance get through the line in under 10 minutes, which demonstrates the teamwork and organization of this cafeteria staff. This year, when the line of students waiting for breakfast grew and grew, our cafeteria staff problem-solved a way to open up a third line for second chance, all while still getting lunch service prepped, prepared, and underway for LHS, Asbury, and other school sites. The leadership of this cafeteria staff and teachers who allow students to eat second chance breakfast in their classroom during the beginning of instruction demonstrates the school's commitment to supporting the whole child. Students who are thinking about being hungry aren't thinking about academics. This program has changed that and helped students
050put their focus where it needs to be. At its core, the second chance breakfast program is about removing barriers for students and ensuring that every student has access to a healthy meal and a strong start to the day. This program reflects the very best of what public education should be, identifying a need, working together to solve it, and putting students first in every decision. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, the positive impact of this cafeteria staff is visible in classrooms each and every day. On behalf of the LHS student staff and families, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to this cafeteria team for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving our students well beyond the lunch line. Please join me in recognizing and thanking them for their exceptional work with the second chance
051breakfast program. >> I have two more recognitions tonight and these are senior spotlight videos. So a little different than what we've done in years past. The students who were selected by their principal from Lincolnton High School were interviewed and we put together a video for you to watch so you can see just how fantastic they are. So we have two students today that you will see their videos and then at the end of the videos we'll welcome them up to the front. Who are we starting with Mr. Hall? I am >> [music] >> Cruz. My name is Iron Cruz and I'm a senior at Lincolnton High School. One of the things I've been like being a senior is that I get out at 10:00 and then I go to my barber school, learn every day
052how to cut hair, learning new stuff and yeah. So yeah, my favorite memory about Lincolnton High School is that I think soccer season enjoy with my friends, play with my friends, memories, yeah. She always been helpful to me. She been teaching me a lot not not just about school if not like more about life. She been advising me a lot and yeah, I would choose him. Yeah, one of my challenges was that I put my work to the next day and then everything comes together and then I can't I can't do it so yeah, that that was one of my challenges. So yeah, so I've only been here four years in in USA from Costa Rica and my experience from Lincoln County is been good. The people is good, the environment is good and yeah,
053goodbye. Yeah, after high school my goal is like being a barber. I'm working on that and my dream is like to open a barber shop in Lincolnton and have my own shop and and yeah. And next up we have Justice Robinson. >> [clears throat] [music] >> My name is Justice Robinson. I am a senior and I go to Lincolnton High School. The activities I'm involved in at Lincolnton High School, I am in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and I'm also attending a LPN program at Gaston College. My favorite experience attending Lincoln County Schools is being able to give back to the community and volunteer at local soup kitchens. Challenges I've faced is stress and burnout, but I would say powering through and not giving up is how I overcame them. The people that are
054most helpful to me uh attending Lincoln County Schools was my mother. She is a really big supporter and I I would say some of the teachers here like Mr. Teague. After graduation, I plan on to finishing my LPN program. Then after that, I plan to finish the LPN to RN bridge program given through Gaston College. I've loved my time at Lincoln County Schools and I think the opportunities they give to the students are the best. Right now, save an additional 15% on in-stock furniture. >> All right, board members. We have um up next on our agenda grant opportunities that will be provided by um Dr. Tim Beam and Ms. Cannon eating. My apologies. I wanted to let you know that Lincoln County Schools has received an opioid grant from the opioid settlement funds from Lincoln
055County. Uh the grant is uh north of $160,000. Uh and so we want to thank um the Lincoln County for allowing us to have that grant. It will support some uh mental health screeners that we uh already provide and then also um a staff member to help us work through the mental health challenges of students in Lincoln County Schools. And board members, um to follow up with that, too, we'll be posting later this week for that position. It is a one-year position. Multiple years at a time because of the way the grant is is structured. Um, but definitely want to give a shout out to DSS, United Way, >> the health department, >> and Lincoln County government and for all really just kind of coming together to figure out how to spend this settlement money
056and include us in opportunities. Thank you very much. Thank you so much for presenting the information and we look forward as a board to seeing the outcomes of that grant opportunity. And we did have someone sign up per board protocol to speak, uh, Miss Suzanna Raymond. Okay. Moving on, um, I will turn it over to Dean Shatley for our closed session. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, board members, we need a motion to go into closed session pursuant to General Statute 143-318.11 under subsection A1 to discuss confidential matters under state laws, per- personnel matters, and student matters under uh, federal law, as well as under subsection A3 to discuss matters protected by the attorney-client privilege. This time, I will entertain a motion to enter into closed session. I have a motion by Miss Wyatt. Is there
057a second? I have a second by Mr. Sanders. Any further discussion? All those in favor, signify by saying I. I. Those opposed? The motion is carried. We are now in closed session. >> Mhm. >> We are now back in open session. Action was taken regarding a personnel matter. Up next, we have our student Board of Education application. Turn that over to Dr. Allen. Board members in your packet tonight, we have from the work session request last week a possible application for our students to complete that is a Google form and then some guidelines for our principals and counselors to consider when making a recommendation. We also Ms. Clancy has prepared she'd be here tonight but she had to to leave she's prepared kind of some a working document that allows us to have a framework
058of who's who should be selected, the process, the expectations. Our goal is with your blessing with this document if there's no changes that we would push this out to school leaders this week and allow the counselors and principals to make this circulated and make it available to any student who would want to apply. The goal and the idea here is that who you represent, the zone you represent that you would kind of be responsible in helping to read those applications. Ms. Clancy's limited some of the responses to 250 to 200 words so it's relatively quick concise information that we would make a selection and with the idea that they would be able to start with us as an option started in the August work session. But definitely a hard start in that September work session
059and then stay with stay with us through the year. You will notice that Asbury is not listed on this application on this detail but I've talked to our thought in that is since Asbury students students are more transient than permanent and they do represent the four high schools traditionally but to still include them in the in some input sessions I will I will ask Dr. McClain in his role kind of overseeing Asbury referrals that he would go and meet with their lighthouse team before our work sessions to gain insight, to get feedback, to report from their perspective in addition to being available for our student reps to do that. So with your blessing if you if you're good with this we'll roll it out this week and then hopefully we'll have some applications submitted before
060the end of end of the month. Does anyone have any feedback about the attached documents or the plan? Okay. Well, we will proceed with the information that is presented and I appreciate the effort that was put into just kind of honing the process. Having the student reps this year has been a real asset and they've brought a lot of good feedback to the work sessions and have really had a a strong voice, I would say, in several issues that we've discussed. So, their input is always appreciated. We do have our action items. The first is our strategic plan for the 2026-2031 school years. Um countless hours and have went into the creation of this document and it really feels like more than a document this year, I would say. Um this go around, you know,
061just everybody that that participated in it from leadership team, community members, um students, lots of voices were heard. So, at this time, I will entertain a motion to approve the strategic plan for the 2026 through 2031 school years. Have a motion by Ms. Havner. Is there a second? Second by Ms. Wyatt. Any further discussion? All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion is carried. Then we have our consent agenda items which include the approval of minutes from the board work session, um April 14th, 2026 and the board meeting minutes from the 8th April 14th, 2026 meeting, the uh budget amendments as um listed in the agenda, personnel recommendations, EC contract approvals, facility use fee reduction request, Synovia Solution one-year contract extension and the classified supplement scale revision proposal. I will entertain
062a motion to approve as presented. Have a motion by Mr. Jenkins. Is there a second? Second by Ms. Long. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion is carried. We uh we have a lot of stuff on our reminders and announcements. A lot of dates coming up um with graduations that we talked about earlier and um Memorial Day right around the corner. So, last day of school is May 21st. Kind of feels like we just started, but kind of feels like it was a long time ago. So. I know. It's been a whole year. I know. I know. So, we have seniors. Awesome. Well, I will entertain a motion to adjourn. I have a motion by Mr. Jenkins. Is there a second? I have a second by Mr.
063Sanders. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion is carried. We are now adjourned.