001Good evening everyone. Welcome to the Burke County Board of Education special call meeting for June 16th, 2025. Going to go ahead and call this meeting to order. Being that all board members are seated, we have determined that there is a quorum. Board members, you do have the agenda in front of you. Take a moment to review and let me know your pleasure. Motion to approve. Motion to approve by Mr. Woff. Second. We have a second by Mr. Beck. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The agenda is approved. Dr. Swan go over some updates with the board. Um, as you know, we graduated uh this several weeks ago. So, um, we had a great graduation with seven graduations uh here in Burke
002County. Um, just phenomenal. So, I want to personally thank each and every one of you guys for attending them. Uh, as as you had time in your schedule. So, it's always good uh for the students, the staff, and the families to see y'all out there as well. Um, we had 835 graduates. So, we're down about 70 graduates from last year. um just declining population as we all know. Um so also in preparation for our graduations, what we've started doing probably over the last eight to 10 years, we started doing senior walks um where our grad senior graduates, they return to the elementary schools that they attended. Um so one cute thing that we saw this year, they created a time machine where they would send in prek students in their cap and gowns on one
003side and on the back side they'd come out as the graduates. So, it it it's really good. Um I I'll send you guys the video. Um also, if you'll see here is a mural some students at Heritage Middle School created uh by using recycled art uh that they found around those are bottle caps um that they made the state and as you see, Western North Carolina has the UNC heart on it. So, they were recognized through gear up. Um so, that mural is hung up above Heritage Middle School's water bottle filling station. So, as we're out school visits next year, uh we'll definitely come by, stop by and see that. Also, there's Mr. Gallagher again with his uh Gear Up. He was a runner up for Gear Up innovator of the year. So, we want
004to recognize Mr. Gallagher at the start of next school year as well. Mr. Gallagher is an eighth grade teacher, longtime educator in Burke County Public Schools, uh advocate for public education. So, congratulations to Mr. Gallagher. also books on break. Um with our partnership uh with community agencies, we had students were able to pick 10 books for summer reading at home. Uh so that that was an great endeavor. Uh we had several elementary schools that participated with uh books on break. So as you see here, students going around picking books that they they would like to read over the summer. Also, um Mr. Wall, we are highlighting our school bus driver class coming up July 21st through the 23rd. Uh so information up there you can reach out 43828-437-4770 uh and sign up for s phillips
005at burke.k12.nc us to sign up. Um so once again we we are in a good position with our drivers. We can always use more. Um we want to continue to get folks plugged into those positions. Also our EOG summer school and summer Olympiad is up and running. Uh in our elementary school, we have 133 students participating and 132 students in middle school participating. Uh not a bad turnout. Uh this is a non-mandatory um opportunity for our students and families. Uh and it runs all day. So they they let out at normal school time from 8 to 3. Uh they do get lunch, recess, everything else involved in a regular school day as well. Um so it's a great program. Uh, and if anybody wants a visit over the next couple weeks, let me know. We
006can drop in on some of the schools. How many weeks? Uh, two weeks, July 4th. So, the next two weeks will be gone. Yeah. Um, also our summer meal program started last Thursday. Uh, we had a pickup sites at Ikard Elementary and Oakill Elementary. Uh so th those will happen and families can pick up um meals for their entire family, however many students they have on within the within their family. Um so we did have to change a feeding site from Oak Hill based on the the amount of folks that we had showing up. Uh we heard from our highway patrol friends that we couldn't block 126 anymore, so we were able to accommodate that. Um, so it's I think Table Rock's going to be a much better uh location site for that pickup as
007well this coming Thursday. Wanted to highlight some of our summer capital projects, things that often go unnoticed that our folks are currently working on. Um, as you see, this is Freedom High School. We the Freedom Gymnasium is getting a um a completely new floor. Uh and all of our middle schools and and excuse me, high schools are on a floor rotation where every so often they strip them down and the county covers the cost of that. Uh also track repair at Freedom High School where we had we did have some minor flood damage uh back in September. You'll see there uh grading and paving uh that is going up the hill from the fieldhouse um up to the Freedom High School there. And then that shot right there is the shot going down from the
008student parking lot. So, if you've been over there and you were for graduation, it was it was in pretty bad condition with a lot of potholes. Um, also we've got in top left, Maul Elementary School's getting a complete upgrade. Uh, some bathrooms getting done at Freedom High School. Uh, let's see to your bottom right that is the complete deconstruction of the Valdi's playground. Uh, if you've been through Valdies and they've already started putting up some of the equipment. Um, so we're very excited about that that large program. As you see, um, summertime is is when our maintenance folks get super busy. So, if you see our maintenance folks out and about, uh, give them a big shout out. They they do a fantastic job. Walter Johnson Middle School there in the top middle getting a
009a refurbished gym floor as well. Um, officer training June 17th, which is tomorrow, and June 24th. Um some of you board members did attend some of the preliminary meetings. So we're excited for you to participate. Tomorrow is at Glenn Alpine Elementary and Drawn High School on the 24th. Um so we'll report back out to the full board on um everything that revolved around that as well. So we're excited for that partnership. All right, Madam Chair, those are my updates. Thank you, Dr. Swan. Thank you. All right, fellow board members, before we proceed, I would like to make a point of privilege. It is with great pride and admiration that we introduce a well-deserved honor for a leader who exemplifies integrity, vision, and service. This year, the North Carolina School Superintendent Association is proud to recognize
010Dr. Swan as the newly elected chair for the Northwest Region District 7 representing Alexander, Alagany, Ash, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Kataba, Hickory, McDow, Mitchell, Newton, Conover, Wataga, Wils, and Yansy counties. This role is not just a title, but a testament to the trust, respect, and confidence his fellow superintendent have in his leadership. Dr. Swann's career has been marked by a steady commitment to students, educators, and the communities he serves. He is a leader who brings not only years of experience, but also a genuine sense of purpose to every conversation and decision. Known for his calm demeanor, his thoughtful approach, and a sharp sense of humor that makes everyone around him feel seen and valued, Dr. Swan has built a legacy rooted in service, not spotlight. It is only fitting that we pause to honor his appointment
011and recognize the example he sets for educational leadership across North Carolina. We're not surprised. We're really not. I am blown away, Dr. First one, you have worked incredibly hard these last few years to overcome stigmas of previous administrations. Your leadership by way of a listening ear and open door approach makes communication comfortable, relaxed, and even the most challenging of topics resolved positively. Being able to communicate the good, the bad, and the ugly is a rare trait, and that is an asset for our district. your greatest strength, and I think I've told you this before, is your ability to build strong relationships quickly. And I think that that's what they seem you were going to be able to do with this position. And uh we're looking forward to what doors this opens for our district as
012well. And uh we appreciate your diligence and all the hard work, all the extra hours. We appreciate the sacrifices as well of your family and the time that they they give because it does it takes it takes two. So, um, thank you guys, Sarah and Hadley. We appreciate y'all and Walt. I told Tiana earlier we should be having a roast and that'd be a whole lot funner. Uh, Dr. Swan's dedication to education and unwavering commitment to our schools have truly set him apart as a a true leader. His guidance under his guidance, Burke County Public Schools has thrived with students, teachers, and staff all benefiting from his vision and leadership. His new role as chairman uh is not only a reflection of his hard work, but also as a testament to how deeply he cares
013about improving education for everybody, even outside the school, our district. Uh we're proud of it of you and the positive impact that you'll continue to make and your leadership inspires not just Burke County but the entire Northwest region of North Carolina. Congratulations and we are confident you will bring the same passion and excellence to this new role as you have brought to our schools. Thank you. First, um, thank you. Thank you for everything that you have done. Um, staff, uh, parents, everyone, they they appreciate you. Your hard work's not gone unnoticed. Um, I would much rather do the roast, too. I think we'd have fun with that. Uh, but, uh, your, uh, your dedication and like I said, everything that you've done done for this system and just the hard work that you put in.
014He's always a phone call away. It doesn't matter what time of day it is. If you need something, he's going to answer you. And um that's that's happened time and time again. And I just want to say thank you and appreciate you. Take a moment to say thank you u and just say how proud I am of Dr. Swan and the leadership that he continues to show here in Burke County. Uh he's steady, student focused, and forward thinking. He makes schools are he makes sure our schools are safe and our staff feels supported and that every student has a chance to succeed. Under his leadership, Burke County Public Schools has stayed strong, not just in day-to-day operations, but in spirit. Dr. Swan brings people together. He listens to the community and he earns trust. That's
015why I was especially proud to see him elected as chairman of the North Carolina School Superintendent Association for the Northwest District. That kind of recognition doesn't just happen by accident. Uh it speaks of Dr. Swann's integrity, his leadership, and the respect that he's earned across the state. Uh with Dr. Swan at the helms, I believe that Burke County Public Schools um is in good hands, and he'll be and now he'll be able to lead education across the state and and and here in Burke County. So, I thank you for everything you do. I'm not going to be nearly as eloquent as the people before me, but I do want to say thank you. Thank you for all your hard work. You are completely at our beck and call. Um, anything we need, any problem that
016comes up, any issue that comes up, and that is that is a true quality of somebody that loves what they do. And we appreciate that. We appreciate your compassion and your energy and your dedication to the job and um your patience with answering all the questions, tracking down all the information um and just your your love of of the students and the and school itself. So, we thank you for this and we thank you and no one could be even more deserving than than this than you. Dr. Swan, let me say I I don't know how many of you know him really well. Um I know many of you do know him real well. So, you know, but some of those who don't know him real well, um yeah, Dr. Swan is amazing. He is
017welld deserved. This uh this honor, this position you you you're stepping into is welld deserved. Uh you know, as the others have said, Dr. Swan is always available. Uh whether it's by email, text, phone call, always available, always responsive, always on it. Um and so and I have greatly appreciated that. And I'm not I'm kind of new here. Been here less than a year, but I've had some good conversations with several principles, and every one of them has sung their praises of Dr. Swan. Every one of them. uh that he is there for them of his uh his integrity his judgment that he's always there to to help them to guide them uh anything they need anytime they need it and uh so that's that's the feedback I get that's the evidence I get from
018everywhere everyone I talk to and we are thankful we are fortunate to have you here and we are thankful to have your leadership so Dr. one. Thank you very much. And let's give him a hand for what he has done for us in this position. So, we also have some quotes from our leadership team uh that speaks to the value of Dr. Swan and his leadership here in Burke County. Dr. Swan leads with heart, putting people first always, and sets the tone for our district with a genuine smile that inspires trust and connection. His compassionate leadership style creates a culture where everyone feels seen, supported, valued, and empowered, and his commitment to the growth of every individual in Burke County Public Schools, students, teachers, staff, and administrators reflects his belief in the power of community.
019Another quote says, "Family, at the end of the first day that I met Dr. Swan in July 2013. He left me with this. We are a family. Bring your family to our events as they are part of our family. We are in this together. Welcome to being a part of the family. I've never had a principal put it like that. He has always been allin and made everyone feel part of something bigger than himself. Dr. Swan is calm under pressure, clear in vision, and unwavering in his commitment to keeping students at the heart of every decision. He's the kind of leader who inspires you to show up each day and give your very best for our students. His deep love for children and belief in the life-changing power of education isn't just something he says,
020it's something he lives. Dr. Swan is always willing to provide any guidance needed to assist in helping us become better leaders in our departments. I appreciate his leadership and hardworking making Burke County a terrific place for students to succeed. Ability can take us to the top, but it takes character to keep us there. Dr. Swan exemplifies great character as our leader. This is one of the reasons Burke County Public Schools remains at the top. Leaders instill in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals. Dr. Swan leads with heart. He is student centered, supportive of teachers, and provides encouraging leadership. From watching him remain calm and professional when interacting with a contentious student to leading Burke County Public Schools, there is a difference about
021him, a genuine kindness and compassion for others. His knowledge and the impact he has on others makes me strive for excellence and to not let him down. So, those are just a few of our quotes from our leadership team, and I think you'll hear lots of common threads in those. So, we thank you for your leadership and all that you do to support us. [Applause] If I may, um, thank you very much. Thank leadership, thank the community, thank you guys, my family. Um, Saturday I was out of town. I get a an alert on my Ring camera that I had a visitor in the house. And I pulled it up and it was my son that lives six hours away. And I thought, "Oh, he's surprising me for Father's Day." Um, so we had a
022nice Father's Day yesterday. They're in the crowd, uh, with his girlfriend Sophia and my daughter Hadley and my wife Sarah. So, couldn't do it without them, the support of them. Couldn't do it out with support of the board. Um, thank you. Couldn't do it without the support of Dr. Utten, my leadership team back there, and and that word my I I can't believe I just let it slip out of our my mouth. Um, it's our leadership team. So, if you guys would stand up, too. You're part of this recognition. So, thank you guys. And something Dr. Rottton said earlier from 2013, we are family. Um, and and we show up to work every day. Uh, your students here that are for recognition, they're they're our children. Uh, we think of everyone in this room as
023our family. Every single student in this county, every staff member is our family. So, um, once again, thank you guys. And I'm going to come by Don't worry. [Music] All right. [Music] Come on. The [Music] friends. [Music] I love you. [Music] Whoever. [Music] Congratulations. [Music] I know. All right. Now, we're going to move on down the agenda, and the next item of business is student recognitions. Should we move to the front of the board? All right. Okay, good evening everyone. Um, thank you for joining us as we um, honor our students and recognize them this evening. Tonight I will be recognizing the first place winner of our very first middle school quiz bowl competi or quiz bowl light competition. Each of these students practice long hours answering a multitude of questions on a variety of
024subjects. They have explored history, current events, pop culture, literature, and various other challenging topics. On May 2nd, they put all of this preparation and practice into action, competing in five rounds of intense competition. If you were lucky enough to sit through one round, you can understand the rigor they endured. Each student has demonstrated commitment, perseverance, and a curiosity for knowledge, uh, which is an accomplishment in itself. And so today, we want to honor not only their hard work, but their growth as learners and teammates. And so this evening, I would like to recognize the Liberty Middle School Quizball team and coaches as the middle school quizbowl champion for the 2425 school year. Please come forward as I read your name. Adah Clark, Annayia Hudson, [Applause] Nora Olsen, Zoe Shannon, Carrian subtles and Zach Waters. And
025our coaches uh for Liberty Middle School are Crystal Hirs and Amber Rickardson. [Applause] Congratulations. [Applause] Good evening. Uh on April 15th at Glenn Alpine Elementary School, we had our annual middle school robotics competition. For anybody who's never been a part of that competition, it's it's a sight to see. uh the innovativeness, the teamwork, the hard work uh from our middle school robotics students and the coaches is second to none and it's it's really a terrific event and we've got uh four different categories we're going to recognize some folks in this evening. Uh we did have a tie for the overall middle school robotics uh team tournament co- champions uh and that was between East Middle and Liberty Middle. And if when I call your name, if you'll come up. Uh first from Eastburg Middle, Freedom
026Ramirez, Daniel Caps, and Legend Coup. And their coaches were Andrea Gladen, Aaron Chamus, and driver Tommy Gladen. We appreciate all you guys did in uh sharing the overall team competition. They shared that as I mentioned with Liberty Middle School team members from Liberty, Charlie Moses, Brilan Terry, Kase Clark, and Finley Garst. And their coach was Nate Greyville. Congratulations, Liberty, on time for the team conference tournament championship. [Applause] And we've got our administrators from East Middle and Liberty Middle here. if you guys will get those certificates maybe from us and we'll get those to everybody. Uh the next category was our skills competition and excellence award. Eastport Middle, if you'll stay up here. Freedom Ramirez, Daniel Caps, and Legend Coup along with coaches Andrea Gladen and Aaron Shamus uh took home first place in the skills
027competition and excellence award. Congratulations. [Applause] It's a double certificate night for East Middle. The judges award uh which was judged by Cummins and Morgan uh was Table Rock Middle School. Please come forward guys whenever I call your name. Grayson Gordon, Kayn Rich, Trisha Smith, Colin Stedum, Sophie Anne Smith, and Trinity Davis. and coaches were Kim Long and Miss Janet Green. Congratulations, Table Rock, on the judges award. And our last award is the design award and that was awarded to Walder Johnson Middle School. Again, please come forward when we call your name. Filamina Miguel, Annayiah Rosales Flores, Axel Salvador Lopez, and this team was coached by Miss Beth Fox. Please come on up. [Applause] We appreciate you guys coming. We know this is a busy time of year with vacations, camps, all kinds of things going
028on. So, we do appreciate you guys for coming. We appreciate the school's participation, our coach's hard work, and our and our uh our students uh and all the things that they did to get to this point of success. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening, Madame Chair and members of the board. It's my pleasure to recognize some outstanding student artists who were selected as top winners in our recent middle school art show. These students demonstrated exceptional creativity and skill in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. I'm proud to present the following awards. First place overall in 2D art, Jolie De from Walter Johnson Middle School. First place overall in 3D art, Jordan Gibson from Walter Johnson Middle School. [Applause] The superintendent award goes to Ellie Hill from Liberty Middle School and the director's award to Grayson Smith from
029East Burke Middle School. [Applause] Congratulations to each of these talented students. We're proud of their hard work and creativity. [Applause] I am also very excited to recognize a student who participated in the young writers annual showcase, which is a program that celebrates student creativity and encourages a love for writing by giving young authors the incredible opportunity to be published this year. We are proud to recognize Jonathan Tetlebomb from Hallebertton Academy whose creative writing piece was selected to be printed in the published collection titled Fright Club. This is a wonderful accomplishment that highlights his imagination, skill, and dedication to the craft of writing. Please join me in celebrating Jonathan We also appreciate Miss Ericen being here in support of him tonight. Miss May of the way at a conference, but um all of our Hallebertton folks
030are certainly very proud of Jonathan and his accomplishments. Congratulations. [Applause] members of the board. Uh it's my honor to recognize a 2024 Burke County Public School graduate. Um Mr. Kenton Gut Gupton is here with us tonight with his mother. Um Kenton once again is a 2024 graduate of Freedom High School and in Scout Troop 199 in Oakill. He has earned a distinguished honor for the Eagle Scout service project he completed at Mole Elementary School. His Eagle Scout project completed and dedicated on his 18th birthday, August 5th, 2024 was the building of an outdoor classroom at Maul Elementary. And as you see some slides up here, um all the hard work that he did along with some other folks, Miss Gupton's going to have an opportunity to thank them as well. Um as you see the
031teacher to the far left standing on the stage, phenomenal um outdoor project. This needed project was voted the Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year by the Piedmont Council of Scouting America which covers 11 North Carolina counties including Burke, McDow, Codwell, Alexander, Ayardell, Pulk, Rutherford, Cleveland, Lincoln, and Gaston. Out of the 130 Eagle Scout projects submitted in these 11 counties, the outdoor classroom at Mull was voted number one. During Kenton's time in scouting, he's earned 40 plus merit badges and served as Troop 199's assistant chaplain. Those life skills has proven necessary to shaping his own future as a servant leader. He's now a rising sophomore at Appalachin State University, pursuing studies in political science and pre-law. Kenton hopes the attention this project gained will encourage other future scouts to consider building similar outdoor classrooms for
032schools near them. He feels bringing kids into the learning environment where they are surrounded by nature is is so important that every school should have one. Congratulations, Ken. Come on up. Congratulations. [Applause] Thank you. I appreciate that. I just wanted to take a moment um to say thanks and um thank you for and highlighting this important project at Mullen Elementary. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the problem that I think this project solves for. Um let's face it, we're living in a stressful time in our history. Um, there's political unrest. Groups of people can be at odds at each other with the click of a mouse. And the barrage of digital content can create inner chaos. And uh, in a time when we need to take time to unplug and breathe fresh
033air, the healing kind of fresh air that the outdoors provides. When I was pregnant with Kinton nearly 20 years ago, I read a book that had a big impact on me. It was called The Last Child in the Woods by Richard Lou. And in that book, the author portrayed a phenomenon he called surreal time uh and how a child's brain can really be damaged uh by that surreal time. You see, when we're interacting with each other in in real time, our brains can process that. But when it's digital content and digital screens and and those those kinds of things, that is what he portrayed as surreal time. And it just creates so many chaotic pathways in our brain only and that that can really only be undone by time in the outdoors. So, I hope
034that this project really um encourages uh more of the same to be put in every school environment um because the outdoors has such a power to it to um create better learning and uh better mental health, mental health uh resiliency and and things like that that can follow a kid all the way through their adult lives. Thank you so much. [Applause] All right. Thank you um administration for presenting those awards. Congratulations staff and coaches. We appreciate your hard work and diligence in the competitions that you guys have been a part of. Moving on on the agenda, we have staff reports and updates with AIG. Uh Dr. Abernathy. Good evening, Madame Chair and board. Thank you um for the opportunity um for this time tonight to present our new AIG plan, our proposed AIG plan um
035that we are proposing tonight. Um I have highlighted just um some of the very important parts um of each standard for our 60page plan um which hopefully you had um before prior to this meeting to be able to look over. Um so every year we have to um every three years we actually have a cycle where we have to work on our plan get some input feedback um within the year's time of 2024 2025 um really examine do self-reflection look through to see what we need to make and change in our plan. Um then we present that to our local board we get approval. um if we get approval then we will pass this on then to the state in July. So of course um AIG is directed um by um article 9B. Um I
036know all of you are familiar with that general statute. Um and then it goes over um the link. Article 9B actually talks about not just the state statute but also um the state board and then also the local um requirement as well to have an AIG plan for academically intellectually gifted students. Um at the next slide presents uh the demographics um for our AIG students in Burke County Public Schools. Um in our previous plan 2023 2025 um we had a total of 1,765 students that we were serving um across the district in 3 through 12th grade. Um you will notice with our new plan um we have gone up to 2,255 students that we are now serving. Um and that comes out to be around 20% um of students that we serve in Burke County
037Public Schools. Um and we actually if you really look at the demographics and disagregate that data just a little bit, you will see that several of our undererved populations um from our previous plan to this plan have actually gone up in numbers, which is a very good thing. So standard one talks about student identification. This standard mainly covers um how we identify students starting with our K2 program. Um so in K2 we have a screening process um we uh that students receive talent development um in kindergarten through 2 grade and we use data such as in-class star data uh the pets assessment and then assessment we call sages three and that stands for our screening assessment for gifted elementary students in K through three. Um for our third through 12th grade that's where we actually
038start placing students is at the end of second grade. Um there are three different pathways that they can actually place in. Pathway one is 97% or higher on Iowa or Kogat are the two assessments that we use for AIG. Um or they can have a 97% level five on their actual EOG at the end of the school year. Pathway two requires a 93% on their IO assessment or 90% on KOAT. And then um TRS is a stands for a teacher rating scale that teachers actually are able to give input for each individual student and they have to score a 22 or higher on that. Um and then of course um they can also have a 93% on their EOG level five. Um and then also the teacher rating scale along with that. And then pathway
039three we created actually with our last three-year plan um because we noticed that we weren't really utilizing that portfolio process um in previous years very much to place students. Um, so we actually reworked that pathway um to show the portfolio process that actually pulls data together that we already use in our school system um like standardized scores, grades, um that motivation checklist again, star assessment, EOGS um and that's collected throughout the year and then we look at that at the end of the year to see if we have missed any students um due to just testing. Um so that I really feel like we have had several place pathway three this year and I really feel like that has attributed to some of the numbers that we have seen um as far as the increases.
040The next um point is our D process that's differentiated education plan. Um we have one for third through fifth grade, one for sixth through eight and then one for high school 9 through 12. So standard two talks about our comprehensive program. Um in Burke County we provide a comprehensive K12 program. Um like I said earlier um we try to address the academic, social, emotional and needs through the collaboration among educators and specialists in the schools with all the activities that we do. Uh the program ensures equitable differentiated instruction that it's aligned with district goals and uses flexible datadriven groupings. Um the continuity of services is maintained through collaboration during student transitions. Um it's that's why we have um DP special 235 68 912. Um and it's really important we have transition meetings um at fifth
041grade and 8th grade to make sure that those students transition appropriately into the next level. Um acceleration and early talent development support students from K2 onward. And then Burke County broadens access with inclusive talent development, enrichment, um extracurricular activities, academic competitions throughout the county, and of course STEM opportunities um that we have both in the classroom at the schools and at Steam Academy. Burke County collaborates with our instructional technology support teams to provide professional development to teachers, um ongoing communication with families to ensure equitable access to advanced learning year round. Um and we do quite a bit of work with each individual school customized PD for principles on based on what they feel like the teachers need. The third standard talks about the differentiated curriculum instruction. Um we provide differentiation um through our standard course
042of study K12 to meet advanced learners needs through enrichment, extension, acceleration. Um our AIG specialists, we actually have four of those. Um they collaborate with teachers to support the differentiation process and activities, assessment data, resources um and then provide professional development for schools and teachers. The district's onetoone technology has actually helped us be able to expand what we can offer because a lot of our teachers um we can provide opportunities for students like hands-on equation to they have their own classroom that students can work independently on some of those activities um beyond the classroom. Um and also uh we foster future ready learners by embedding real world durable skills and mindsets into instruction and student experiences. Um, Burke County also supports gifted learners through collaborative schoolwide efforts that integrate differentiated instruction across all learning environments.
043And then standard four talks about the actual personnel and professional development. As I mentioned, we do have four AIG um licensed specialists that target instruction and academic support for both intellectual, social, and emotional needs of our learners. Um some of the things that they do um is not just their steam academy teachers but they also uh we constantly are looking at AIG assessment and data management for our students uh training and implementation of the resources that classroom teachers are utilizing in the classroom and then of course wherever the robotics competition for elementary um they also establish clear and appropriate professional development requirements and needs based on training for staff that are involved with our AIG students. Um we have actually created a local endorsement that we offer to any new teacher that they can take
044online with us that will give a local endorsement to be able to teach AIG. Um and we have that available for uh teachers to help support as well. And then standard five is the partnerships. Um we we love parent feedback. Um we actually have a way for parents to do um a live um survey. This is something we're proposing in our new plan hopefully um that will be housed on our website where uh parents can give us continuous feedback throughout the year instead of waiting till we get ready to redo a plan every three years. Um but forums, meetings, and communication apps. Um we work very closely with all of our schools and principles and schoolbased chairs to get information out. Um and then events, families attend D meetings, transition nights, PTO events, and state
045um the school-based chair meetings that we have um throughout the year. Resources, we do have an AIG website for our Burke County Public Schools. Um and then we have a social emotional learning kit and a multilingual support. Um several links throughout our website. Um leadership, we have district leaders. They review the feedback and help us continuously give us input on how to improve our AIG program. Uh we do have lots of partners with local businesses and of course Western Pedmont is where we house the Steam Academy. Um but we also utilize them for expertise and support. And it's really important um it has been a goal I know since I've been working with um this program several years ago for us to partner with community businesses too and try to link that with the steam
046unit that we're doing because I think it's super important for kids to see what's in their community. Um so we've really tried to partner uh with local businesses to do that. Um, and then of course we offer steam units that link careers and they're supported of course by our steam ambassador groups. And then just ongoing improvement and taking all that feedback and putting it to use to make a document that supports all of our students and families and teachers and schools in Burke County Public Schools. And then standard six is the program accountability, which is where we are in creating this plan. Um so of course I told you every three years we are um supposed we actually are charged by the state to come up and review revise and resubmit a plan on a
047three-year timeline. Um throughout that year we have a lot of reviewing and development and surveys and assessment and of course all of that's found in here and then we take all that put it together and then make a proposed plan um which is what I am presenting to you tonight. So can I entertain any questions for you about our proposed plan? Thank you. We do have that down. Um, fellow board members for an action item lower down on the agenda. Thank you. Vote for tonight. Yes, sir. It will last us all the way to the spring of 2028. Very good. All right. Thank you, Dr. Abernathy. Um, oh, we actually have the alternative school plan as well. Yes. Um so we actually um every single year we have to submit to the state what's called
048a alternative schools modified accountability participation form. Um as you can see um there um there are three different options for our schools um that are on the alternative plan and we have North Liberty and both Hallebertton um that qualify under that and there are three options. The first option is that we don't change anything that uh we remain on the regular accountability plan that all other schools are under. Um the second option is that we actually use a modified system that's um set by the state. Um that's student persistence is 20%, school achievement is 20%. Um then three years worth of data is actually used in calculating the school achievement for that school and then growth is at 60 60% of that final um performance grade. And then of course the third option is for
049us to come up with our own plan and our own accountability measures. But it does have to be um it can't mirror the states and it has to have ways that we can uh validate the evidence and the reliability of the data that we are proposing to be used to the state. Um so we have chosen um option B and so we are just um submitting that proposal to you tonight as well and we will need approval. Awesome. Thank you. Um so right now are we exercising option A. We are under B. We are B and we are going to stay under B. Yes ma'am. Okay. Thank you. This is the three options given to us by the state for our accountability model for alternative settings. B does follow what the proposed state plan is.
050Ever since I have been in Yeah, which was years. We've done this for years. The same model. Any other questions? Okay. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We have Dr. or Mr. Daniel Wall with the Chartwell Summer Mill rate. We'll make Mr. Wall a doctor yet. Thank you board for giving me just a moment here. I want to talk with you about the summer meal rate. Uh it's a little bit unusual for us to propose this this late in the summer, but I wanted but this gives me an opportunity to to brag on our girls a little bit. Um this past week we fed 7,230 breakfast and lunch for summer, which is a an all-time record for us, mainly because of the meal pickups. Um so wanted to want to let you know about that.
051tonight uh with Chartwells and our partnership, they're requesting a meal rate next year for of 4.41. If you'll notice in your board packet, it says 4.45. Um because of the tremendous um increase in participation we saw, Chartwells uh was able to go down on the rate by 5 cents and uh so we really appreciate that and and what they do for us. Be happy to answer any questions about that. Any questions? I don't I don't have a question, but I have a comment um for Mr. Wall that I I wanted to share publicly because I thought it it speaks so highly of the program. Um last week a friend of mine approached me and said, "As part of as the school board part of the school board, are you this is a quote over the
052summer feeding plan, summer meal plan?" And I said, "Well, the school board ultimately is over anything that has to do with the Burke County Public Schools, but um so you know what what can I do for you?" And of course, I'm bracing for Oh, here it comes. And um she said, "I have had some children." She works with some um limited income housing and she in in the school district and she said I have some children in in our housing that have started coming to me saying we don't we we're hungry. We don't have anything to eat. And um she said well okay. So, I think I'm not sure she talked to you directly, but she called the school and she said, "What's this summer meal plan? How's it work?" Whatever. This is where I'm
053at. This is what I'm doing. This is what I've got going on. And Mr. Wall um said, "Okay, let me see what I can do." He went away. He worked his magic, called her back and said, "Starting in July, um, we will have the food truck coming to your area, coming to your facilities to distribute meals for those kids." Meanwhile, he gave her all the information she needed and how she needed to to proceed to go pick up the multi-meal packs at Akard um to bring back. And so her office has put together a plan to go weekly and pick up those meals. And so I just wanted to say thank you for making my job such a pleasure at that moment to be able to say, "Yeah, we did that." Um, but it was
054great and she was she was so over the moon about it. She was so happy that because this is something that she sees yearly during the summer and she was so happy about that. So, thank you very much for working so well with her. You're welcome. Thank you. Thank you for saying that, but I I've got a great team. Our folks work incredibly hard. I'm very thankful for what they do. I've got one one question for you. Well, you said a while ago, you said you've already put out how many meals? Uh, a little over 7,000 last year. Just starting starting already done 7,000. Um, I know you don't know how many meals you're going to do yet this summer? By by no means, but kind of looking at what you guys did last year
055about do you know about how much it costs or how much the district went to maybe to a loss with all that we did all summer? Yes. So, la last year we uh we we spent we gave Chartwells about $113,000 to run the program. Um, we did have a loss of 50,000 55,000 which is pretty normal for summer and it it deals with salaries and things like that. Um, this year with our our new projections over what we did this past week, um, we really think we're going to come pretty close to breaking even and and we may even show a little bit of profit this summer. Um, if we continue to to do what we've done. Thank you. Any further questions? Thank you, Mr. Thank you. All right. We have new central office selective
056demolition resolution with Dr. Akre. Good evening, Madam Chair, board members. Uh thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak tonight. Uh just want to bring you up to speed on a couple of items. The first one is our um uh selective demolition at the new central office at 305 West Union Street. At the end of May, we uh met with the contractors who brought brought in bids. Uh we those bids were opened at central office. Uh the uh low bidder was Moss Marlo um at $179,000 um $179,200 u which was half of what was estimated for uh demolition. Uh so it came in well under budget uh for the um for the demolition. So with that being said, um have a resolution uh for the board tonight uh to entertain at their for their
057action uh item. uh Burke County Board of uh education authorizing approval and execution of certain construction contracts. Whereas the Burke County Board of Education acquired the real property and improvements located at 305 West Union Street, Morgan for purposes of renovating the existing buildings thereon for use as a new district administrative building and has retained Mckis Architecture for design and contract administration services for the project. Whereas by letter dated June the 8th, 2025, the architect reported the results of the bidding for selective demolition services for the project with an apparent low bid submitted and responsive and responsible bidder Mars Moss Marlo Building Company of Hickory, North Carolina in the amount of $179,200. And whereas the board desires pursuant to board policy 9120 sectione to delegate authority to the superintendent and finance officer to approve and enter
058to appropriate contract documents for demolition services. Now therefore be it resolved by the board as follows. Section one. The board hereby awards the work of the demolition services to Moss Marlo Building Company in conformity with their bid and under acceptable contract documents. Section two, the superintendent and finance officer are hereby authorized to execute on behalf of and act as the board act of the board in consultation upon consultation with the board's legal counsel with documents as they seem necessary or expedient to carry out in the intent of this resolution. And I would just ask that that be placed on the action item for this evening's meeting. Any questions? Ryan, I think we're good to move on. Okay. The second uh thing I have for you tonight is an easement request from from Duke Power. This
059is at Freedom High School. Uh they are proposing to do a transformer change out uh there at the GM and do some underground lines over to the uh ROC building and then over to the agriculture building. This is a nice upgrade uh for the u electrical in infrastructure at freedom uh because when we have a situation where if the a building loses power the ROC loses power and the fieldhouse loses power. So with this change out uh it'll be we will be able to isolate uh if power goes out the other buildings will still maintain power. So, this will be a nice upgrade for the for the school and I would ask that that be placed on the action item also. One question. When are they looking to do this? Over the summer. Uh, as
060when the easement is signed and done, they're going to schedule for middle to end of July. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Thank you. They they want to get it done before students come back. Sweet. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? Thank you. Okay. Thank you. All right, moving right along. We have the cons consent agenda items in front of us which contain the open session minutes from May 5th, May 6th, and May 12th, as well as close session minutes from May 5th and May 6th. What is the pleasure of the board? Make a motion to approve. We'll second that motion. Motion by Mr. Beck, second by Mr. Johnson. Any further discussion? All those in favor favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed nay. Eyes have it. It passes unanimously. All right. And we have a need
061to go into close session. Correct. All right. I'm go ahead and read this. I am making a motion to enter close session pursuant to NCGS section 143-318.11A1 and in and six for the purpose of considering confidential personnel matters in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 115C-319-321 and A3 to discuss matters covered by the attorney client privilege. Do we have a second? Second. Second by Mr. Johnson. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. We are now in close session. Sweet. Thank you. Okay, Miss Rocket with the motion to approve. Do we have a second? Yes. Um, do we have a second? Second. Second by Mr. Johnson. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The personnel board
062action report passes. Uh, next we have the board amendment budget revision 13061625. Does anyone have any questions? If not, do we have a motion? Motion. Motion by Mr. Woff. Second. Second by Mrs. Taylor. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. It passes unanimously. Uh, next. Board training credits. Make a motion to approve. Motion by Mr. Beck. Do we have a second? Second. Second by Mr. Johnson. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. It passes unanimously. All right, board members, we have a resolution uh before you guys. I think this has been um in the making for quite some time. Uh, and the resolution is for encouraging balanced instruction through reduced screen use. Um, and just for everyone's sake to
063hear what it says. Um, it says, "Whereas the Burke County Board of Education is committed to ensuring that all students receive a highquality education that promotes academic excellence, critical thinking, and long-term retention of knowledge. And whereas research consistently shows that handwriting and reading from paper materials enhance comprehension, memory retention, and cognitive engagement compared to reading or writing on digital screens. And whereas pen and paper instruction, encourages focus, minimizes distractions often associated with electronic devices, and fosters the development of fine motor skills and personal responsibility in note-taking and organization. And whereas excessive screen time has been linked to increased eye strain, reduced attention spans, sleep disturbances, and negative effects on mental health, particularly in children and adolesccents. Whereas many educators and parents in Burke County have expressed a strong preference for tradition traditional instructional materials and
064methods that reduce dependency on technology and encourage deeper learning. And whereas the Burke County Board of Education recognizes that technology plays an essential role in modern education, including for remote learning days in digital curriculum components that are delivered exclusively through online platforms. Whereas, while digital materials or tools have an appropriate place in modern education, their use must be balanced with proven traditional methods to best support student achievement and well-being. Now therefore, be it resolved that Burke County Board of Education affirms its support for pen and paper instruction as a primary mode of learning in classrooms, particularly for notetaking, reading comprehension, writing, and assessments. And be it further resolved that the Burke County School District will prioritize investments in physical learning materials, including printed textbooks, notebooks, and writing supplies, and will provide professional development to educators
065on maximizing the effectiveness of traditional instruction methods. And be it further resolved that the board encourages the responsible and limited use of digital devices reserving screen time for activities where technology offers clear and evidence-based instructional advantages. And so with that saying, I want to be clear. Um we're not anti-technology. That's not what we're saying. We're just saying that we've heard concerns from parents and educators um regarding the negative effects of excessive screen time. you're actually seeing it a lot in the media now. Um, and so just keeping our kids mental health, physical health in mind, I think it's worthy that we start moving back towards um, pimper paper and pencil instruction where we can and where appropriate. I don't know if there's any other comments board members want to make regarding this resolution before we
066move to a vote. I move we make that resolution. I can I say one thing? Yeah, go ahead. I think it is highly commendable of this board. Now, I know we haven't vote on it voted on it yet, but I think this resolution is is it's way past you because I think that our our children are more important than than making sure we keep up with the latest technology and whatever it takes to give them the best education possible. And I think that recognizing that that's not always the highest technology. Um, I'm so very happy for this resolution. I'm very very happy for it. Just got a point to add. I mean this as it stands is in no way looking to regress where we have grown in the areas of technology. Um, when it
067comes to those students being able to apply what they've learned in technology, in the workforce, in college, that sort of thing, we are putting the discretion and the management of that in the hands of our teachers. if they feel that those students, you know, it it's better served that they take it with a pencil and paper, that they um read from an actual book, not from a screen for um English or reading assignments, things like that in class, then so be it. And we support them for that. Anyone else? One point that I would like to make that I'm exceptionally proud of is that after uh Vice Chair Woff's and I's uh diligence and reaching out to different um organizations across the state, we were able to ascertain that in the event that this resolution
068is adopted tonight, we would be the first in the state of North Carolina to pass such resolution. Um I think it is critical and I think it sets a standard that there must be a balance. Too much of anything can be harmful. Um, and so I have this before you guys. What is the pleasure of the board? I move that we make that resolution. All right. We have a motion by Mr. Kemp. We have a second by Mr. Johnson. Any other discussion? All right. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. It passes unanimously. Chairman Beler, I have just a couple Yeah. couple things. It's in it's in relation to this. This would be normally if I could have just a few minutes something we would have discussed
069at a work session. So I've got a quick quick question. Um when it comes to our technology and this might be something for Dr. Edwards and I don't mean to put you on the spot. I'm sorry but um when it comes to individual laptops being brought in for instruction and them using our applications on that. Do you have any kind of idea of how many students across our district maybe bring personal devices instead of Burke County Public School issue devices to use? Just talk loud. number. I don't have an exact number off the top of my head, but it's um limited to mainly our high school students um who bring their own devices. Okay. Would you say in your professional opinion that it is difficult as um for our educators to manage and monitor different
070situations in a classroom where maybe they have to use a device uh for an application or um you know assignment, that sort of thing. Is it difficult for those those educators to be able to manage when it's a personal device versus a Burke County public school device? the management is not the same because when it is the Chromebook that we issue to the students, it has our programming and it is limited to um just the Burke County Gmail uh user login and therefore it is enabled with our GoG Guardian um and all of the the policies and networking that we have in place. um when a student brings their own device, they are on our guest network. And so while we don't have the same device management um over that device, we do have the
071same network management, meaning our firewall is the same um because they are um unless they're using a personal hotspot, uh when they are connecting to our network, our guest network, the the firewall is the same. Meaning the content filters that are on the student Chromebooks are the same because those are set at the network level. I guess feedback from the board. How would you feel about adding to our policy or looking at adding to our policy? may be a part where any laptops, devices that are used in Burke County Public Schools be only issued through be devices issued by Burke County Public Schools, not personal for students for the students. Before I answer that, I would have a question. Um, I know that a lot of our EC kids use devices um as communication devices,
072um, things for attention, things for um, soothing. Um, I'm wondering if a blanket I think some of those still have to be worked through Burke County Public Schools with their um, I guess it might be for Jesse. If Yeah. I was say if devices are written into the IEP, we would provide Which one? Yes. So then it's then we partner with Medicaid to um with our AAC team to get the students device in their hands and sometimes we help the parent get it for specific use at home and they have another one for school. So that really depends on the student and it still is more of a it's been through our you know our teacher our technology and our speech language pathologist help the teacher help the student and the parents learn how to
073use that device the correct way which is very different than a um let's say a East High School student bringing in their own personal laptop to be able to Very different. Yes. use the students Medicaid. Miss Taylor, another thing that we we need to consider as well, um, a lot of our students are Western Pemont Community College and the the Chromebooks don't work as well on their system as a MacBook would or a Dell um, something like that. So that's another caveat that we'd have to consider because a lot of times those students they'll have a free period working in the media center on their device doing western peont work or or a dual enrolled class somewhere at school of science and math. Yeah, I think those are from my understanding and I could be
074wrong there's a very limited amount of high school students that bring it uh their own device and those are Yeah. Let's do Yeah, let's do that and let's kind of think about it as a board work on it. Is there a specific reason? Yeah, I've heard some feedback from from teachers across the district just um you know, students bringing in their own devices and then on it when they're not supposed to be when you know instruction then that teacher has no um you know it's not like our devices here to where she says okay you know and then take that in hand if need be. Um it's their personal ones. So then, you know, so that's where the conflict is. Well, M Dr. Edwards, correct me if I'm wrong. Even if on a Chromebook, I
075could hook it up to my personal hotspot and still get access to whatever I want. No, not on B County. Okay. Okay. Perfect. Work on it over the summer. Yeah. All right. So, we did we pass it. I'm sorry. I lost it. It passed the pass unanimously. Okay. It's getting late, y'all. Bear with me. All right. Moving on to academically or intellectually gifted plan as presented by Dr. Abernathy. Do we have a motion? Motion by Mr. Beck, second by Mr. Camp. All those in favor indicate by saying I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. It passes unanimously. F. Alternative school accountability plan for 2526 school year. Motion by Mr. Beck. Do we have a second? Second. Second by Mrs. Rocket. All those in favor indicate by saying I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. Passes
076unanimously. The Chartwell summer meal rate as presented by Mr. Wall. Motion motion by Mr. Beck, second by Mr. Johnson. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. It passes unanimously. All right. Approval of resolution for central office selective demolition work as presented by Dr. Akard. So move. Second. Motion by Mr. Camp, second by Miss Taylor. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed? Eyes have it. passes unanimously. The easement uh Duke Energy and Freedom High School as presented by Dr. Akert. Motion by Mr. Beck. Second by Mr. Johnson. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. Passes unanimously. All right. Superintendent contract. Okay. Prior to us getting started with that, I do want to say that uh
077board members have taken some time um not just tonight but but some time over the last couple of weeks, couple of months to evaluate Dr. Swann's performance and um overall generally we are we are pleased and happy to have him here. Um and so with that board members, um I turn it over to you guys for any motions that you would like to make regarding the superintendent contract. I'd like to make the motion that we extend Dr. Swans contract by one year. Second. All right, we have a motion and a second. Do we have any further discussion before we go to a roll call vote? Mr. Campbell, are you going to say something? All right. All right. Roll call vote on the motion to extend Dr. Swan's contract. Um, Mr. Beck, no. Miss Taylor, yes.
078Mr. Johnson. Yes. Um Tiana Beechler. Yes. Mr. Wyoff. Yes. Miss Rocket. Yes. Mr. Camp? Yes. All right. That is six yeses and one no. All right. Next. Do we have any other motions regarding the superintendent contract? Is this where I get to say something? My voting no has nothing to do with Dr. Swan whatsoever. It has to do with um I don't know if I'm allowed to say this or not, but we found some areas of improvement, I think, and and we've all talked about that with him that he's acknowledged. And I'm all for my vote would have been in two years if or if in next year if those things were improved on to extend his contract for two years would have been um my option. So that's why I voted no. It has
079nothing to do with Dr. Swan. I think that we are very lucky to have him in Burke County. That's a little bit of why I voted that way. Do we have any other motions? I'd like to make the motion. Um I think part you know we're not looking to extend financially on this year. Uh but I would like to offer a motion for five personal days um for Dr. Swan. I think that the the stress of his job is is very high demand and um I feel like five five of those days could be well served whether it be family or vacation or mental break, you know, just just to unplug. Very well. We have a motion on the table. These are locally paid. Do we have any other further discussion for a second? Second.
080Second by Mr. Johnson. All right, the roll call vote. Mr. Beck, no. M. Taylor, yes. Mr. Johnson, yes. I'm Tiana Bler, I vote yes. Mr. Woff, yes. Mrs. Rocket, no. Mr. camp. No. All right, that is four yeses and three nos. It passes. All right, and I believe that is it. And can I have a can I have just a moment of personal privilege to expound on my vote? Um, it has again as as Mr. Beach said, it has nothing to do with Dr. Swan personally at all whatsoever. I think in a time when we are being asked to cut budgets, whether they are locally or federal funds or state funds, um it's very hard to distinguish between those pots, what goes into a pot and what comes out of a pot. And I feel
081like we may be sending the wrong message because it's still funds that come out of the whole pot. And I feel like we may be sending the wrong message to our community that um we are not replacing teachers that are retiring because we're trying to cut funds, but we are giving our superintendent extra vacation days. And I just feel like that that's a mixed message that um I was I was not comfortable in sending. So uh Dr. Swan, it is absolutely nothing to you. It is nothing. I wish you all the vacation days that you can get, but um I think on our community's dime right now is just not quite the right time. So, that was the reason for my vote. Anyone else? All right, I will take a moment to um because I
082know people are going to ask why I I voted the way I did tonight. Um hats off to you, Dr. Swan. I don't tend to be you. This is a hard job and you do it better than many, many, many of other people that I see. You do it with a great attitude, a can do spirit. Um, and I see that as evidenced through talking to the uh district staff, our teachers, and our neighboring counties who are just envious of what it is that we're doing. Um, it's hard for me to sit here and and and say no to giving you what I think is just dessert just because of how much you make or how long your contract is. This is my vote and my way of saying thank you and job well done.
083Um and what occurs over this year, we will address next year. So, if there was any reason as to why I voted the way that I did, I think that we need to continue with his leadership. I think we need that stability in our county. Um, just many more better years ahead under the helm of Dr. Mike Swan. All right. And I I think we're all in agreement that it's definitely a thank you and a job well done always. All right. If there is anything else, nothing else, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. Motion to adjurnn. Very good. Do we have a second? Second. Second by Mr. Johnson. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed? Nay. Eyes have it. We are adjourned. Thank you. Hey, Brad was about to vote.
084Brad was about to vote nay on that emotion. Oh, no. No, no, no, no.