001I hope so. came down with a bad cold and took a bunch of cold medicine. So, I'm all dingy. This is an interesting >> I Well, the cold medicine's working, but it feels strange. Sort of makes you a little happy, which is probably a good thing. >> Better than sneezing all over the place. Have my tissues handy though. I call the December board meeting to order. >> I agree with you. >> I'd ask everybody if you could please find a seat. There are a couple up here and some in the middle there. >> Miss Buie, will you call the role? >> Good evening. Melissa Mason >> here. >> Jesse Barnhart >> here. >> Pat Bradford >> I am here. >> Judy Justice >> here. >> Dr. Tim Merrick >> present. >> David Perry >> here.
002>> And Pete Wabbor >> present. >> All right. Um we're going to have I'm just going to list everything. Um we're going to have the invocation which will be Pastor Lisa Moore uh teaching pastor at Global River Church who will provide the invocation. Then we'll have pres presentation of colors by the Hogard High School um ROC color guard unit um under the direction of Staff Sergeant Richard Gardo. Please, I hope I did not massacre that name. Um and the national anthem that will be sung by Hogard Voyagers Chorus under the direction of Benjamin HL. Um and then the pledge of allegiance that'll be led by Miss Bradford. So we'll have the invocation first. Proverbials. Natural Padre Minister de Jesus eloto delir amia bondadelad e do propio padreas Amen. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the
003Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Father, I ask that the fear of the Lord would be in this meeting tonight. And Holy Spirit, I ask that you would send supernatural wisdom. Father, send your ministering angels to help our school board make righteous decisions. In the name of Jesus, I declare that darkness cannot operate in this place. And I take authority over all confusion, mocking, distraction, anger, hatred, and violence. And I bind you in Jesus' name. And I release the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. I ask that you would bless these elected officials, our school system, teachers, students, staff, parents, and concerned citizens with your peace, your joy, your love, your unity in Jesus most holy name. Amen. >> Thank you. Now the presentation of colors. And colors
004at the twes [music and singing] and bright stars. The last fight we lost [music] were Sing our flag was [music] Oh, [singing] that's so [music] Wow. [applause] >> [applause] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Ready over here. That was amazing. I thought there was going to be more of you. Can you tell us your name and what grade you're in? >> Hi, I'm Aubrey and I'm in 10th grade and I sing with Mr. Herell in the Hogard Choir [applause] name and >> My name is Jo Sharon and I am in 12th grade. >> [applause] >> Hello, I am Conor McAuliff and I'm a senior at Hogard High School. [applause]
005Hello, my name is Aurora Carano Shepard and I'm a senior at Hogard High School. [applause] >> Hello, my name is Jacob Strickland and I am a senior at Hogard High School. [applause] Thank you guys so much. You're you're good. You don't have to stand in front of you can go ahead. >> Unless you want to sing again. >> You always bring back God bless her. >> Yeah, that was pretty good. >> All right. All right, I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Um, any discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? That passes seven to zero. Uh, I will entertain a motion to approve the minutes. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor signify
006by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? That passes 7 to zero. We're going to move right into recognitions because there is a lot of them >> which is awesome. >> Good evening. Thank you for this opportunity. As you are all well aware, I am here to highlight the reason we are all here, our students and our staff. I'd like to first start off by highlighting a Murray Middle School teacher. We are proud to recognize Miss Ashley Fry from Murray Middle School for receiving the NCCCTM outstanding secondary math teacher recognition from the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This is a state level recognition for excellence in the teaching of mathematics and dedication to the students and teachers of North Carolina. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Miss Fry's hard work, her talent
007and passion for teaching, and it speaks to the high regard in which she is held by the educational community both locally and at the state level. She has earned this accolade through her tireless commitment, innovation, and belief in the potential of every student she teaches. Her commitment to excellence has made a lasting impact on her students, her school, and has set the example for the entire state of North Carolina. Please join me in congratulating Miss Fry for her extraordinary achievement as an educator. [applause] [applause] Woo! All right. [applause] All right. Moving right along. We are here now to recognize Mrs. Alice Fitzgerald, CTE teacher, STEM at Murray Middle School for being selected as the recipient of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association 2025 2026 Program Excellence Award. That's a mouthful. This distinguished award honors
008outstanding educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation in K through2 technology and engineering education. Mrs. Miss Fitzgerald's dedication to her students and her commitment to advancing STEM learning and ability to create engaging hands-on educational experiences have set a remarkable standard of excellence. And her work not only strengthens the STEM program at Murray Middle, but also serves as a model for educators nationwide. Please join me in congratulating Miss Fitzgerald on this well-deserved recognition. [applause] >> [applause] >> All right. Congratulations. [applause] All right. We have a lot of students in here tonight and I am excited to start. Thank you. With Ashley High School. First up, we want to recognize the Ashley High School women's cross country team for advancing to the women's 7A cross country state finals and finishing eighth overall. Their success at the state
009finals is a reflection of their commitment to pushing beyond limits and supporting one another in every step of the way. We're incredibly proud of these students. Please join me in celebrating the Ashley High School women's cross country team led by coach Caroline Barnett and the parents because I've heard that parents of cross country teams tend to run as much as their kids because they're chasing them along the trail to cheer them on. So, congratulations. [laughter] All right. >> [applause] >> join us. >> Come on down. The price is right. [laughter] >> Come on up. We're going to get a photo right up here. All right. Any Oh, >> there we hold that thought. Hold that thought. >> Was it the guilt look that got you? >> There we go. All right, camera. Woohoo! Congratulations. [applause]
010Thank you all for being here. Thank you. All right. Next, we're going to move on to the NCHSAA men's 7A cross country state individual. We want to recognize Colton Wesco from Ashley High School men's cross country team for advancing to the men's 7A cross country state finals. His extraordinary achievement means Colton is among the top cross country athletes in the state. We are extremely proud of his hard work as well as his teammates and coach Webster Guthrie for cheering him along every step of the way. Please join me in congratulating Colton Wescott. [applause] I'm sorry. >> Squirrel. Squirrel. [laughter] >> [applause] >> All right, ladies and gentlemen. Next, we're going to move on to Hogard High School women's tennis team. We're going to recognize them for advancing to the 8A tennis dual team state finals
011and finishing second overall. This achievement speaks to their commitment to excellence in their sport and strong leadership from coach Michael Bowen. Please put your hands together for the Harvard women's tennis team. >> [applause] >> Happy [laughter] Congratulations, ladies. [applause] [cheering] >> All right. And not to be outdone, Hogard High School's men's cross country team advanced to the state finals and finished second overall. Okay, hold that thought. Yep. I'm sorry. It I'm just astonished by that. Like that's amazing, you guys. That's phenomenal. All right, so we're extremely proud of them for excelling among the top in the state. So let's put our hand together for the high school Hogard High School's men's cross country team and their coach, Billy Mason. [applause] >> [applause] >> All right. Now, Hogard High School's women's cross country team also had
012some amazing achievements. They advanced to the women's 8A cross country state finals and finished third overall. Additionally, Amelia Medlin finished second overall as an individual. Please join me in congratulating these amazing stu amazing student athletes from Hogard's women's cross country team along with their coach Rhonda Shalowski. Forgive me if I said that wrong. For their hard work and excellent achievement. Come on down. [applause] Yeah, I think I [applause] think I may drop something. Sorry, there's a lot of recognitions tonight. [laughter] All right. So, next we're going to recognize Riley. Forgive me if I say this wrong. Kaziah men's 8A cross country. [applause] Riley Riley is the 2025 individual 8A men's cross country state champion. [applause] >> [applause] >> All right. Sorry guys, lots lots of activity going on here. All right, so here's another one
013for you. Hogard High School men's soccer team. >> Extraordinary achievement this year. The Vikings took the victory for the 2025 NCHSAA 8A men's soccer state championship. [applause] Come on down. The price is right, gentlemen. >> [applause] >> All right, we're moving. Moving right along, ladies and gentlemen. All right. Next, we are going to celebrate from Laney High School women's 8A golf. >> Okay. For her outstanding achievement in women's golf this season, Ally Casey. Ally advanced to the women's 8A golf state finals and competed among the top high school golfers in the state. She finished 23rd overall with a remarkable accomplishment at the state level. We are so proud and appreciate all of her work along with coach Sonia Stubs. Congratulations, Ally. [applause] >> [applause] >> All right, now we're going to move on to New
014Hover High School. Susan Davis, women's 7A golf. She went to the state finals where she delivered an exceptional performance and took home 13th place overall. Please join me in congratulating Susan Davis, Coach Andrew Kroom for representing New Hmer County Schools among the best in the state. [applause] >> [applause] >> All right. Next, we want to congratulate the new Hover High School women's cross country team for an amazing season and for advancing to the 7A state finals. The team's hard work and perseverance resulted in an impress impressive 12th place finish reflecting their teamwork, resilience, and athletic ability. Come on down. New H High School women's cross country team [applause] and thank you to thank you to coach Susan Lou as well for that. We appreciate all of the hard work. [applause] And next, we're going to
015celebrate New Hover High School's men's cross country team for advancing also to the 7A state finals where they earn 14th place overall. Along with their great coach, Greg Zenner, we appreciate their hard work and dedication. Come on down and head high school men's cross country. [applause] >> [laughter] >> I'm sorry. Wait a minute. >> [sighs] >> Oh, we still need stools, don't we? >> All right. Thank you guys. >> [applause] >> All right. In New H County Schools, we celebrate the student, staff, and volunteers who demonstrate the character that makes our schools positive, safe, and respectful. This past month, we had the opportunity to celebrate Mrs. Sarah Mau, fifth grade teacher at Carolina Beach Elementary School, for a heroic achievement. and she is a true demonstration of what character and action means. Mrs. Mau noticed
016a student choking and without hesitation she stepped in and saved their life. We are grateful to Mrs. Mau for making student safety a top priority and for reminding us that being a teacher is not just about making a living but making a difference. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Sarah Mau for her courage and for being a lifesaving hero. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> You guys have a seat. >> Yep. You're not done. I'm not done. I'm not going. >> Okay. some cookies. >> All right. Can we turn up the audio >> or not? Yeah, that's fine. >> Oh, well, something's going on, but I can't hear it. Yeah. >> We're going to give it just one second for it to die down. So, for those of you who don't know,
017we put our character in and action videos on YouTube. Please go check those out. You will also find those on our social media. So please follow us. We show all the amazing things in the district. Well, not all, but some. >> All right. Tonight, with deep respect and heavy hearts, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Bertha Boyin Todd, who passed away earlier today. Dr. Todd was an extraordinary educator, author, and civil rights leader whose impact on Wilmington and New Her County spans generations. Dr. Todd came to Wilmington in 1952 and dedicated nearly 40 years to our schools. She served as librarian and later as an administrator, always committed to opening doors for young people. Many alumni of this historic Williston Senior High School remember her with great affection. Her elegance, her
018warmth, and the way she inspired students to see reading as a path to possibility. Williston, often called the greatest school under the sun, was a cornerstone of black education, and Dr. Todd was one of the pillars that helped it stand so strong. Her influence extended far beyond education. She was a leading voice in bringing truth and understanding to Wilmington's history. A ca a key member of the 1898 Centennial Commission, now the 1898 Memorial Foundation. In recent years, Dr. Todd authored Reflections on a Massacre and a coup, preserving the stories and lessons behind the centennial efforts so future generations could learn and continue the work she championed. Even in her 90s, Dr. Todd remained a guiding presence in our community. Through her talks, her mentorship, and her unwavering belief that the pursuit of goals gives meaning
019to life, she continued to inspire students, educators, and leaders alike. Tonight, we honor Dr. Bertha Boyin Todd's remarkable life, her service to our schools, and her profound contributions to justice, memory, and education. Her legacy will continue to shape New Hendrick County for years to come. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, former students, and all who were touched by her extraordinary spirit. [applause] >> [applause] >> It's my pleasure to introduce two of our um excellence exemplified award winners for this quarter. First, I'd like to call up Miss Penny Funai. Miss Penny embodies the very heart and soul of Bellamy Elementary School. Miss Penny knows each and every one of the Bellamy families. When a new family enrolls, she makes it her personal mission to connect with them. Her greeting is legendary. Welcome to
020Bellamy. This is a really special place. And through her actions every single day, she proves those words to be true. The students at Bellamy will tell you that Miss Penny runs the school, and they're not wrong. Students work hard for the privilege of having lunch with her, calling her the very best part of their day. When students arrive late or may be struggling with a hard start to their day, Miss Penny ensures they've had breakfast. She lets them know that we're glad you're here today. She gets them smiling, and most importantly, gets them ready to learn. When a student needs help with schoolwork, she can frequently be seen sitting one-on-one with them to ensure they feel supported. These simple acts of compassion set the tone for countless students every day. Miss Penny's role at Bellamy
021defies a simple definition. She spearheads the transportation process, serves as a backup to the data manager and school nurse, and designs graphics for digital signage. She can answer a parents phone call while simultaneously welcoming a visitor at the front door, all with grace and efficiency. Since her first day on staff, she consistently receives rave reviews. She is constantly receiving accolades from grateful families. She proclaims loudly and often that she loves coming to work every day and her infectious joy, unwavering dedication, and genuine care for every member of the Bellamy community proves it. Penny Funai is the very best of the Bellamy family. Her love of students, families, and school community is unmatched. She creates the welcoming environment that makes Bellamy a truly special place to work and learn. Please join me in celebrating Miss Penny
022Funai. Excellence exemplified. [applause] >> Thank you. Absolutely. >> Next, I'd like to call up Miss Lindseay Lance. It's with great pleasure that we recognize Lindseay Lance, supervisor of school information systems with this excellence exemplified award for her extraordinary leadership and dedication during one of the most critical implementations our district has undertaken. Lindsay assumed responsibility for the conversion project of our new student information system, Infinite Campus, transforming what could have been an overwhelming transition into a remarkably seamless integration. Working tirelessly throughout the summer, she orchestrated every aspect of this district-wide initiative with exceptional skill and foresight. She made configuring the entire system a priority to ensure that our year round schools were fully operational from the first day. She developed and executed a comprehensive training plan that prepared staff across the district for success. Leading the
023data management team with precision, she ensured every task was completed while meeting all state deadlines without exception. Lindsay's innovate in innovative approach saved our district valuable resources by building a custom application within the new student information system to replace a previous data collection tool, demonstrating her technical expertise and fiscal responsibility. Her support extended beyond New Hover County school personnel to include county nursing staff, exemplifying a true collaborative leader. What sets Lindsay apart is not simply the magnitude of what she accomplished, but how she accomplished it. With clear thinking, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of every school in the district, she tackled each challenge with determination and grace, ensuring that our entire district had the tools necessary for success. Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Lindseay Lance, whose exceptional dedication truly exemplifies
024excellence. [applause] Thank you. So, last [clears throat] week when we did the agenda review, I believe we had bumped teacher voice down to after the board chair report initially um to go with the RISE program >> um >> discussion. that we wanted to have. So, um [clears throat] I'm I'm going to do that um and pass the uh mic over to the superintendent for the superintendent's report. >> All right. Good evening everyone. Apparently, I've been asked to issue an apology to the asparagus community for my comments last week, but we'll just move forward from that. I want to begin tonight by focusing on one of our key strategic initiatives, improving student attendance. We're already seeing encouraging progress, particularly through the dedicated efforts of some of our schools like Murray Middle School, Myrtle Grove Middle School,
025just to name a few of them. These schools have been intentional and persistent in communicating with families, promoting consistency, and ensuring students are present and ready to learn every day. I also want to acknowledge my many other schools across the district that are making daily phone calls, checking in individually with students, and reinforcing strong attendance habits. Their work is directly advancing our strategic priority and it's making a measurable difference in the amount of instructional time that our students can receive. I appreciate the commitment of our staff and our partnership with our families as we continue to emphasize the importance of showing up and being engaged in learning. Hard to believe, but budget season is also underway again. Uh Miss Sutton is preparing our budget calendar which will be presented to the board later this month.
026As we did last year, we will be seeking input from our staff, our families, and community members in January. Once the dates for our community sessions are finalized, we'll promote those out widely. Our goal remains the same, to provide a transparent, understandable process for something that is pretty [music] complex. We want everyone to feel informed, involved, and valued. Today is National Special Education Day, and I want to take a moment to recognize the remarkable staff who support our exceptional children every single day. Their work retires creativity and unwavering dedication, and I want them to know how much we appreciate the impact they have had on their students and families. This month also brings several important observances. December 7th is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day at a time for our nation to honor the lives lost
027during the attack on Pearl Harbor and to reflect on the courage and sacrifice shown by so many. And here's something cool I just learned about. Alderman Elementary has launched a wonderful nightly read aloud book series. Each evening, one of their teachers or staff shares a favorite book to help students unwind, imagine, and continue growing as readers. The series kicked off last night with Dr. Garcia, and I've also seen several of our other schools engaging their communities through similar readaloud traditions. I want to applaud all of them for creating literacy focused experiences for students and families. This is a great example of one of our strategic initiatives in action as well. building stronger connections that support reading and family engagement across our district. And finally, as we approach the holiday season, I want to acknowledge one
028more. December 18th is answer the telephone like Buddy the Elf Day. Seems like we're running out of things to call things. But in the spirit of good humor, if you hear someone pick up the phone with Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color? Don't worry, they're just getting into the spirit of the season. Thank you for all your continued support of schools, our staff, and our families. Oh goodness, that's funny. Um, so as we begin today's meeting, I wanted to take a moment to reflect, excuse [clears throat] me, on the progress we've made together over the course of this past year. Our work as a school board is grounded in shared responsibility to provide every student with the foundation they need to learn, grow, and succeed. This year, our efforts have been marked by thoughtful
029collaboration, steady resilience, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening the educational experience for the students and families we serve. In that spirit, I would like to briefly clarify a procedural point that will support our continued focus on effective and consistent governance. The agenda item often labeled old business is not terminology recognized by Robert's rules of order. Um, the correct categories are unfinished business and special orders, which refer to matters carried over from the previous meeting or designated as general orders. I'll be requesting that the policy committee review this practice and provide recommendations to ensure our procedures align with proper parliamentary standards. As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude. Serving as chair has been a distinct honor. Over the past year, I worked intentionally to make our governance proc processes more
030supportive, more respectful, and more student focused. This included leading the effort to lighten the load for board members and staff through the reduction and streamlining of committees, allowing us to use our time more effectively and focus more directly on student outcomes. I also made it a priority to address concerns and conflicts between board members with dignity and respect behind the scenes, understanding the disruption and chaos that can result when issues are allowed to play out publicly. As we have seen in prior boards, my goal was always to protect our shared mission and maintain a climate where productive work could continue. Throughout my tenure, I've sought to respect the time and contributions of my fellow board members, senior staff, and our superintendent by keeping the focus of our meetings on students to the best of my
031ability. I've also worked to promote fair and respectful dialogue both on and off the dis and to foster positive collaborative relationships between our amazing staff and board members. I believe these efforts have strengthened our board's ability to serve our community effectively and honorably with with an election year ahead. I extend my sincere best wishes to all who are offering themselves for public services. Thank you for your continued commitment, collaboration, and tireless effort in support of our schools. It has been my privilege to serve as your chair this year. And this concludes my report. Um, and moving to the next item, we have December Teacher Voice, which is our amazing new Hannover High School RISE program. [applause] Good evening, members of the board. I'm Taylor Henderson, science and math teacher in the RISE program at New
032Hover High School and 2023 Teacher of the Year. Thank you for this opportunity to share and for your continued support, visiting our classrooms, helping us problem solve, and attending our showcases and RISE events. Hi, I'm Denise Ebeneasen, RISE teacher and current New Hover educator of excellence. RISE is built on a simple belief. Students achieve when they are in the right environment with the right support. With RISE, we're not asking for additional resources. Our model is very strategic. It strengthens what's already in place. And today, we'd like to share the story of how we've grown into the program we are now and our plan for the future. Next slide, please. Next slide. >> Click right there. >> Oh, look at that. You've never had a click. >> What is it? [snorts] You can get on your
033screen. >> Click the paper clip and you can read it on your screen. >> I'm going to let you hold the clicker. >> Teach your voice. >> I'm let go. >> Rise was born out of a need for change to the traditional intensive behavior supports model. We asked ourselves, how do we help our most disenfranchised student learners succeed? How do we restore their dignity, rebuild their confidence, and help them see themselves as assets to their school and community? RISE, which stands for relationships inspire student empowerment, serves students with intense academic and behavior needs in a small, personalized setting. Using traumainformed and restorative practices, we focus on relationships, engagement, and empowerment without large additional resources. Results were immediate. Math 1 proficiency rose from 36 to 87%, English from 46 to 75, and suspensions dropped from 153
034to 78 days of the school year. Amazing. >> In our pilot year, we served about 36 students in two fully removed co-taught classes, one for math and one for English with occasional collaboration through projects, field trips, and guest speakers. It was a meaningful start, but it was limited in scope. 5 years later, RISE has grown into a highly structured and deeply intentional program, existing as an alternative school within a traditional school setting. We serve about 60 students annually, grades 9 through 12. We offer six core classes, six EC labs, and we deliver hospital homebound services specific to RISE, all with just three teachers. This phase of RISE goes beyond academics. It's about experiential learning and real world opportunities. Each day, students participate in an enrichment activity that builds confidence, life skills, and practical experiences to
035support their growth academically, socially, and emotionally. Fridays are for field trips, a student favorite, including active experiences, community service, educational visits, and social outings. And importantly, none of these experiences interfere with math 1 because we prioritize the math 1 EOCC as evidenced by our growth shown each year over the course of the school year. Three key RISE experiences highlight student growth. The first is through their portrait of a graduate projects where students redesign a space on campus. They present their concepts to the school and the community members, revise based on feedback, and then they share their final proposals with LS3P architects, and many of their ideas have influenced the new handover high school master plan. Next, 20 students are selected to present at the annual RISE showcase to share their projects on identity, growth, and
036reddesign. The showcase celebrates their journeys, builds communication skills, and gives them an opportunity to boast about who they have become. And then finally, the Rise Achievement Banquet honors students and their families, celebrating their hard work, their character, and their future endeavors. Many of these students don't always get spotlights in sports, clubs, or traditional awards. So, this banquet gives them a special moment to be recognized. >> And for those wondering, well, what about the academics? Aren't you just a science and math teacher? How are all of these extracurriculars impacting things like academic and behavior performance and IEP goal progress to credit completion, graduation rates, and even employment outcomes? I'm so glad you asked. [laughter] RISE reduces behavior incidents and boosts academic performance after one year in the program. Behavior incidents dropped 59% with further reductions in
037subsequent years. Math 1 EOCC scores average about 9.02 points above EVOS projections with some students showing 25 to 35 points of growth. While absences fluctuate, rising 29% before dropping 42 and then 12%, many students still attend their Rise classes even if they're skipping their other courses, which is a trend that we continue to investigate. 86% of our students remained in school at New Hover High School instead of switching schools, dropping out, or being reassigned to JC Row, which is a powerful indicator of belonging and academic engagement. As well, students passed 86% of their courses. Our vision for the future is to pair juniors and seniors in Rise with community mentors who will build relationships while students are still in school. These mentors will also help the RISE team track graduates over time, ensuring we continue
038to support their long-term success. Additionally, we envision launching a student-led business, Rise Dessert and Bread Company, where students will develop a business plan, consult with local entrepreneurs, manage the procurement of materials, and produce goods for sale. Revenue generated would be reinvested into the RISE program or donated to support the organizations where our students volunteer. Phase three of RISE based on current research is designed to equip students with practical experience, foster responsibility, and open doors to a life they may not have envisioned for themselves. What's happening in RISE is truly special, and the students we serve are extraordinary. For anyone who wants to be a part of this work, we welcome you to reach out. Our program thrives when our community supports it. While our numerical data speaks volumes, nothing compares to hearing the students testimonies.
039Before I was in the RISE program, I would just suffer in silence. But the RISE program has taught me how to speak up. Being in the RISE program, I realized I'm becoming a better man and I am successful. >> You feel powerful, like you're wanted or needed or something. That's how the RISE program makes you feel. These quotes remind us that education has the power to transform lives and any educator, regardless of credentials, can make an impact as long as they love their students and are daring to think differently. Thank you. [applause] So, let's continue the conversation because we have you here and we can pick your brains. Um, >> thank you. You guys have done an amazing job and we're so grateful for all that you've done and how you've expanded it. I know
040Miss Henderson, you've been there since the drop. Um, so you you've been through it. Um, but I do know that board members probably have something to say. I'm just very excited. Mr. Wore, >> I just want to echo what our chair has said. I think you the RISE program, we we need to expand it. We really need to find a way to get it in all our schools. Uh, it's just such a powerful program. is taking the students where they are and and bringing them to where they need to be. So, thank you for your hard work. >> Thank you. >> Um Dr. Merrick, >> I think >> or Miss Bradford. Okay, >> Denise and Taylor, thank you very much. Um I echo what um Pete said. You know, we we really want to figure
041out how to clone this out throughout the district and we're just so appreciative. I have one question. The [music] um the pilot year was what 20202 was our pilot year. There was actually a pre-pilot um but that sort of during COVID so we have all of that data if if anyone is interested um it just looked so different because um it was kind of virtual um so we didn't kind of have the same you know experiences that we had we have that data but that was our pre-pilot year we're calling 2122 our pilot year. >> Okay. >> Thank you >> Dr. Merrick. >> I feel like anything I can say right now is not going to be enough. Um, I want to acknowledge you not just for what you've accomplished, but the vision that had
042you begin this. And I I want to make sure that we make room in all of our schools for our educators to come forward with these you guys have got the best ideas. And when we create an environment where you get to bring them [music] to life and we get to see these results, it's it's this is what public education can be about. This is what new Hannver County schools can be about. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Miss Barher, >> thank you. I I love what my colleagues are saying about this. I had put this as an agenda item for the very reason of when something is working, we need to expand it. And so looking at the different endowment asks that we have done over the years, it's all been about how can we
043close the gap whether whether on the low end with our preK and kindergarten, first grade students. And so I want to move that we submit an endowment ask that we can replicate and potentially help incentivize so that these individuals can be mentors to other schools in our area that we can help replicate a RISE program. I know I know it's going to look different. We've talked a lot about how it really has to form with the students that you're dealing with, but this is a way that we're talking about closing the gap. We're talking about taking your knowledge base, successful knowledge base, and being able to expand that into other areas and ultimately the kids are going to be beneficial. So, I'm going to move that one of our endowment asks this year to be
044specifically around the RISE program, the expansion of that and the mentorship of these individuals. >> Y >> All right. Any discussion on that motion? >> All right. So, the motion is to place this on our priority list of endowment asks. Um, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? >> That passes seven to zero. >> And y'all have the magic sauce, so you're going to have to help us with it. [laughter] >> We can't wait. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much for what you do, both of you. >> Thank you. Thank you. [applause] >> Um, so now is the election of the board chair and vice chair. So I am going to pass the gavl to Dr. Barnes to conduct the election for board chair. >> All right.
045Now, go easy on me, folks. I'm going to be following a very strict rule here. Okay. In a moment, I will call for nominations for the office of chair of the new Hanover County Board of Education. I miss you, Gavl. Hi. Um, nominations do not require a second. If more than one person is nominated, the board will vote on nominees in order of a nomination. The first person to receive a majority of board member present is elected chair. Nominations are in order for the office of board chair. Are there any nominations? >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, ma'am. I nominate Pete Wdebor. >> Okay, someone is nominated. [clears throat] Are there any other nominations? >> Ask until there are no additional nominations. [laughter] If not, nominations for board office chair are closed. I know, but I
046wanted to because I haven't had a chance to. All right, hold on. Those in favor of nominees name, sorry. Those in favor of Pete [laughter] Wilder as chair say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say no. >> No. I'm sorry. >> Okay, we're going to do that again. Those in favor of Pete Waber as chair say I. >> I. >> Any opposed. >> Pete Wdeore is elected chair by vote of seven or sorry or unanimously. Pete Wilmore is elected chair by a vote of unanimously. >> I now pass the gavl to Pete Wilmore. >> [applause] >> I get ready. >> Nope. >> No, you're off. You're all you're on your own. >> Thank you. >> Oh. Oh, I'm I could I could share [laughter] this paperwork. You mean Yeah. You go elected board. >> That's
047right. Thank you. I'll turn this on so I can hear. Thank First off, uh before I start, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank my colleagues in the board. You know, I do appreciate each of you and I want to thank you for your confidence and faith in me. I will always try to do my best for each of you, but we'll always put our students first. Uh our students and our staff and our community and our parents should and always will be our driving force in every decision that I make. We need to continue to improve our teamwork and communication so together we can do great things for New Hover County Schools. So, I just want to take a moment to, if you will join, uh, let's all give Miss Mason a
048round of applause for her great year. [applause] All right, now it's my turn. Nobody throw anything at me. All right, here we go. Nominations are in order for the office of vice chair. Are there any Wait, before I start, I'm going to get my pen out so I can write it down. Are there any an Are there any nominations, >> Mr. Chair? >> Madam, >> I nominate Josie Barnhard. Okay. Josie Barnhart. Josie Barnhart. Are there any other nominations? Mr. Perry, >> I nominate U. Miss Mason. >> Mr. Mason. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any any other nominations? >> Let me do your part. Ask until there are no other nominations. Okay, we've done that. If not, nominations for the office of vice chair are closed. All right, let's go. Okay, I guess we better do
049it by hand raising a hand. Those in favor of Josie Barnhart as vice chair say I. I >> I. >> We got one, two, three. So there's three for Barnhart. Those who are uh in favor of Miss Mason, Melissa Mason for vice chair, please say I. I >> I >> one two three four. >> Okay. Nomination uh Miss Mason is uh approved by the majority of the board members present. Uh and a vote of 4 to three. Congratulations, Miss Mason. All right. Return to agenda for meeting with newly elected board chair presiding. That takes >> us for a five minute break so we can change. >> Okay. All right. Oh yes, >> I will give us a 5m minute break. Please be back on [clears throat] the dis at >> 605. Peace out. Just kidding.
050They got a couple minutes. We got three minutes. Um, it's Perfect. All right, welcome back. It is 6:05. We have moved uh reoriented and ready to start out again. Um and at this point, I will turn it over to our new vice chair, Miss Mason, and she will lead us through our call to audience. Mason. >> All right. Thank you all for being here. Um, I feel like I was just on a microphone. We're gonna start it off with Natalie English. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, Madame Vice Chair, and members of the board. Um, I'm Natalie English, president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber. And uh first I want to say thank you for inviting me and other folks in the community to join you on your finance and capital bonds committee over the last
051gosh 10 months or so. Um we've all learned a lot and feel better informed about things that are happening um as it relates to uh your budget and how other people's budgets impact your budget and then certainly as it relates to uh your capital needs. And so I'm going to read this um I think just to put it on the record on behalf of the board of directors. Whereas the New Hver County School staff has identified over $600 million in capital needs to cover repairs, renovations, and new facilities. And whereas the New Hver County staff has indicated there is a limited amount of debt capacity available for bond issuance. And whereas the New Hmer County Schools Budget and Capital Finance Committee made up of New Hver County Schools Board and staff, New Hver County Board
052and Staff as well as representatives of the public have a meeting since early 2025. And whereas the New Hver County Schools budget and capital Finance Committee reviewed the full list of capital projects and recommended to the New Hver County Schools Board of Education a list of projects that falls just above the New Hver County's debt capacity. And whereas the New Hver County Schools Board of Education accepted that recommendation and submitted a request to the New Hver County Commission for a $320 million bond in 2026. And whereas the Wilmington Chamber staff conducted research regarding potential voter support for a school bond and found that more than 70% of likely voters would support a school bond of $300 million. And now, therefore, be it resolved, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce supports New Hver County Schools request
053for a $320 million bond and urges the New Hver County Commission to vote to place that bond on the November 2026 ballot. And be it further resolved, the chamber commits to joining with partner organizations to organize and lead a grassroots campaign to educate and advocate for passage of the bonds. This was approved at a meeting of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on November 20th of 2025. >> So, we were supposed to have three minutes. That's why I let her keep going. >> I apologize. Yeah, three minutes. >> Yeah. Sorry. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Uh Chris, >> like that. I'm sorry. I'm excited about my new job. Sorry. Um yeah, Miss Buoie, if we could um three minutes for because we're under 20 people, so I apologize. I should have >>
054I believe our policy is under 10 people but I'm just a policy freak. But you know regardless I'll take the three minutes. Thank you. But >> except for anybody named Sutton. He gets >> I've literally watched every board meeting and policy meeting for seven years now. >> Hold up. Hold up. >> Okay. Thank you for the extra minute. I appreciate y'all. I wish we could just have it where we get blanketed three minutes. Um, so every month we have recognitions read out by Anita Baggie honoring the hard work done by our staff, but she rarely gets recognized for her own thankless work. Sorry. Yep. Hi. People don't realize the amount of work that has been piled on you over the years that wasn't originally your job to do. Your broad job title has you wearing
055many hats these days, including being the queen of records requests, the public records requests. And as someone who has filed my fair share of PRs over the years, I'm truly thankful for the tremendous amount of work you've put in to getting our system up to date and operating efficiently. Thank you so much. Um, so I just had to get out out of the way cuz that was crazy. She was up here doing a bunch of those and uh, yeah, that really just stood out. Um, so for those that do not know, I'm a lifetime New Hmer County local and I am a product of this school district. I wouldn't be the man I am today if it wasn't for the teachers and coaches that mentored me and helped place me on a better life path.
056This district has been my passion for years now, and I now have two boys who are just beginning their educational time in our district, which makes this decision an even an even bigger deal to me. Um, tonight I'm announcing that I'm going to run for school board. Um, instead of listing off a platform to voters, I'd rather go ahead and just make a promise. I promise we will not always agree on everything. I've watched every policy meeting, agenda review meeting, and board meeting for close to seven years now, and I've never met a board member I agreed with 100% of the time. I promise to fight for your rights to show up to our meetings and descent, even if I happen to be one of the focal points of your frustrations. I promise our staff
057that I will strive to hold uh, of course, my phone just changed. I promise to hold people accountable, including our own board members. You know, it we need to treat people with respect, especially our staff members. It's not like they're doing this for the millions of dollars. They're not making that type of money. I promise our staff that I will do this. I I will hold everyone accountable. And to the board, no matter what happens, please don't lose sight of what matters the most. Our children, you're supposed to be readying them for the future. You're supposed to be trying to get them ready for success. I know some of you are going to potentially be using this to jump to bigger offices and everything. I know some of y'all are going to be running for
058re-election. I believe the vast majority of y'all are going to be running for re-election in this. Um, spend your last moments here fighting for the kids and don't grandstand up there. Do what's right by our community. I really appreciate y'all's time. >> David Glenn, >> and I do want to take just a moment before we get our next speaker up. Mr. Sutton was correct. It is supposed to be two minutes, but it's Christmas time, so we're going to stay with three. [laughter] >> Gosh, I I prepared for two minutes, so uh I guess I'll get an extra thumbs up. >> I know, right? >> Uh good evening, uh Mr. Chair and Dr. Barnes and members of the board. My name is David Glenn and um I'm it's a pleasure to be here as director of
059Starbase Wilmington uh but also as a uh longtime county resident, former New Henry County Schools employee and a proud parent of a junior at CEKCH High School. And I would be aiss if I didn't take just a second to uh express my appreciation to the board for their continued support of the district's esports program. I've watched my daughter um just blossom in her management and leadership skills uh putting on uh coordinating the tournament which I think is uh this Friday here in this same room. So uh I'm very grateful as a parent uh for that opportunity for her. Um as I as I mentioned I'm uh it's a pleasure to represent Starbase Wilmington. Uh we are a department of defense youth program providing hands-on minds on steam science, technology, engineering, arts, design, and mathematics education
060fifth graders across our region. Uh New Hmer County Schools and Starbase has a partnership that goes back to 2004. Uh our origins uh down at Fort Fiser. Your students represent a large portion of the 35,000 young people who have participated in Starbase Wilmington over the last 20 years. Uh this year we will serve more than 1,400 students, more than 750 from New Hmer County Schools, challenging them through engineering challenges, computer assisted design, 3D printing, robotics, chemistry, and physics. Teachers tell us regularly that these days at Starbase are some of the best in their school year. Uh despite federal funding challenges this year, our staff continues to deliver high quality programming aligned to national and North Carolina standards. Uh we remain committed to supporting your goals for academic growth, workforce readiness, and equitable enrichment. Um, again,
061appreciate the opportunity to just share that brief information as uh you have theou uh between our organization and yours uh on your agenda tonight. Uh, we thank you for your partnership allowing Starbase Wilmington to be a part of your students journey. Uh, and we look forward to continuing to serve our district. Thank you, >> Karen Clark. Good evening, Dr. Barnes and board. Our words matter. As a public school teacher, we were held accountable for social media. Where is the accountability today for board members? You were elected to represent our children, families, and staff to bring honor to New Hover County schools. God's word, death and life are in the power of the tongue. The words you speak come from the heart. It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you. You were defiled by
062the words that come out of your mouth. They reveal the core of your heart. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart. When you speak healing words, you offer fruit from the tree of life. Unhealthy negative words do nothing but crush hope. The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peaceloving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It shows no favoritism, and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. I pray you understand the difference between what is truly excellent and what is evil and harmful. That you never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth. That your words become beautiful gifts encouraging others. Wisdom is shown to be right by
063its results. May the truth set you free in Jesus' name, bringing honor to New Hover County Schools. Amen. >> Christina Mercer. >> Good evening. I've been paying attention to the work to your work with the commissioners and working to secure funding to improve the school buildings. As a retired teacher, I understand a budget and not being able to use money that doesn't exist. However, this endeavor is at a stage where no price is set in stone yet. Nothing you ask the commissioners for was frivolous or wasteful. Yet, what you asked for will not cover all the systems needs. Even if you get all the funding you're asking for, it's like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. It may look good for a short time period, but without addressing all the issues, they'll just return.
064And when they do, they'll be worse and possibly unfixable. The county commission seems to believe an overwhelming majority of the county already wants a school bond, but on the news, a poll indicated only 8% of residents were in favor of a bond. What you all need to do over the next 11 months is a huge media campaign. Now is the time to show everything that needs to be fixed at the schools. Emphasize how much better and safer the facilities can be. Make it a point of pride with county residents. Share pictures of new schools to be built. The average person doesn't really know our schools and needs a reason to buy in. We have so many great reasons why people should come here and we don't want our schools to be the reason they don't
065stay. Additionally, these next 11 months are going to be very important politically. I get that. However, when I watched the agenda review meeting, I was disturbed to hear multiple board members essentially give campaign speeches every time they open their mouths. As a result, there wasn't adequate time to deal with all the topics on the agenda. I'm imploring you all now, please don't do this for the next year. Campaign on your own time. You can say all you want about what you will or won't do in the future, but everyone up for reelection has at least three years of actions and inactions for people to remember. What you can do, though, is go out and spread the word that New Hver County can have the best school facilities in the state. If everyone pulls together and
066supports our future, our students with education and information, our schools can make our county proud. Thank you, [applause] >> Kamika Sidbury. >> [applause] >> Kamika Sidbury. Hello. All right. The problem The problem is one out of four black students are proficient in reading. The problem is three out of 10 black students are proficient in math. The problem is four out of 25 black students are proficient in math one, one out of two proficient in math three and two out of five black students are proficient in English for grades 9 through 12. All across the board, the problem is three out of 10 black students are proficient in New Hover County schools. Chief Justice Earl Warren of the Supreme Court of the United States stated during Brown versus the Board of Education, a 1954 decision, "Today,
067education is perhaps the most important function of a state and local governments. Compulsatory school attendance laws and great expenditures for education both demonstrate our recognition of the importance of education to our dem democratic society. It is required in the performance of our most basic public responsibilities even service in the armed for forces. It is the very foundation of good citizenship. Today it is the principal instrument in awakening a child to cultural values and preparing him for later professional development I mean professional training and in helping him adjust normally to his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity where the state has undertaken to provide it. It is a right that must be
068made available on all equal terms. It is the law. In North Carolina, all students are provided with a sound basic education. Again, that is the law. Across our community, parents and educators share a dream that every child will attend a school where they are valued, challenged, and supported to reach their highest pot potential. Yet, for too many black students right here and nationwide, opportunity gaps, underfunded schools, and systematic barriers still stand in the way of that dream. It is time as a nation and its community to insist on real solutions and hold our leaders accountable for equitable education. For the last two years, the NAACP has worked been working with a comprehensive nationwide campaign to identify, support, and replicate best academic practice models for black student achievement in public schools. this work is not about
069pointing fingers or debating blame. It is about acting on clear evidence of what works. >> Thank you, Barbara Anderson. [applause] Good evening. I'm Barbara Hart Anderson and I'm wearing my League of Women Voters hat tonight and I'm bringing to you a request to support North Carolina public schools. The League of Women Voters has issued the North Carolina Community Resolves for fully funded public education. As you are aware, North Carolina is the only state in the country without a budget at this time. We are asking you to support these resolves by adding your signature to the resolve document. You have a copy of the resolves at your desk. We are 48th in the nation for per pupil spending. We are $5,000 less per pupil than the national average in North Carolina. This is a condensed version.
070Whereas the North Carolina General Assembly is legally required by our state constitution to fund a sound basic public education for every child. Whereas North Carolina public schools educate 84% of K2 through 12 students serving 1.5 million students. They serve all children regardless of ability, special needs, zip code, income, or family background. Whereas public schools serve as community centers and drive local economies, 82 out of 100 counties can claim public schools as the top third employer within the top third employer. Whereas our state's long-term economic competitiveness and number one business ranking depends on a strong K12 public education system. Whereas billions, that's with a B, in public funds have been allocated to private school vouchers, which diverts our tax dollars and funding for public schools to private schools with no oversight, no transparency, and they don't
071accept all students and that especially hits our rural areas that do not have private schools. Whereas tax, state tax cuts for individuals and corporations have shifted more responsibility of funding education to local governments, the general assembly has set 2030 as a zero tax base for corporations in North Carolina. I don't know how they're going to fund you. We, the residents of North Carolina, strongly urge the North Carolina General Assembly to stop the chronic underfunding of our public schools. Public education is the foundation of a strong, inclusive, and thriving North Carolina. Defunding schools defunds the future of our children. Please add this document to your minutes, please. Please spread it around. You have a QR code that you can access. Share with your friends. Add your signature. We've already been to the general assembly in September
072and delivered the signatures that we had at that time, which were well over 2,000. We are pushing this out across the state. >> Thank you. Your time is up. >> Thank you, [applause] >> Veronica McLaren Brown. Many people will start making their New Year's resolutions this month. Tonight, I invite you to invite the board to make resolutions that will improve the future of our children. Here are some ideas that Love Our Children North Carolina hope that you'll resolve to do in 2026. First, resolve to educated sta to educate staff and public about policy 4351. Three and a half years ago, you ended out of school suspensions for children under the age of eight for minor offenses. Yet, too many teachers, parents, and school staff still don't understand that the policy only applies to minor offenses.
073Accountability demands that everyone knows what the policy protects and what it does not. Second, resolve to share the data. For three and a half years, we've tracked K2 suspensions. Show the community the impact of your decision. When policies change, accountability means measuring results and proving that change is working. Third, resolve to revise policy 4351 again. this time to protect third graders. You've already reduced K2 suspensions dramatically while investing in professional development like reframing behavior and champs. Extending this protection to third grade makes sense. It is the next logical step. Make it effective for the 2627 school year. Sticking to resolutions can be hard, but don't worry, be happy. We'll be here each month to remind you. [applause] Keep our children in school. Give them the social and emotional help they need. Let's make 2026 the
074year that New Hover County leads the state in keeping children where they belong, in schools. >> Thank you, Amanda Rissmeer. [applause] Amanda Rismeer. Good evening. Last year, reframing behavior from the crisis prevention institute was offered districtwide to all staff as an online professional development resource grounded in modern neuroscience. It explained how the brain and the nervous system can shape behavior and how our children experience learning. I hope many of you were able to engage with it and that it continues to be available to educators this year. For decades, our behavior policies have been rooted in early behaviorism, a framework developed in the early 1900s and expanded through BF Skinner's work and all those who followed him. These approaches focus primarily on observable behavior and rely heavily on reinforcement to shape it. Today's research and the
075more developed field I'm proud to be a part of tells a more complete story. Behavior is communication. The nervous system seeks connection and safety. And when students needs are unmet, they're not neurologically available to learn. Simply suppressing behavior or stopping it from happening is not only ineffective long-term, but it's also associated with negative academic, social, and health outcomes. Disregulation is a stress response. It is not defiance. Consider this shift. Current student behavior policy 4300 states, "Positive behavioral interventions will be employed as appropriate to improve student behavior when often interpreted through a rewards and punishment lens, asking what rule was broken, how should we respond?" The modern neurobiological and behavioral lens would intend to ask, "Who feels like they were harmed and what do they need in this moment?" The policy might read, "Relationship centered supports
076will be used to help students feel safe and maintain regulation so they're ready to learn and make more positive behavioral choices. This aligns with restorative practices and with what we know promotes healing, resilience, and long-term success, as seen in the RISE program you all expressed excitement about. It's time to update our behavioral policies so that every student feels safe and our responses reflect the current best practice, not the century old theory that was missing the whole picture. I urge the board to end suspensions for K to2, excuse me, three students who are signaling disregulation, not intentional misconduct. My heart recently has been breaking [snorts] seeing these suspensions impacting not only a child but their whole family system. Your time is up. >> Thank you, >> Loretta Stack House. [applause] Five, six, seven, and eight year
077olds move in and out of calm, focused behavior many times a day. This is normal. Their brains and nervous system are still developing. So, they have not yet built strong skills for handling stress, big feelings, or unexpected situations. Neuroscience tells us that when children feel safe and connected, they can think clearly, follow the directions, and learn. When they feel stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure, their bodies go into fight, flight, or freeze mode. We might see a child making threats, throwing a chair, or refusing to cooperate. It looks intentional, but it's often a sign that the child is struggling to regain a sense of safety. The school day is full of challenges: noise, peer conflict, difficult work, simple tiredness. Because of this, most children will have several unbalanced moments every day. An unbalanced child doesn't need an
078out of school suspension. That doesn't mean we excuse all behavior. It means we understand what drives it. What they need is co-regulation, a calm adult, a predictable routine, a relationship they can trust. Student behavior policy 4300 should include a sentence like responses to challenging behavior will be designed to help the student return to a balanced state. Understand the impact of their actions and develop the relational and self-regulation skills needed for success in school. revised the behavior policy. So instead of punishment, they focus on supporting our youngest learners. And additionally, since I have extra time, please, please put some equal effort in going after the Leandro funds for kids with disability as you're doing for funds for exceptional children. Thank you. >> Thank you, Alicia Ogendelli. Good evening. Fair and consistent discipline administration policy 4303 states
079the board recognizes the negative effects of exclusionary discipline on the range of students outcome. Here are some of the negative effects you know about from two decades of research. Students who are expelled or suspended from school are more likely to drop out of high school experience academic failure and repeat a grade. Their standardized test scores go down. They are less likely to continue their postsecary education. High suspension rates diminish school and community safety by increasing students dis engagement and diminishes trust between the students and adults. This and the students who are suspended are more likely to enter the juvenile justice system. While suspension of four, five, and six year olds have dropped, New Hover County K through 12 suspensions are on the rise. In 2021, there were a total of 2521 K through2 out of
080school suspensions. Two years later, in 2023, there were 3,136 suspensions. Worse yet, the numbers of out of school suspension has increased. In 2021, there were a total of 8,146 K through 12 days of out of school suspension. In 2023, there were 10,228. In other words, students are receiving longer suspensions. Revised for policy 433. So it says the board recognizes the negative effects of exclusionary discipline and therefore has banned the use of out of school suspension for all five, six, and seveny olds in the school to prison pipeline. Thank you. >> Thank you. Yolanda Hernandez. [applause] >> Yolanda Hernandez. Okay. Stephen Axhelm. I don't see him either. Okay, Leslie Posey. Good evening. I'd like to start with some questions. Do you like the doors that slide open in front of you? How about elevators in every
081building? Curb cuts that let you get the groceries to the car. At least one larger stall in the public bathrooms. Family bathrooms for parents with kids. Extra wide doors. Handrails on steps and in bathrooms, lower sinks, ramps, escalators, those sliding walkways in the airport. I don't know about you, but I like all of those things. See me later if you want to hear a funny story about Star Trek and sliding doors. Continuing with things that may not affect you directly, how do you feel about handicapped parking spaces, sign language interpreters, closed captioning on TV and movies, emotional service dogs, small changes to jobs that allow handicapped people to work, adapted chairs to help people with chronic back pain, signs informing people the presence of foods and chemicals they may be allergic to, hearing aids, glasses,
082masks to prevent transmission of disease. Oh, wait. I know how some of you feel about those. Obviously, this list could go on long be beyond my allotted minutes. But I want to make one very simple point. All of these things are required by law to be available to all people in the United States. It's called the Americans with Disabilities Act. And you know what? It's part of that dreaded DEI that so many people in this country think we should get rid of that I inclusivity making changes that allow us to be an inclusive country that doesn't discriminate against anyone. Thank you. Thank you Margie Gartzman. Thank you all for your patience. Looks so great up there. [laughter] Um, hi, my name is Margie Gowartsman. Um, I'm new to Hanover County. My family moved here. We
083we transitioned here out of Texas uh about 2023. Um, I am a mother of three kids in your school district, a 17-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a six-year-old. And all of them have IEPs, but they're twice exceptional, so they're also in exceptional classes. Um, I have in my short time here been to several IEP meetings both at the high school and elementary level and across the board in my conversations with the teachers and support staff and behavioral specialists and principles and busing staff and you know the lunch lady and all of that. What I come across is there's an underlying fear. I've looked at the budget. I've looked at the trends and everything everybody else has already said is the funds are running out that if we don't have income sources to support our schools, how
084can we provide a safe space for our kids to learn? Our teachers are doing incredible jobs, but I want them to be successful like the program highlighted today because of us and not in spite of us. And right now, I fear about that. I see teachers who came to this school year and their aids were gone. I saw the fear in all of our parents that the nursing staff was going to be cut. I have kids who have need needs meds like they can't schedule that. When my kid has a panic attack that that's not a scheduled event. Um and it's not right to make teachers also the nurse. It's not right to make teachers also the janitor. When we first got here, we couldn't enter um what is it? uh Bradley Creek Elementary for
085kindergarten like roundup because there wasn't enough janitors to put the classrooms back in order. It had been understaffed for two years. I was told by the principal that is unbelievable for such a rich school like rich county to to be understaffing a janitor. So anyway, I urge our whole community whole community that we are moving forward to as they have said fight tooth and nail to get those funds back into our our school district every way we can and be creative, be ex, you know, I come from Texas, they have the Robin Hood laws and our school district, they created parent organizations that raised the hell out of money to fill that gap that the state wouldn't fill. Anyway, that's [clears throat] my time. Thank you guys. I'm Margie. I'm running for school board. Bye.
086>> Thank you, Britney Laroo. [applause] Good evening. My name is Britney Laru. After listening to the recent discussions during the agenda review meeting, our community is reminded once again of the ongoing challenges we face around transparency and open communication from this board. Many of you speak often about accountability, but accountability, it requires clarity. How can you remain accountable to the people who elected you if the public cannot follow what is being presented, revised, or decided in real time? Our community deserves transparency that is proactive and not reactive. When agendas shift at the 11th hour or major decisions move forward without meaningful input, Edy Road's confidence, leaving families feeling shut out of the process. Transparency, it is not optional. It is the foundation of public trust and our community is asking and expecting a lot better.
087Regarding the bond likely heading to the ballot in 2026, I do support moving it forward because our schools urgently need investment. Families across New Hover County have waited far too long for safe, modern, functional learning environments, but we must also be honest about how we arrived here. Years of delayed action, combined with the school board too often consumed by culture wars, personal agendas, and political infighting, have weakened public confidence and pushed critical infrastructure needs to the back burner. When adult politics overshadow student well-being and our children, they're going to pay the price. This bond is a necessary first step, but it cannot replace responsible, forwardthinking leadership. We need transparent timelines, clear accountability, and a renewed commitment to what truly matters. Providing highquality, equitable facilities for every student in this county. Our community deserves leaders who
088choose solutions over division. And our students deserve more than another generation of delays. Thank you. [applause] >> Uh just double checking Yolanda Hernandez and Steven Exhelm. All right. This concludes call to audience. >> All right. Well, thank you to each and every person that spoke today. We appreciate your comments and it will be taken to heart. Uh at this point, do we need a break? I we had a break right before, but I want to make sure. >> Anybody? >> We're good. All right, we'll carry right on then. Perfect. Uh next bit of business is our uh let's get to it. >> The top language transl >> language translation services, Dr. Barnes this right here. >> Someone had asked for us to talk a little bit about what language translation services we do offer. [clears
089throat] Of course, as all several people in call to audience have discussed, we are running into budget constraints. Um, a year ago, just before I stepped into this job, we ended up cutting about 300 positions from our workforce and sort of reallocating those people, but our central office took about a 15% hit in that in that decline. Some of those ended up being things like we use for translation services. We are using some online resources. We are doing the best that we can. Of course, we try to make sure that we are preferring applicants who are dual language or who are bilingual. Um, but if you guys had questions more about our translation services, I can kick it over to our folks or answer what any questions you guys have. >> Word members, we have
090questions. Dr. Merrick. >> Thank you, Dr. Barnes. Yes, I was the one that had requested this information >> because I have spoken to many people in the community who uh have families or who are working with families who are uh English learners. >> Yes. And um what I've been told and I can't verify completely, but UNCW has offered [music] for free to have Spanish majors, students intern [music] and come and work to help with bilingual services. Mhm. >> And um Amanda Boomershine uh I spoke with and she had mentioned that from UNCW and you know this speaks to how we have to start thinking as a board and as a district that we every year our funds go down and we have to find ways of working with the public in a way that's going
091to help our students that doesn't cost us money. And so I'd really like to encourage all of our principles to be able to find a way to bring in these college students who are bilingual and help our students who are English language learners. I know that our policy says that we must provide services if we can. It's one of those vague policies that's or vague uh in in the general assembly. It's kind of vague. And here we have an opportunity and I'd really like to encourage us to use UNCW to help our students. >> Sure. And I talk to Miss Boomer usually once a week or so. So I'll check in with her on that. Do want to remind everybody even though that our Hispanic language is our primary other language, we have about 15
092languages throughout our district that are very very uh widespread and and very insular in our community as well which are a challenge obviously. >> Mr. So what kind of process would that take to bring students in, you know, in terms of the vetting and the background techn is that is it is it a possibility? Is this something that could be done? >> Well, I I can work with the team on that. That's something that I I haven't heard a lot about, but I can certainly find out about it. >> It's actually in schools now in some of the schools. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um I I agree with my colleague. if we have an opportunity to provide resources. The reality is I think looking at anou of sorts. I know we have
093internships of different from different schools for the profession, the teaching profession. So I I'd assume that we could potentially look at something along those similar lines of of translator services mirroring theou but not necessarily for the teaching profession but to come in as an opportunity for translating. So, I don't know if that would be something to explore, but that would be my feedback. >> Miss Mason, >> my concern, um, having worked with individuals with deafness, um, I know that the interpreter in in those programs, they get to know the families really well. So, my my question would be confidentiality. Would that become an issue? Because you're going to have students that could be interacting with families as well as if they are needed. Is that correct? Like would that be a pos like would students
094be working with families as well or just with the students and the teachers? >> Well, our our focus would have to be on the school related things. [music] However, we always provide supplemental language services if your child has an IEP or we've done it if people are coming to open house, things like that. So, we just need to coordinate with families so that we know what they need ahead of time because that isn't something we just have ready made at schools waiting for people. Miss Justice, >> um, [clears throat] yes, this has been a challenge. Oh my gosh, because of our budgetary concerns and and let's be honest, and this is not political, it's a fact. Our North Carolina legislature have allowed us to become 49th. She mentioned 48th. It's actually 49th in the nation
095in per pupil expenditure. It's just so painful to try to find proper funding for our kids. Um what the reason I brought that up is because this is going to take time if you work with the university. Um and that means people in our um central office, whoever's specialty in this area will be spending time doing that. That costs money. Um so my suggestion would be to lean heavily on UNCW because they have more resources than us. Um and that would be more beneficial be not more that would be very beneficial for their students to have this opportunity to have this experience. So that's what I would say would be to reach out to UNCW, see how serious they are about benefiting their kids because I can't see anything but a benefit to them working
096with and it's not just the Spanish language. U there's other languages I'm sure that will be useful for kids majoring in other areas, language areas. So that's what I would reach out to UNCCW first before we start sending our [sighs] very [laughter] limited staff. They have more staff. Honestly, they do. That's in my experience. I might be wrong about that. >> Okay, board members, we about two minutes left in this conversation. Mr. Perry, >> my only question about the using the interns is is do we have the the people to mentor those interns? Um, you know, usually when interns come, there's there's somebody that's, you know, that that's helping them through here. So, as long as we have the the mentor in our system that's going to be able to help them develop, then I
097think this is a great idea. But, we got to make sure we can't just say come on in and just leave them to themselves, you know. So, so that's the only thing I have to say about that. >> If it please the board, give me a couple months of lead time and I can give you guys an update as to where we're sitting. Thank you, sir. We appreciate that. We're going to carry on. Thank you for that conversation, board members. Uh consensus items. We have uh 15 minutes a lot of this. Uh is there anything we want to pull off, Mr. Bradford? >> I would like to pull off B memorandum of understanding with the uh just straight out the voyage. >> Okay. B. Anything else, Mr. Perry? Um just want to pull off the
098uh the bus number H. Uh because I I thought Dr. Morgan maybe had some additional information to give us. >> Okay. Letter H. >> Dr. Merritt. >> J. Do I hear K? No. Sorry. >> Any others? Once gone twice, gone three times. Uh, I will make a motion then that we pass everyone except uh letters B, H, and K. Is there a second? Second. >> We have six. >> J K J. >> Excuse me. Try that again. I will try to be able to read my own writing. I will make a motion that we will accept uh or mo uh pass everything except for B, H, and J. >> Second. >> Then we have a second. Okay. All in favor? Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >>
099All opposed. Like sign. That passes 70. We will carry on. We'll start with the first letter, which is B. Um I believe Miss Bradford took that off. Miss Bradford, bless you. Um, I took it off because I wanted y'all to all make sure that you have seen this piece of paper that uh, Voyage provided to our staff. Thank you for getting that for me. These are impressive numbers. Um, and I'm quite pleased to get this. I guess you know, I have toured this place and I felt good about it, but I like having data and um they're they're working in our schools and this is a a a success progress report here and so I just wanted to pull it off to make sure because I know they'll listen that you know that that my
100reservations have been. >> Perfect. Do I hear a motion? >> Yes. I move that we accept it. >> Second. >> First and second. Any discussion? Questions? No. All in favor of moving or passing >> Oh, I'm sorry. You I um I wanted to go ahead and echo what she just referred to. It's an excellent program and I'm glad we've got it in our system. >> Awesome. Awesome. Any other discussion? I'm sorry. I'll kind of scan before we start. Got to get back into this photo. Okay. All right. Uh all in favor of passing B on, please signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose. Like sign passes 70. >> We next have letter H, which is Mr. Perry. Mr. Perry. Yeah, I can't remember the exact specifics, but I think when we were at our
101our meeting last week that maybe Dr. Morgan said he was going to give us some additional information. Is that true? Uh, I just wanted to double confirm. I can't even tell you exactly what it was, but I seem to remember something like that. Do >> you have any additional information you can share with us about >> I'll be honest, I don't I wasn't prepared to share any additional information. I'm happy to answer any questions that we may have following Miss Trafton's Q&A session at the agenda review. >> Do you have any other questions for >> and I apologize if there was something specific? >> Mr. P. >> Yeah, I can't think. I just thought I recall that if there's not I don't have anything in particular. >> Okay. Um, Mr. Bradford. >> Um, I am
102totally impressed with the transportation department and what they're doing and I was impressed with the software. So, I move that we pass this one. >> Second. First and second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor of passing H on, please signify by saying I. I. >> I. All opposed. Passes. Also 70. And finally, we have letter J. And that was Dr. Merrick. Dr. Merrick. Thank you to uh Mr. Chair. I have to get used to saying that, Mr. Chair. >> [laughter] >> Um it's not first of all I I want to say that um I appreciate the fact that uh the superintendent is sharing these plans with us even though that's how it's supposed to be. I I I love the transparency and it's not my job. It's not our job even to interfere
103at a granular level with what's going on. That's a district uh uh responsibility. But I do believe that there's part of it for us which is accountability and and and making sure that these are [music] done in a way that that we all agree and appreciate. I I was a little surprised [music] reading through the the student improvement plans at how different some of them were. Um [music] like uh kudos to uh principal Willis at Snipes who had five pages [music] of improvement plans. Some of them were weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly. There was one school that had uh a very brief one page and almost all of them were just once a year. And I thought it might it might behoove us to take a look at some of that. >> That's all. And I
104and maybe you know maybe you have more input on that, Dr. Barnes, than I know about >> I was let you answer his question if you want to. Well, I know that each individual school is responsible for working on their own plan, but they're each individual group. We do do monitoring more comprehensively on schools that we consider in danger or have not seen improvement. You know, we have 10 schools that did not meet growth that we're focusing on. What you're seeing and what I sent you, you've had [music] access to the entire district school plans for a month or so, but this I know this is hard to kind of work through. This is just the things that are new in those schools that we have concerns >> with. So >> these are additional items.
105>> These are items that have changed in those plans. >> Thank you, sir. Miss Bonhart. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I was going to point that out as well because these are the only plans that are coming before us are our schools that did not meet growth and improvement. And so I was asking for clarity as well. These are the additional items. So, there are more items in the full plan for each of these schools that we see. >> Um, but these are the changes that they are adding to their current plan [music] because next year >> we'll have to approve all of them. It's on a two-year cycle, but this one, these ones are on a one-year cycle because they did not meet expectations. And so, I appreciate um I appreciate the delineation. I
106specifically I had reached out to Mr. Worthington and said, "I'd like to make sure we know what's different because these are the schools that we want to see improve and we want to see change." So, I appreciate taking the time to say these this is what's different. >> That's that is correct. Yes. >> Um, so there's a difference between an action report and a comprehensive report. A comprehensive report is exactly what you're talking about. It's going to be everything that the school is going through. >> Um, and so in a lot of cases, you may look if you see an added Uh, in some cases it looks like it was added this year. In some cases it may look like it was added last year. So it might say 2024 was when it was added.
107But if it says that and what it means is that they've gone in and augmented in some way that action step. Maybe they said, "Hey, we were going to do I saw one that said two phone calls home for every child every single month." That may have been a simple change from one last year to two. So it would stay there, but they want to try to they've just moved the target date to the end of this year. I'd also say in a lot of cases context is king because you pointed out Snipes and Snipes has been working on uh the NC Star platform for so long that they have become very very detailed and in other cases a school may say we're going to get to 100% compliance with PLC's and let that be
108it. And where Snipes might say there's seven different action steps we're taking in that this year, that school might have this one action step in which they are really doing research about their best practice for their school within PLC's. So for instance, if third grade reading was the concentration for them, they're going to do research about what's best practice and you might see next year when we get everybody's improvement plan that it's suddenly expanded. So if you were to go back and you look at the action reports from this year to last year to last, some some might be smaller and then some might be bigger and then the next year, it doesn't roller coaster except on paper. But if you were to go in and look at the comprehensive plan, which you can do
109with that guest password that's online, it will be much more extensive. Um, you don't want to print that off because it it is gigantic, but uh it does kind of speak to a lot of the work that goes on behind the scenes. Um, we we hear a lot about transparency in throughout the community and I appreciate that. This is the best avenue to go in and look and see what do what's the I don't want to say grunt work but kind of what is that work that looks like behind the scenes to make every inch matter in a school. >> But I'm I'm happy to answer any other questions if they're if you have any. >> And I was just going to to say, you know, because when I ended my my principal ship, we
110we this all just started. But I remember it was very very time intensive, a very, you know, and I and and maybe it's changed, but I remember, you know, we would we would, you know, finish it up, we'd send it down to central office and we might get it back and say, "Well, you really need to look at this, you know, this this area." And so it's it's an ongoing it's it's a much more of a living document. I remember also early in my principal ship where we had a document, we got done with it, we put it on the shelf and picked it out the next year and started all over again where this is much more active, much more interactive, uh, which is I think a lot better. >> Yes, sir. I'd also
111say if you were to come back and pull actions report again at the end of next month, it might look very different because we'll have some schools that will complete and once they complete an action step, it may roll off and they may be adding other ones on. Uh, one of the keys that we always talk about is that it's always great to be removing action steps and adding action steps. It's very hard for a school to get completely compliant with one of those key indicators. So, if you to look up there, and I'm just looking off of the screen here for Snipes, it says key and then equals key indicator. A key indicator is something that all of our schools are doing now because they're aligned to the state board goals. But a qu
112one of the goals might be something like we have great classroom management throughout the building. The way it reads, it says that 100% of our staff 100% of the time have 100% great classroom management. It's really impossible, or maybe it's improbable is a better word, because we have beginning teachers that are learning. We have new folks that are new to New Hmer County Schools. We do our behavior matrix different than others. We are onboarding one of the best programs I've ever worked with in Champs Training and Stoic. Uh, and so those things will always push us to add action steps and complete them, but it's really hard to get towards full implementation, which is why we say continuous improvement. >> Miss Mason, >> um, I was going to make a motion to pass the school
113improvement plans. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Did you say could you say that? I'm sorry. >> I make a motion to I move to pass the school improvement plans. >> Have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Yeah. Um, >> M. Justice [laughter] >> you and I and those up here that have worked in schools and been in administration know the history of this but I don't think that nor you know regular board members would come in really understand the background and what school improvement plans are based on and why they're in the schools and how they vary from school to school although they have the [clears throat] general framework from the state. It would not be a bad idea at some point in the future if maybe board members would
114pick a school or if they've got kids in the school and volunteer to be on the school improvement plan because they're constantly looking for people to be in that group. I know when I was an administrator I was constantly looking for people to do that. That's just my suggestion. Um that would give you a better understanding and also maybe some kind of brief history if we could all have something when we're first on boarded with the school board. um and understand why we have school board because it's a it's state statute is where it comes from. >> It it does and it's backed by our board policy. >> Um we're not legally required to meet once a month during the school year, but most schools do meet once a month. Actually, sometimes they meet twice
115a month if they have something that's really pressing. >> Um I would also say we encourage stakeholders to attend. We want parents to attend. My son is a rep, a student rep at his school for the school improvement plan. uh excuse me, school improvement team. Um and so there that is always welcome because we want that kind of input. Right now we've got some schools that have been afforded some new funds that we talked about last month. Uh and they're going to be bringing information to the school improvement team, to leadership teams. Uh so anytime a person from the community wants to participate, uh it should be on the school's website when they normally have them. So, it might say something like the third Wednesday of every month at four o'clock. That's when they have
116those meetings. And if you want to call and and talk to a principal, I'm sure they'd be happy to have you. Uh sometimes it's very very lively discussions whenever you ask whenever a parent comes in to say, "Can my kid in this middle school use the locker?" It's going to be a great lively discussion. [laughter] Uh and then sometimes being frank with you, it's minutiae and things that we want to get through during the day to just get to the next thing that's going to improve learning. So, it just depends on which one you get to. >> Okay, board members, we are about out of time, but we have two more hands. So, let's get those two and we'll finish up. >> Um, thank you, Mr. Worththington, for saying that we are welcome. And [music]
117thank you, uh, to my colleague to the almost far right for saying that we should be more involved, but I do want to put a little caveat in that. Uh I did attend a meeting this year and I I was feeling like I was being a little bit of an intimidating [music] presence and so we have to be very very careful about how we show up and make sure that you know we're there just to support and [music] >> you know because you know we we've talked about it here before. We just think we're normal people, but sometimes [laughter] we're we're being told, you know, that people expect something more of us or are a little bit concerned about us, you know, in terms of what we might bring. Right. Right. Thank you. Very true.
118>> Badford, please. >> I just like to take this opportunity looking at the action report from Career Readiness Academy mostly. Dr. Barnes, don't you have something to tell us about that first one? Increase the partnership with Kate Community College to provide additional courses for 11th and 12th graders. Did you have an announcement on that? >> Not yet. I didn't. [laughter] Not this one. >> Um, our partnership with CFCC is very valuable to the school system and they're looking at ways to expand that into Mosley. So, >> awesome. >> Okay, board members, we have a motion and a second to pass letter J on. Uh, if we have no other discussion, all in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All opposed like sign. Passes 70. Okay, we carry on to the next section
119which is the uh policy. I'll turn that over to me. So, I'll take that over myself. Um, [laughter] here we go. Two hats. Can I borrow your hat now? Uh, I do, uh, I'm going to, you know, we talked about transparency several times. I do want to be transparent. If you would look with me real quickly before we start at policy 2230, board committees. I did I had a board member call me today. Uh, and as I was reading this over um, for the 54th time, I did notice that I that I I missed something. So uh in section uh 9 B9 sustainability committee we had changed it but we didn't I didn't notice the top part. So we have now changed it again but I want to make sure everybody sees that up front
120that the council will include the following members. We need two board members on the top because we have two board members on the bottom. So two board members a subject matter expert etc etc and then the uh the only other part that's been changed additionally the two board members. Again, that's why we need the two up top will serve on the soil and water conservation committee. So, yes, ma'am. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I I would just like a little bit of clarity whenever and it was policy 2660 for the liaison position that we created for the soil and water committee and it was with the purpose to create a more sustainable opportunity in our school district. So with the with the actual creation of New Hover County's sustainability committee, I believe that those two
121committees are kind of replicated. And so if we're able to migrate these, and I don't know if it would be um more applicable to send this back to policy, but to discuss that to potentially maybe not have a liaison uh as a board member on soil and water, but rather on the sustainability, have somebody from soil and water present, if that makes sense. what I'm saying. >> Point of order. Mr. Chair, >> I I think we're sort of getting off uh Don't we have Before we can discuss this, don't we have to have a motion to uh to approve and then we can discuss? >> Right. So, let's go ahead and do that. So, >> I was going to make a motion, >> Miss Mason. >> At least one. I move to um send 2230
122to committee. >> Okay. >> I'll second. >> Okay. 2230 to committee. >> A second. >> We have a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor of sending 2230 on back to policy committee. Please signify by saying I. >> I. All opposed. >> All right. I will make a motion that we pass all these uh all the uh presented documents uh on. Second. >> Is there a second? First and second. Now we can now we can actually have discussion on that. I was just point out Mr. Harry. >> Um, the >> 3220 >> I'd like to get a little more clarification on this developing relationships with businesses and seeking grant fund sources for technology programs. This seems to be additional new language. >> Okay, >> let's just do the one. >> Should we get somebody
123speak on that? >> Men, >> that actually was added from the schoolboard association. That wasn't our addition. >> Yeah, this is the >> Okay, that was from the school board association. >> Yeah, >> Dr. Merrick, >> I I have three I'd like to pull from the consensus. >> Okay, go ahead. >> I would like to pull 2310, 2335, and 7910. >> 2335 7910. >> Mr. Chair, >> are there any others? Yes. >> Point of order. When someone reads those out, if they could read what it's about so that the people who are here can understand what we're talking about, it'd be great. Okay. So 2310 is >> uh when I speak about it, we will talk about it what it is. And isn't that maybe a better place? >> Okay. >> So >> just read
124the title. >> 2310. All right. I will do that. Public part public participation at board meetings is 2310. 2335 is advanced delivery at of meeting materials and 7910 is if I can find it is retirement. Wow. Retirement. >> Retire. I remember that for 20 minutes. [laughter] Okay. Is there anything any others we want to pull off? We have these. >> I thought you sent retirement back to policy already. >> Um >> we did. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, I'll make a motion that I will I will uh amend my motion. I I make a motion that we pass everyone except for 2230, 2310, 2335, and 7910. Is there a second? [music] >> Second. >> We have a first and second. Any discussion hearing? None. All in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >>
125All oppose like sign. Passes 70. We'll take them one at a time. We've already passed 2230. Back to policy. So, we'll carry on to 2310, which is where is it? Somewhere right here. 23 >> public participation publication at board meetings. Uh, and Dr. Mayor, would you like to speak to that? >> Yes. Thank you very much. Uh, Mr. chair. Um I do not disagree with the rights reserved by our board chair to ensure proper decorum um um to make sure it's maintained. [music] But in my perspective, there's no reason to include this information in our policy manual. It reads to the public, I believe, as a threat. Um, I don't know if the public has had a chance to look at this, but it it does mention [music] new changes and um, >> oh, again,
126>> I think that we should want our public participation at meetings. And just as there is no number of warnings required before ejecting a disruptive member, there's also no need to warn them in our policies. It would be more appropriately added to the web page where the public signs up for a CTA, but I don't even think it's necessary [music] there. The information we received uh at the last N uh North Carolina state board uh association meeting said that in their they talked about ethical decision-making frameworks and one of the questions they had is will this build or erode public trust and I argued that this policy change is confrontational in tone and would erode public trust and for that reason I don't think it belongs uh here. I can't support it. I believe the
127previous iteration is fine just as it is. Disruptive attendees can still be escorted out without including confront confrontational language. Thank you, >> Mr. Bradford. >> Actually, Miss Barnhart was next. >> Excuse me. >> She was next. >> Okay, Miss Barnhart, I'm sorry. >> For clarity, Mr. Chair, um, were these recommendations from the NCSBA? >> No, >> I believe we actually our attorney had penned them for us. They were >> that wasn't from the >> a lot of the recommendations came from the um Sheriff Egg McMahon. Miss Bradford [clears throat] submitted some uh some comments and amendments and uh I tried to boil everything down to for the policy to be a little more concise. >> Okay. So, so the follow-up clarity, this this is >> echoing what the law says >> like because usually NCSBA
128recommendations are based on law changes. So, this was inserted by legal counsel because this is what the law says >> and and in discussion as he just said with uh some board members but also with uh our sheriff >> Bradford. Um, this was generated from concerns over the authority of the chair to speak to the officers in the room to then be supported by their sheriff. So, they had clear direction. Oh, it's not there anymore. Um, they had they had clear direction as to what they should or did should not do. So it was out there um in broad daylight so that no one would misinterpret it and put us in a situation where what could and could not be done in a disruptive situation was was really spelled out by the sheriff of our
129county, the highest law enforcement officer that we have um in New Hver County. What his people would are instructed to do. So it's there so no one has to wonder. Um it's not punitive in any way. It's transparent in my opinion. Um, I took what the sheriff said and I compared it with what the attorneys submitted and the only thing um, [music] it just it just rewarded it. It's kind of like an editing process. It didn't change the meaning of anything. I I went through it line by line. I would question and it's just a it's just an editing thing. But the under C, the last one that's in red, it's going to be probably B. Where' it go? Yeah, BC in red. You should have a seven um under that black text. It's just
130an editing comment because it it's not D, but it's not anything else either. So, it just need to put that seven in there. It's it all it did was just bump it down. Um so, I would move that we we make that editing change before it it gets codified into policy. >> Mr. Perry, there's justice. >> Um, I have a little bit of a problem with uh under B independent action says during a clear violation of law such as disorderly conduct or disruption of an official meeting, a law enforcement officer may act on their own initiative to remove individuals. Now, obviously, I think this is a little vague because disruption of an official meeting is that means somebody shouted too much, which normally would probably get a warning from our chair before they just do
131that. So, I mean, I don't want um obviously if they're literally getting into a fist fight, that's something different. But, I think I I I would I'd like to make a motion that we send this back to policy because I think we need a little bit more clarity here. Exactly. There's still a lot of latitude on what disruption of official meeting official meeting means. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a first and second. >> Okay, >> discussion. Do you you want to discuss? >> I might as well go right into the discussion. Am I my ma'am? >> Okay. [clears throat] Sheriff knows what their jobs are when they're here. They're assigned here. Um I would sincerely hope so. Why we have to put them why we have to spell it out? It can be intimidating.
132Um, when we're driving around in town, we don't have pasted to our windshield all the different laws that pertain to being watched by law enforcement. Um, I mean, we can put this in policy, but as the vagueness is an issue, I would like to send it back to policy so we can talk about it more. Um, I feel bad because I was out due to surgery [laughter] and this is something that I would have liked to gone into more detail. So I would have no problem doing that now that I'm healed or whatever. But that so I I would recommend that. I I think the intent is good because we do want to have um order. But we have been doing very well. I mean seriously once we have we and our the people in
133the audience understand what our you know the proper rules are. I don't see that we need to get any more into the minutia. that just confuses people and it could intimidate some people. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. My my last um I agree with sending this back to policy like my colleagues have discussed with the vagueness of this, but um my last question is are the are is the call to audience rules reflective of the changes that have been made of this policy? I brought this up in the agenda review, so I don't know if that's has been the case. >> What was the question? If the call to audience rules when people sign up have been reflective of the changes made to this policy to my knowledge on the internet. >> Miss Baggie,
134would you let us know please? [music] >> Okay, >> Mr. All right, we'll finish up and then we'll >> um and I would remind the board of a very [music] uncomfortable evening we had this year in this room where right behind me, law enforcement and the superintendent and the chair were trying to figure out what the rules of engagement were with what was happening in the room. It was personally frightening. So that's is where this came from. so that no one has to say, "Well, I think the sheriff said this or I think that this tells us in that situation in a in a in a in a in a repeat." Hopefully, we never have that again, but that where everyone would know exactly what the rules of engagement were beforehand, so we had no
135possibility of an altercation that got way out of hand. Um and and you know, yeah, we're doing better, but that night was quite memorable and don't want to repeat it again. >> Absolutely. And Dr. Merrick, >> yeah, I I can understand this [music] idea of wanting to make everything super clear >> and I can tell you that there is no way of watching human behavior and fitting it into a box. Those decisions will always have to be made at the time and by those people in charge. And you know, we can have as much we can write it as clearly as we want and the sheriff is still going to have to make their own decision. >> The board chair is going to have to make their own decisions about what is disruptive or not.
136And [music] this new language doesn't do anything to change those rights and responsibilities. That's my only concern. >> Okay. Thank you all. Uh we do have a motion to send 2310 back to policy. Uh all those in favor please signify by saying I. >> I. All opposed. >> Passes 70. >> If I could ask for a point of clarity to >> Yes sir. >> I don't want to put these new rules onto our called audience until after you guys have finished discussing the >> sense. 100%. 100%. >> Okay. 2335 coming up. Sir, >> we have 10 minutes of the last two. So, [laughter] thank you for keeping me on track. >> So, to bring the make sure the um audience is with us here on 2335 advanced delivery of meeting m of meeting materials. Uh
137I got another email today uh about uh last week's agenda review uh meeting where we have people who are trying to read along with us, try to understand what we're doing. And I I'm afraid that I have not been able to be clear enough with the board and I I take responsibility that my communication has not been been more succinct. When we are at the agenda review meeting, it is one week before our regular meeting and the public does not yet have access to the regular meeting agenda. And a good portion of our time during the agenda review meeting which is public, [music] we talk about what's on the regular meeting agenda. And the public cannot follow along. The press cannot follow along. They can't [music] they it's not an open meeting if we're holding
138back information from the public. And that's exactly what we're doing. So, you know, [music] I I just believe at least the morning of or the night before our agenda review meeting, [music] we should be able to open up to the public the proposed regular meeting agenda so they can follow along with us when we're at the agenda review meeting. Does that I'm I'm trying to be clear. I'm I'm hoping I'm I'm getting through. >> So, basically, just make sure I'm understanding you and we're all understanding you. You would like it so that either the morning of the night before they can basically see the the proposed you probably put proposed all over so we don't have anybody saying that's what you know you said you're doing this and you're not really doing this or draft
139maybe all over something. Yeah. [clears throat] >> Okay. >> And that way when we're discussing it at the agenda review they know what we're talking about >> because otherwise they're just going what what what you know. >> Okay. Miss Bradford and then Miss Barnhart. >> Two things. Would you remind us what on here was changed before Dr. Merrick started to speak? Because I had my notes from the policy meeting is as written. Um [music] what changed? >> Well, nothing's changed. That's that's it. So basically there was there was discussion about changing >> uh as Dr. Mayor you wanted to change it. >> The vote was unanimous that you know two we only had two people there but it was unanimous >> that uh we don't change it and [music] >> so it was brought back
140just for us to discuss. We could have left it dead in policy, but >> we we decided to bring it back so everybody could discuss it. >> So my wait a minute, I have two things. The second thing is >> we read our agenda briefing Saturday, Sunday. If we got really full days, we might read it on Monday if it's a Tuesday agenda. Um it often changes between Monday and Tuesday. And I have learned I read it on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, go back and double check it >> on Tuesday because [music] things change. So as this is deliberated, I could not support anything other than morning of because then it would put an undue burden on these people from the way they're working as hard as they possibly can now to get it on
141there in morning of for us. Then just I I I'm loathed to add more burden to our staff at this point. We cut central office staff and they're all working hard and that's my only reason for not wanting to add any more to their burden. So I would support I I I would be willing to discuss morning of but certainly not night before because it's we're not getting that now and I don't want to add to their burden. >> Thank you. I have a tag team question as well. My first is when we're going through the agenda review. That is the opportunity that we have to ask questions of our staff. Oftentimes there's emails sent to me from me to people saying these are the questions I'm going to ask if I forget to ask
142a question. So it's we are not actively discussing tonight. We pulled things from the consensus agenda to make sure we had discussions about it. We're pulling policies right this time. So the agenda review is not a discussion of the it's the time that we have to ask. >> It used to be only two to three board members were privy to the information prior to coming to a board meeting. So the agenda review was the opportunity for us to all come together have to have an open meeting when we do that so that everybody's questions can be heard and asked. So I just want to point that out there. My question becomes the uploading of the content because in theory I agree if it's really easy just to say proposed and have that uploaded great but
143my understanding is once something is uploaded when we have the opportunity to look and and see the agenda as things are added I can log into my screen I can see oh well currently there's only four policies uploaded well there might be more that get uploaded throughout the week like my colleague to the left had head. So, is there a way to feasibly do that with assembly to put everything as proposed and then flip a switch and then it not be proposed or once it's uploaded to assembly and and the the uh staff are building the agenda for today's meeting that we're reviewing the week before. If they put it in all as proposed, is this week's meeting going to be proposed documents whenever it's uploaded? I'm going to go to Mr. Perry and then
144I'm gonna I'll let you answer all the questions. Um [clears throat] >> I understand that the sometimes the documents can be fluid. Um, I looked at I think the I think the uh [clears throat] the third I looked at the uh at the agenda like a week uh the Thursday before our last agenda review meeting last week and and then and then it drastically changed within two days. So, um the lots of additional information, but putting up what we can and then updating it seems to me like a good idea. And so I I don't know what the language would be. I I'm sure technically we can we can leave the technical details to Dr. Barnes and Miss Princen. I'm sure they could figure out a way and Miss Buoie to figure out a way
145to do this. But I I I'd like to make a motion that we um take Dr. Merrick's suggestion and let's get as much information out to the public as we can on this and uh they should be able to follow along. That just seems normal to me. >> We have first and second to uh But we have to specify. Are you saying that morning or the night before? >> You you're the one who made the >> Oh, I was just saying as of as it changes. So, >> so when you put when you put the when the when the proposed agenda uh first gets also make it available to the public and if it gets updated make it to update it to the public. So, okay, Miss Mason, >> I'm going to supersede that motion
146and move to refer to committee. >> Second. Okay, we have a superseded motion to >> to to move it uh back to uh policy committee. >> Um is there any discussion on that? >> Miss Justin, >> seems like it's probably the appropriate place at this point. >> Okay, >> pretty busy. >> All right, so 20 >> 3:35 to policy. All in favor, please signify by saying I. I. All opposed. Okay. It's a policy. >> We would appreciate that because it'll give us a chance to talk about the nuance of the logistics of this. >> Yeah. >> Because what we what we're proposing is making sure that it's going to really limit the changes that we make >> once we have that agenda review meeting. And I just want to make sure these folks are able
147to hit those timelines that this would create. So I think a policy committee might be a better place to have the nuance of that discussion. >> Right. >> We have two minutes and we have Thank you. 7910 left. Uh, Dr. Mayor, we >> can make it we can make it quick. Um, really I just don't understand the language uh in the policy and I would like to ask the superintendent to explain it a little further. I'm I'm [music] it the way I read it, it sounds like we are uh capping retirements uh for our retiring educators uh in a new way perhaps. Uh I I'm I'm not sure I understand it. >> Yeah, I can explain it. Yes and no. And I think that was the one that I had asked. I'm sorry. Um this
148is when I talked to um Mr. Wilderbor about shifting back to policy so we could add some language to it to make it a little cleaner. Um basically what that is saying though the blue language that is added is in regards to something called pension spiking >> and it is a u process by which the state retirement organization will monitor specific people's individual retirements if they think they may have spiked at some point during their career. In other words, you shifted to a job that was substantially higher in pay than your one before and you haven't done it long enough to backfill your own retirement to make sure >> you haven't paid into your retirement. >> However, the what it really says is it refers to the general statute which was done in 2015 which
149says if you started putting into the retirement system before 2015, the employer is responsible for paying any spike that happens. after 2015. It depends on whether or not it is in that person's contract, but then likely it is the employee who has to pay for it. So, we can certainly add language in there that makes it a little cleaner and makes it explain what general statute is. And I actually had reached out to the folks at the NCSBA to get their take on that before. >> I'll make a motion we passed uh 7910 back to policy because we want to do that. >> Second. >> Okay, first and second. Any discussion? Quick discussion, one comment [music] really. >> I'm I have been told though I don't know that retirement benefits keep going down for our
150educators >> and it's a real concern. If this [music] is in general statute, we've got nothing to say about it. >> Correct. >> But if it's if it's coming from our schools, then I think we need to have something to say about it. Right. >> The the retirement um coefficient hasn't changed. The amount that they're giving you hasn't changed. But you have seen over the last several years probably the most compelling reason that you're talking about is used to be that you would get your health insurance forever. >> Yeah. >> And now after people hired after a certain date do not get that necessarily. So there is sort of you can see that as sort of a devaluing of that. >> I will tell you that my amazing team over there ran the numbers. There
151are only eight people currently in the district who are in danger of spiking and each of those we feel like we can resolve ourselves and communicate those with those individual employees themselves. So it this is not as big of a problem for us as it could be in some other places but some language will be clean on that. >> Okay. So we have a first and second to pass 7910 back to policy. All in favor please signify by saying I. >> I. All opposed passes 70. No old business. Carrying on with special education legal services. I believe that's what's Oh, Miss Sutton. This is a uh Pointer Spruel contract. >> Hi, good evening. Um so we are um recommending for your approval um the cont a contract with corner school for um exceptional children legal
152[music] services and this contract would um extend through June 30th 2027 if approved by the board. >> Mr. Perry, >> the only question I have left on on this is is there anything in here about regarding uh I see the hourly rate and the associates um travel expenses. >> Yeah, why not? >> What's that looking? >> Yes. So, the hourly rate is included in the contract. It's um actually on that first page of the contract um under number two. Um you can see the rates there. So 310 per hour for partners, 275 for associates, and 105 um for parallegals. >> I was asking about travel expenses. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yep. So that is also included in that same paragraph. Um there's going to be a flat rate of $1,000 um plus mileage reimbursement for
153the attorneys. >> That's not pretty, but [laughter] okay. >> Where is that? M >> Ashley, where is that? And that is um it's number two. It's about >> is it buried in there? >> Four or five lines rows down. >> I found it. >> And this is the same language we have in our current um board attorney contract. So that isn't a change from our previous contracts. >> Okay. >> Other questions hearing? None. Is there a motion? >> Wait, wait. >> Yes, ma'am. >> It's the same as it was in our previous EC contract or all of our attorneys? >> Um all of the contracts. So it it was this way in the EC contract as well. So all of our attorney contracts has that lang. I think we [music] changed the language from a
154rate to this flat rate a couple of years ago. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Is there a motion? >> Move that we approve the contract. >> Okay. I'll second. You second that. Okay. First and second. Uh any discussion? All in favor signify by saying open. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you. Yes, sir. >> Yeah. I'm just You're saying anytime the attorney has to go anywhere, even if it's a hour down the road, it's $1,000. Is that what you're telling me? >> It's traveling to traveling to here. I think it's a flat rate, I believe, to begin with. >> It's to and from New Hover County, >> from Raleigh, I suppose. >> Mhm. >> Um, yes, ma'am. Could you just talk for a second about the attorneys that we've had come from Raleigh
155and have come from Charlotte and what the average rate was when they, you know, the hourly rate they got to come and go. That's just is balancing it out, right? >> Yeah, it's it's the state um reimbursement rate is what we had used in the past. Um I don't have the numbers with me, you know, the mileage from Raleigh to hear at the new rate what that cost would be. But when we looked at it, I think it was about two years ago, this was more um this price was better than doing the state reimbursement rate. But we could certainly look at that again and provide that information. >> Dr. America. >> Yeah. You know, you think about who the attorney is and okay, they might not be working as hard as the when you're
156driving, you're not doing all that mental work, but >> for for, you know, three hours here and three hours back, uh, $1,000, you know, they could be making money. So, I don't think it's so unfair. >> Right. We we have a motion second to pass the EC contract with Pinter. Uh all in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All opposed. >> Name. >> That passes 6 to one. >> Thank you. Thank you all. Available savings uh reallocation of funds. Miss Sutton, >> come on back. >> Dr. Morgan, you guys can tag him on this one. >> You're welcome. If you'd like to. You don't. >> Bye, Mr. >> Um Okay. So this is a budget transfer um that I think we talked about this briefly at the agenda review. So we have
157um at the top of this document we're showing some projects that have actually been completed um and we had savings identified in these projects. And so the switch gears 68,000 the title um nine hogard softball field project 151,000 the new handover high school software I'm sorry software softball project 124,000 um a little funding 8,500 left in the Laney artificial turf design um and then also child nutrition freezer we had about $1,000. So these are all savings um that has been recognized. No change in the scope of work or anything. These projects just came in under what we had estimated. And so the request is to use those savings to fund some additional projects as we have listed here. Um and we'll be glad to answer any questions you might have about those projects. >> Move
158to accept. >> Miss Bradford. I move that we accept the proposal. >> Second. >> Okay. First and second. Any discussion? Miss Barnhart >> getting the views right. >> My only point of discussion and I'm just grateful for it is the alderman fence. That is something that has been brought up on a few occasions on Independence Boulevard. So, I'm just grateful we're able to get that up and running as soon as possible and maybe even under budget. >> Awesome. >> Okay. Any other discussion? If not, we have a first and second. All in favor of uh agreeing to the available savings reallocation of funds, please signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose. >> Passes 70. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Thank you. And I'll also share since this is capital funding, this will go to
159the county commissioners for their approval as well. Just so you're aware of that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Final thing before our close session, uh resolution for exceptional children funding. Uh, Miss Barnhard. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, as I stated at the agenda review, this I saw this resolution come out of Lee County and so I had asked Dr. Barnes if we could see our numbers represented in this to be able to send to all of our all of our representatives. >> EC funding specifically has been on our legislative agenda the last two years. We have been advocating for support of their tiered funding model that has already been piloted for the entire state. Um that would provide new Hover County Schools roughly$2 million more dollars for our EC students. Um from a
160previous discussion months ago, a board member had discussed the cap. So this caught my eye when I saw in in our budget conversations with the county commissioners, we serve more than what the current state cap allows of 13%. And so being able to provide uh data and numbers that are consistent with our county and reflective to our representatives, I think we'll be able to facilitate better conversations. So I would move that we adopt this resolution and then send to all of our representatives. >> I'll second it, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> I would amend that we send it to every representative state representative and senator in the state of North Carolina, every 100 counties. Is there we have an amendment? Yes, sir. >> I just wanted to just say all the we need a
161second on that first. Do we have a second? >> Oh, yeah. All right. Second here. >> Okay. You'll second it now. You Yes, sir. >> Uh I just wanted to say that I fully support this uh this resolution. It's definitely something we need to do. And my only question was just to make sure that we want to make sure that all of our other funding is all but in no way is this saying is this we still have our other legislative priorities. So this is a great first start and we're still going to pursue our other legislative priorities as far as getting funding for the other programs we need we need to fund as well. So I I just in fully support I just wanted to thank my colleague to the left of Dr. Barnes
162and for putting that forward. >> All right. So let's let's uh tackle the amendment first which is to send it to everyone. Uh any discussion hearing? Yes sir. I I 100% support this amendment because every single one of our legislators should legislators should understand the difficulties that we first of all go through before this cap and [music] now with this cap it's really uh you know adding insult to injury and it's also for our you know easy children who need the most. So I support this amendment. Absolutely. >> Okay. All right. We first will vote on the amendment and again that is to send it to all the legislators throughout our state. All in favor please signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose like sign. That passes 70. And back to the resolution. Uh
163we have a motion and second Dr. >> Yeah. Um, I 100% approve of the the content >> of this of this resolution because I recognize that the, you know, the arbitrary the harmful limitations that the [music] state legislature places on the funding for our exceptional children. >> However, we make a point on this board of listening to our educators and bringing in our educators as experts in [music] their field as well as parents when making decisions. In fact, it's spelled out in policy 505/7210. We have subject matter experts in our advisory council on exceptional children whom I believe we should bring into this matter rather than working around them. So, I move to refer this to our advisory of uh council on exceptional students. >> Oh, that's interesting. >> rather than bypassing them. Okay. Is
164there a second on that? >> I second that. >> Okay. First and second discussion on the amendment. >> Yes. Sorry. >> Referral. I'm sorry. Referral. Yes. Yes, ma'am. Miss M. Bradford. >> Um, well, on the surface that sounds like a great idea, but how in the world could we have anybody that did not want to bring more funds? Um, $565,000. If you if you look and I so appreciate these numbers that were plugged into here for us, you know, and and I tried explaining it to three state representatives and the wife of a state representative state representative since last week and I think we can do a lot better job of educating not only the public but our state legislators as to this. Believe it or not, a good portion of them did not know
165that there was cap on what they fund for EC. But this this says we're going to take the cap off >> for New Hover County >> and and and we'll get one one more percent. So $565,000. And that would that would be such meet such an immediate need. This is a longhaul ask for the state legislators and the sooner we start it the better. Um some of us will come in contact with state legislators um over the holidays and again I spoke to a couple over three or four over the Thanksgiving holiday and they said send me something. Send me something. So I don't want to lose that momentum. Um, I I would love I have placed a request and I had a second to put on our January agenda [music] a robust discussion of
166EC and our needs and I think that would be a great time to have this advocacy group come in. But I think if we start informing people that we have 3,293 exceptional children in New Hver County as part of our student population and 101 of those are not funded by the state because of this cap. I think that starts to resonate if we all start speaking the same language. We can get further faster [music] at the state level. And so I don't want to wait. So I will vote against postponing for that reason. >> Okay. Miss Mason, >> I I respect my um my colleague to the left's concerns about referring it to committee. I guess my my thought process in all of this is I served on that committee for the first two years
167of my time on this board. Um and I do recall several conversations that were this this conversation has been happening in that committee. I feel like this has been a long time coming. I know that Miss Vom did a fantastic job over those past couple year the years that I was on there of really just digging into this and talking about, you know, how they can better advocate. I think that we have a different level of of pushing this forward. And I think that they have their own section of doing that. I want to um be sure that we respect their opinions for sure. I think putting it on the agenda in January is a great idea. I don't believe I will be referring I will be for referring it to me. >> M Justice,
168thank you. M >> [clears throat] >> um I love this discussion. We really need to have this discussion. I've seen a lot of maturity and understanding go on amongst my fellow board members since they came on the board. They now understand the realities of education as opposed to politics. Thank you. The kids need us to focus on education. I think that it makes sense to send this letter to everybody as soon as possible and then in January go ahead and have this robust discussion out in the public so people can further understand the cost involved in helping our kids. It's they need it and the public needs to know this. So in the in the name of education I say my opinion I think we should get this letter out to everybody as soon as
169possible and then progress and keep going. >> Thank you ma'am. M we get smart and then Dr. America. >> Thank you. Um the legislative agenda was not one that I created in a cycle. There [snorts] was a lot of input and intentionality. Um, so there has been a lot of backhanded attempts to I I believe against me bringing this forward when I just thought that this was in good faith something that the board would be able to support because as a team we created the legislative agend agenda so that we could all have a collective form of advocacy. So, I would be in favor of sending our exceptional advisory council a copy of the letter that we're also going to send to our representatives, but to try to undermine the fact that Dr. Barnes had
170to create the data to put in this letter. This was not my numbers. This was not a creation on my behalf, on a personal driven thing. This was a good idea that I think we can all gain traction behind. So while I understand the concern of saying it didn't come from the exceptional advisory council, they were already thought about when we created the legislative agenda because that was one of the biggest priorities coming out of how we can better support our exceptional education students. [music] So I respect but I'm going to push back on that realm because of that reason. This is in line with what we are here to do. Targeted advocacy, we have seen work. We have seen millions of dollars come into our district and if we continue to support in the
171right direction, I believe that we can do more. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Merrick. >> I'm I'm sorry if it seems that I am um stepping on uh your work. It's not at all what I'm trying to do. Um, and I know this came out of, you know, many districts that came together uh throughout the state to to and you you brought this back from the SBA convention and I'm glad you did and I absolutely in am 100% supportive and I believe that the ACES committee would be 100% supportive of this. But it [music] is just respect for our colleagues and our educators that we include them. We could probably even get on a call with them and have them say, "Oh, yes. We absolutely agree with this. They might have some feedback on
172some wording. They might have something that they want to add." And I just think it's respect for our educators and it wouldn't it wouldn't slow it down uh much at all. >> Thanks, sir. >> And Mr. Okay. >> Um I know this is um we voted on this previously to amend it to send it to all of our state legislators, but and it we are going to send it to them and and I'm I'm for doing that and I voted for that um to all of them and but I'm wondering to myself is um I guess it's related but would it be more effective to fill in the school district there that legislator is representing numbers >> question to have it personalized to this is your school district you over there in Dupling County. >>
173Yes. >> Yeah. >> Okay. We do have >> our numbers you know. >> We are at time. We do have an amend amendment or >> referral. Thank you. Uh in front of us. So let's vote on that. We have a first and second on that. All in favor of referring it to our exceptional children's committee uh before taking any other action, please signify by saying I. Or let's let's go ahead and would you call the role? Let's go ahead. >> We haven't done that tonight. >> Miss Buoie, thank you. >> Miss Buoie, >> would you mind call please? Thank you. >> Miss Bradford? >> No. >> Miss Justice? >> No. Miss Barnhard, >> no. >> Miss Mason, >> no. >> Mr. Perry, >> no. >> Mr. Wer, >> no. >> And Dr. Merrick, >> yes.
174>> So, that is defeated 6 to1. Thank you. Um, and now we go back to the original motion to uh send this to all of our um legislators throughout the the the state. Uh, all in favor, please signify by saying I. I >> I all oppose like sign >> that passes 70. All right, moving right along. We are we do have need for a close session. >> So, um I will entertain a motion to move into close session to prevent the disclosure of information as privileged or confidential pursuant to general statute 115C 402 and not considered a public record within the meaning of chapter 132 of general statute. prevent disclosure of student records rendered confidential under the family education uh rights to uh consult with the attorney in order to preserve attorney client privilege between
175attorney and the board and to consider qualifications, competence and performance character fitness and conditions of appointment. conditions of initial employment of an individual employed or considered for employment within the school system or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge or grievance by or against any individual employer. >> So moved. >> Okay. [laughter] >> Second. >> All right. We have lots second and third. >> All right. All in favor of going to close session, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All opposed. >> 70 is we are enclosed. I don't play it. >> I know. So many goodies. Come on, Miss >> Sprint. That girl. >> Hey, you want my bag? >> They said they're going to throw them away. >> You want my bag to put those in? >> Hey, we are back. Welcome
176back everyone to those at home. Look at that. cleared the room. I like that. >> Not really. >> I miss, you know, miss here, but we carry on. >> That's true. >> Have a few uh items to finish up. >> First, I'll turn that on so everybody can hear me. Welcome back to all our people at home. [laughter] >> Let's see what we got here. >> All right. Next, we have our personnel report. I would entertain a motion to accept the personnel report. >> So moved. So moved. >> All right. Any discussion? Hearing none. All [laughter] >> did you get a second? >> Oh, I thought I heard I heard a second over here. I heard first and second it. >> First and second. Uh, all in favor of accepting the personnel report as provided,
177please signify by saying I. >> I. All opposed. That passes 70. Anybody have any correspondence? Hearing none. Okay. Announcements. >> Oh, >> I think she sent Christmas cards. >> No. [laughter] Merry Christmas to our employees. >> Yeah. Yeah. Merry Christmas to each and every person. >> Employees left, too. >> Absolutely. [laughter] Do >> you have a list of next meetings? >> Uh, it's coming up next. Uh, next we'll have our announcements. The policy committee will be meeting on Monday, November 9th. Is that right? >> Oh, yeah. >> Why? >> Sound right at all. >> That doesn't sound Nope. Monday, December 9th. But that doesn't sound right either. Why would we not be? >> Because today's the second Tuesday. >> I thought it was a Tuesday, isn't it? >> Monday can't be right. It's Tuesday. Tuesday
178the night. >> The same as it supposed to be Monday. >> It said Monday. Let me see. >> It is Tuesday. It just just printed wrong here. Okay. It is Tuesday the 9th at uh 1 p.m. in the board of education center. The general public will have the option to remote to view remotely on uh NC NHCS TV YouTube. >> How fun. The board of education will hold an agenda meeting on Tuesday, December 16th at 2 p.m. Board of Education Center. Again, you will have the option to uh view remotely on NHCS TV YouTube. And finally, the uh Board of Education will hold its regular January meeting on Tuesday, uh January 6th at 5:00 p.m. Board of Education Center >> 2026. Exactly right. Uh the the general public will have the option to view remotely
179on New Handburg County TV YouTube. Any other things I've missed? Yes, ma'am. >> The next finance capital and bond committee is not until the third week of February. [music] So we're on hiatus. When we come back, we're taking up budget. >> Okay. It was in February, you said. >> Yeah. Okay. In February like the 28th >> and and that's also 2026, right? Very good. All right. At this point, I would entertain a motion to adjurnn. So move >> a motion. We have a first and a second. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All opposed like sign. No. That passes 6 to1. We are adjourned. >> Yeah.