001I'll call to order the Lincoln County Schools Board of Education monthly meeting for Tuesday, April 14th, 2026. If you will join me in a moment of silence. Thank you very much. I want to say thank you for everybody who's here tonight with us. We always look forward to our monthly meetings whenever we get to celebrate all of the great things that happen around Lincoln County Schools, and we will go ahead and get started with our pledge of allegiance, and we have two students with us tonight from Rock Springs. I'm going to introduce them to y'all. Do you want to come over here? Okay. So, up first, I have Ava Staley, and I will let you tell everybody what grade you're in and whose class you're in. I'm in fifth grade. I am in Miss Hannah's
002class. All right. So, and this is Trip, and you can tell everybody what You're in fifth grade, as well, right? >> Yep, we're on the same room. Uh we I am in fifth grade, and we both both have Miss Hannah as our home room. Fantastic. So, if y'all will join us in the pledge, if you'll stand. So, while they are taking some pictures, I'll tell you a little bit about um Eva and Trip. So, Eva's favorite subject is science, and she enjoys gymnastics, and she plays the keyboard. Her teacher said that she works incredibly hard in class every day. Her effort, positive attitude, and willingness to contribute makes a meaningful impact in the classroom. And Trip's teacher said that um he is a joy boy to have in class. His dedication to his work and
003his kindness towards others makes him a positive influence in the classroom. He enjoys playing sports and playing outside, and his favorite subjects are math and science. So, let's give them a round of applause. All right. So, we like to kick off our meeting every month with um saying our mission statement together as a group. I'm going to have us stay focused on why we are here doing the work every month. So, the board and the community, if you want to join in with us, it's over here on the wall. So, Lincoln County's At this time, I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda as presented. I have a motion by Ms. Long. Is there a second? >> Second. I have a second by Ms. Ebner. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by
004saying "Aye." Aye. Those opposed? The motion is carried. Dr. Allen, will you give us your superintendent updates and informational items? Yes, ma'am. This will definitely be a uh shorter shorter than normal uh version because we've had spring break and since our last meeting, um just had a lot of normal stuff um happening, but I do want to lift up the idea that yesterday, um we kicked off Bring Your Legislator to School Week, um and we had our representative Heather Ryan join us all day yesterday at East Lincoln Charter to kick off it in the morning Carolina Line. She made her way at that point to North Middle, um East High, and then ended her day at Pumpkin Center, where she wrote a bus, um and and experienced um that joy of of of riding a
005a yellow yellow school bus home with some kids. Um and I say that because she spent all day with us and listened to our students. She really was complimentary of our East Lincoln students yesterday. She had a chance to talk to at East High. Um she had a chance to meet with some beginning teachers at North at East North Middle and at Pumpkin Center. Um and she had some opportunities to meet with uh staff and and read to our littles at East Lincoln Charter. Um Senator Alexander is going to do the same on Wednesday. He's going to meet us at North Brook and West High. So, this this week, we should be proud of our of our legislators as they take time to meet with us before they head back to Raleigh for the short
006session. Um and it's not lost on us the amount of time and energy that they have they are contributing to us, but also the fact that they're listening to our needs and representing us well um in Raleigh. So, I do appreciate that and want to make that a public statement, and that's not always the case um from some of our neighbors of their representatives being that involved with the school system and supporting it in that way. Agreed. All right, board members, we have a lot of um recognition. So, if you'll join me around front, we will go ahead and get started. Tonight, I'd like to start by welcoming two of the representatives from Lincoln County Board of Realtors to do a presentation. This is Patricia Ballard and Susan Donaldson. I have a list. We appreciate
007it. This is not the first time we've been here, and hopefully it won't be the last time we've been here. We'd like to present a check from the Lincoln County Board of Realtors and for the College Now program for $8,500 from the Lincoln County Board of Realtors. We just thank you. Um the North Carolina Middle School Association is a state-level professional organization that is dedicated to supporting middle-level educators, and every year at their um state conference, they recognize nominations for certain awards um across the whole state, and I am excited to be here again. We at Lincoln County right rises to the top quite often, but this year um this year's candidate was celebrated for their jack-of-many-tra- uh jack- I can't remember. Wearing many hats, sorry. Um as a student support specialist for Lincoln County
008Schools, um as the director of middle schools, she works very closely to me with me on um supporting and making sure our AIG students are supported with outlier middle school acceleration issues, um mental health behavioral support, and is currently helping uh me re-envision what uh supports could look like for at-risk students at middle school. And so, it is my pleasure to um celebrate Ms. Cannon Edie, director of student support services, who won from many state nominations for the NCLME Middle School Central Office Personnel to Watch. And she's very appreciative to be standing up here in front of everyone. That still take your picture. It is truly an honor to stand before you tonight and recognize an extraordinary student whose accomplishments represent the very best of Lincolnton High School and Lincoln Schools. This year, one of
009our own, Jake Tweed, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An achievement that places him among the most elite young scholars in the nation. Many of us are familiar with the scholarship as one of the most competitive and distinguished undergrad awards in the nation. What may be less familiar, however, is just how comprehensive its expectations are. It seeks not only academic excellence, but leadership, character, personal vigor, and a demonstrated commitment to service. Qualities that must be sustained over time and proven through action. I'm going to have Jake come on up here because he I want you to be able to meet this young man as I read some of his accomplishments. Morehead-Cain Scholarship represents opportunity at the highest level. It is a fully
010funded four-year experience that includes not only tuition, but enrichment opportunities designed to develop leaders who will go on to impact their communities and professions. And while the scholarship itself is remarkable, it is the selection process that underscores its prestige. Students are nominated, vetted, interviewed, and evaluated through multiple stages, emerging not only as high achievers, but also as individuals who can stand model integrity and purpose. What makes this recognition particularly meaningful for us tonight is this. Jake is only the second student in the past 50 years from a Lincoln County high school to earn this distinction. That reality invites us to pause and reflect not only on the rarity of the accomplishment, but on the level of dedication and perseverance required to reach it. I want to share his mom, Molly, just shared that um Jake's
011great uncle was one of the first recipients, in 1967, Molly, to receive the Morehead-Cain. He got an email saying, "I want to connect you with a Morehead-Cain recipient from your alumna." And >> [laughter] >> the uncle was like, "Oh, I know him well." So, that's a pretty uh neat accomplishment. When we consider Jake's journey, um we see a consistent pattern of pattern of excellence. Ranked first in his class with a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.794 weighted GPA. He has challenged himself with 12 advanced placement courses, earned AP Scholar and Distinction honors. These achievements, while impressive, tell only part of the story. They reflect not just ability, but discipline, focus, and a commitment to growth. At the same time, Jake's leadership extends far beyond the classroom. As a junior and senior class president and member
012of the City of Lincolnton Student Advisory Council and captain of the Quiz Bowl team, he has taken on roles that require responsibility, collaboration, and vision. We often talk about student voice and student leadership. Jake exemplifies both in meaningful and sustained ways. We see his commitment reflected in his involvement in athletics. He's a three-sport sport athlete. He has served as the captain of the tennis, swim, and soccer teams. He was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year and All-State selection in soccer speaks to his competitive excellence, but also to his ability to lead, um support his teammates, and contribute to something larger than himself. Equally important is his commitment to service and character. Through his involvement in organizations such as the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Interact Club, Young Lincoln Leaders, and through earning the
013rank of Eagle Scout, Jake demonstrates a consistent investment in his community. These experiences remind us that leadership is not simply about recognition, but also about responsibility. We often say it takes a village to support and grow our students. Jake's achievement reflects not only his hard work, but also the hard work of his teachers, coaches, family, community members who have supported him along the way. It's a reminder of what is possible when talent, opportunity, and support align. Tonight, we celebrate Jake. Um I've known Jake since he was a little boy. I've known his sister and family. They're a remarkable group of individuals that contribute to our community in countless ways. And we celebrate Jake not only for what he's accomplished, but for what he represents. His story is one of dedication, leadership, and service in Lincolnton
014High School, as well as Lincoln County Schools, are very, very proud of him. Congratulations, Jake. Let's give him a big round of applause. Now, I wonder what his mom is going to buy him for all that college money she's saving. Jake, I think a new car is in order. Uh good evening, everyone. Uh it is time to recognize our sports teams as well as our individual athletes for uh to celebrate them and their accomplishments thus far. Uh if I can have the men East Lincoln High School men's basketball team come up. Only shy? It's our time to shine. So, the East Lincoln men's high school basketball team this year finished uh the year out with a 22 and five record. They won the Western Foothills 5A Conference Championship. They finished the year ranked number six
015in North Carolina 5A classification. They also finished and as a member of the Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 teams. And some of the accomplishments, if we could have uh Jackson Dollar, if he is here and can just step forward for a second. Uh just to uh mention about Jackson with some of his outstanding performances. Jackson Dollar was named the Western Foothills Conference Player of the Year. He is also named North Carolina's Basketball Coaches Association's District Player of the Year, which in that district has uh seven counties surrounding us. Uh he averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists per game. And most recently, Jackson was named as the second team All-State for 25-26. And of course, you cannot have um a great basketball team with talent if you don't have a talented coach. And we'd like
016to also have Mr. Cox Hancock stand for- step forward. Uh Coach John Hancock was also named the Western Foothill Conference Coach of the Year. Our next athlete is also from East Lincoln High School, and it is East Lincoln High School's women's basketball player, Emma Montierra. Is that correct? Montenari. Sorry. Emma was recognized as the 4A-5A Western Foothill Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year. And just some of Emma's stats, so that you also know, this is her second time receiving this accomplishment. And some of her stats for this year was she had 21.4 points average per game, 6.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 4.6 steals, 1.7 blocks, 51% shooting from the floor with a 38% three-point average. Uh she made 53 three-point shots this school year and had five double-doubles and one triple-double. Congratulations. Congratulations. Next, from Lincolnton
017High School's men's basketball team, we have Josiah Gaither. If he would come forward, please. Josiah was named the 2A-3A-4A South Piedmont Conference Player of the Year. And some of Josiah's stats, just so you are aware, uh his average from the floor was 24.8 points per game, eight rebounds per game, 3.6 assists per game, three steals, and 1.3 block shots. Uh one thing that the coaching staff, as well as administrative staff, says is what makes him such a special player is not because of his talent on the floor, but also how he handles himself at school, in the classroom, and his leadership to his peers. So, congratulations to Josiah for being named Player of the Year. All right. Congratulations, Josiah. Next up is our North Lincoln High School women's basketball team if they would come forward.
018Please form a line and shake hands. So, North Lincoln High School women's basketball, uh they are the North Lincoln High School Athletic Association 5A state championship winners. And just a little bit about this team so that everybody is if some of them have not heard, uh the journey for North Lincoln High School Lady Knights to the NC 5A state championship is that it transitions the team when an administrative rule resulted in the forfeit of 17 regular season games. These young women were faced with a choice to either sit down and quit or stand up and take on the Knight Pride name. They chose to do the latter. Entered the state playoff as a number 23 seed team, they played at with a record of three wins and 21 losses. This team embarked on an impossible
019redemption tour by winning six consecutive games on the road. They knocked off seeds of a number 10 seed, a number seven seed, a number two, a three, and five to make it to the state playoff championship game where they faced an undefeated number one team ranking. They won that game with 59 to 56 victory making them the 5A state champions. Congratulations. Recognizing some of the players on the on the team, Lydia Sepulveda, could she step forward? She was nominated as the MVP state champ as the MVP of the state championship game. She received that accomplishment. Uh Ali Smith, some of Ali Smith's accomplishments was conference co-player of the year, most valuable outstanding player for uh the 5A conference, and also 5A state player of the year. Congratulations. And again, just like before, we'd like to
020recognize Christine Carr. Christine Carr. Christine was also nominated and recognized as co-conference coach of the year. Congratulations, girls. Our last recognition is also from North Lincoln High School for Abby McGinnis. Is she here? Abby McGinnis. Come on up, Josh. Abby McGinnis was recognized as the athletic trainer of the year. Uh Abby provides top-notch patient care for our student athletes at North Lincoln High School. She works closely with the athletic directors to ensure that all of our safety and action plans are up-to-date and followed. She provides support teaching CPR certification classes to our coaches and our staff. Abby communicates communicates well with all stakeholders and makes sure that all athletic events are covered as tonight instead of receiving awards, she's working. Abby is a loyal team member and uh per and staff member of North Lincoln
021High School. We appreciate her services and all she does for our students. Congratulations to Abby McGinnis for being named athletic trainer of the year. Tonight for our Warrior Lincoln Awards, we are recognizing our North Zone schools. I think you might have one more of mine. So, I will introduce each school or person who is being recognized and tell you why you're being recognized, and then you can come up at the very end. I'm going to start with Rock Springs Elementary. They are being recognized tonight for student-focused collaboration. The Rock Springs mentor program establishes a trusting relationship between adult role models and students to enrich their elementary school experience. The mentor relationship offers support, guidance, and positively enhances the lives of young people. Mary Repko has volunteered as the mentor coordinator for nearly 20 years, working
022closely with Laura Coffee, the guidance counselor, and other Rock Springs staff, some who have over 10 years of experience of service. This year, they had 17 students to meet with their mentors weekly. Each year, students and mentors enjoy a special holiday lunch, gifts from the mentor program, and also a celebration of the rising sixth graders at the year-end of year celebration. Mary diligently finds the perfect mentors to meet students' needs. Mary and Laura's collaboration has made all of this possible for the students of Rock Springs Elementary year after year, and the positive results of their kindness and dedication are immeasurable. Thank you to all of the many mentors at Rock Springs that make up the mentor program and impact the young lives for the betterment of the Denver community. Mary and Laura and any other
023Rock Springs staff members, come on up. Next, we are going to recognize North Lincoln Middle School for teamwork and culture. And Ms. Arndt, their principal, had a lot to say about this individual that's being recognized. At North Lincoln Middle, the band room hums with energy in an otherwise quiet hallway. Instruments are assembled, music is set, and students trickle in, not out of obligation, but out of eagerness. At the center of it all stands Ms. Burhans, our band director, whose passion for her students is unmistakable. Every decision she makes reflects a deep commitment to their growth both as musicians and individuals. Her vision for the program extends far beyond the walls of her classroom. Understanding that strong programs are built over time, she has taken the initiative to coordinate visits to elementary schools which feed into
024North, introducing younger students to the excitement and opportunity that band provides. These visits were more than recruitment. They're invitations into a community where students feel seen, valued, and inspired. Through her efforts, the foundation of the band program continues to strengthen, ensuring its success for years to come. Inside her classroom, Jennifer's leadership is evident in every rehearsal. She sets high expectations, but pairs them with encouragement, patience, and a genuine belief in her students' abilities. The result is a culture of pride and ownership. Students don't just play music, they perform with confidence, discipline, and heart. That culture was on full display when the North Lincoln Middle School band recently earned the highest possible rating of superior at their music performance education adjudication, a testament to countless hours of preparation and Ms. Burhans' unwavering commitment to excellence excellence.
025Yet, her impact is not measured by awards alone. Jennifer creates meaningful experiences that students will carry with them long after middle school. From preparing her students for a performance trip to Dallas to celebrating their individual and collective successes, Ms. Burhans ensures that every student has the opportunity to shine. These moments build not only musicianship, but also confidence, teamwork, and lasting memories. Her dedication, work ethic, and student-centered approach make her a standout educator. She honors each student's talents while pushing them to reach their fullest potential. With a clear vision, a strong sense of purpose, and unwavering commitment to her students, she exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding teacher. There is no doubt that her future in education is incredibly bright, and the lives she will continue to shape are countless. Come on up, Ms.
026Burhans. And finally, for North Lincoln High School, we are recognizing their school for teamwork and culture. And their recognition is for Hannah White. Hannah exemplifies what it means to serve our school community with excellence. She is not only an outstanding teacher, but also a dependable team player who consistently goes above and beyond for both her colleagues and her students. She is the leader of our student lighthouse team for Leader in Me. She plays a vital role in shaping a positive school culture and empowering others to lead. What stands out the most about Hannah is her commitment to build strong culture of teamwork and collaboration. She brings people together, supports shared leadership, and helps create a unified vision focused on student success. Her dedication, work ethic, and commitment to North Lincoln are evident in everything she
027does. Our school is a better place because of Hannah, and we are proud to recognize her for the meaningful impact she continues to make. Hannah, if you will come forward. Mr. Van Esselstyn, if you will come forward. >> [laughter] >> Okay, so finally tonight, we are spotlighting two seniors from North Lincoln High School. And the way that we are doing it this year is through a video. So, both of these students were interviewed and were able to speak to some really cool in in their high school careers. So, I believe first I T S, what do you have pulled up first? Pierce? Okay, so first we have Kagan Pierce from North Lincoln High School. Let's watch the video. >> [music] >> Hi, my name is Kagan Pierce and I'm a senior at North Lincoln High
028School. In school, I was part of the winter winds ensemble, marching band, NHS, Beta Club, um and the Leader in Me. And then, outside of school, I am a part of the media team at Pursuit Church. My favorite memory all throughout Lincoln County, um was definitely the preview that we do right before the competitive season. All four high schools come together to perform our shows for each other, and we all play the national anthem together. Mr. Vinick and all the other staff members throughout marching band have definitely been the most helpful with everything. A challenge I've faced throughout high school was definitely the second half of freshman year and all throughout sophomore year. I lost three grandparents. It was definitely hard for me, but one thing that really helped was my church's youth group. I
029got really involved in that and just seeing the growth that I had throughout that and just all of them helping. During my sophomore year for marching band, I auditioned for a flute section leader and then during my junior and senior year, I became drum major. And then, I also got asked to be part of the Knights for Christ leadership. And then, also during my senior year, I got asked to be part of the lighthouse team for Leader in Me, where we come together with teachers and collaborate to help make the school a better place and to find a leader in everybody. And it really inspired me to want to show others that leadership is a really helpful tool for the future. After graduation, I'll be attending Clemson University and will be majoring in landscape architecture.
030It's not having access [music] to 1 million Dusty Groove. >> [music] >> My name is Harold Garcia and I am a senior here at North Lincoln High School. The activities that I'm involved with are either Knights for Christ, and I'm a part of the Lincoln Student Advisory Council, where we have committees and we just share our student input on the county. My favorite experience here at North Lincoln High School, uh would have to be joining the theater program and the drama club because that is where I found my community and my place and where I feel like I belong. The most influential person that has been a part of my high school career would have to be my theater teacher, Ms. Pratt, who inspired me to be a better actor and a better person on
031and off the stage. She is a leader uh in my life and throughout all my other classmates' lives. A challenge I faced was people assuming something that I am not and just, you know, spreading things that like aren't exactly true and and I've learned just to be myself and I know who I am and no one can tell me otherwise. Uh I was recently a part of the All-County Chorus that we did here in Lincoln County. Uh it was a great opportunity to meet other people from different schools and it was just a really fun opportunity and I just wish there was more that we can do with the other schools. Being a leader means so much to me. Obviously, like I I don't want to call myself a leader, but um like I said
032before, my goal is to impact other people's lives and if I can do that by leading them or helping them with whatever they need help with, I'm all for it. My plans after graduation is to attend Western Carolina University. Right now, I'm undecided, but my main goal in life is just to impact other people. If Harold and Kagan will come forward, please. All right, board members, we do not have anybody signed up to appear before the board per board protocol. So, we do have a need for closed session and I will turn it over to Mr. Shelley. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good evening, board members. We need a motion to go into closed session pursuant to General Statute 143-318.11 under subsection A to discuss confidential matters, particularly student and personnel matters, and under subsection A
0333 discuss matters protected by the attorney-client privilege. I'll entertain a motion to enter into closed session. I move. Have a motion by Mr. Jenkins. Is there a second? Second. Second by Mr. Sanders. Any further discussion? All those in favor, signify by saying I. I. Those opposed? Motion is carried. We are now in closed session. >> Mhm. >> We are back in open session. No action was taken. Board members, if you'll look at the consent agenda items, we have the approval of minutes from the board's work session March 10th, the board meeting March 10th, budget amendments as presented, personnel recommendations, extended field trips curricular, and we have the child nutrition procurement plan, the child nutrition rollover bids, approval of juice bid, alternative schools modified accountability system for the 2026-27 school year, the behavior specialist assistant pay
034scale adjustment. At this time, I will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda items as presented. I have a motion by Ms. Long. Is there a second? I have a second by Ms. Hebner. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion is carried. And if you'll take a look at the reminders and announcements, we have our board work session on May 5th and then we'll be offsite. We're going to be at APTAR in Lexington. We'll start at 11:00 a.m. with a tour and then head into the work session at 1:00. We Yeah. Um Who's going to be there at 11:00 for the tour? Okay. Yep. So, I think everybody should be there. All right. Well, at this time, I will entertain a motion to adjourn. I move.
035I have a motion by Mr. Jenkins. Second? Second by Ms. Wyatt. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion is carried. We are now adjourned.