001I'll go ahead and call this meeting of the Cleveland County Board of Education Monday, June 8th, 2026 to order. Um at this time, I'll call on Mr. David Plemmons if he would to lead us in our invocation. >> Let's pray. Dear Lord, we come to you tonight, Lord, and we're thankful for the people in this room that care about kids. We're thankful for the people that serve. Lord, we we ask you to uh I continue to help us make decisions that would pleasing to you, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you, Mr. Plemmons. Uh Mr. Ledford, would you mind leading us in our pledge? >> Let us stand. Face the flag. I pledge >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one
002nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Let me find my Uh ladies and gentlemen, before we move on to adopt adoption of the agenda, I wanted to take a moment to recognize an individual whose leadership, dedication, and service has left an enduring mark on our school district and community we serve. As many of you know, our superintendent, Dr. Stephen Fisher, will soon conclude an extraordinary 30-year career in public education and enter a well-deserved retirement on July 1st, making tonight his last his last regularly scheduled board meeting. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to student success, educational excellence, and the well-being of our staff, families, and community partners. The positive impact of his leadership will be felt for generations to come. Tonight, we are privileged to celebrate not
003only a remarkable career, but a very special honor that recognizes the lifetime of service of the state of North Carolina. To help us recognize Dr. Fisher with this distinguished award, we are honored to welcome Mr. Jack Hope, executive director of North Carolina School Superintendents Association, who joins us this evening on behalf of the state of North Carolina. Mr. Hope. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. It's such an honor to be here today in Shelby, North Carolina to recognize Dr. Steven Fisher. I've known Dr. Fisher for the past 12 years as superintendent Cleveland County Schools. I had the honor of serving in Alexander County for 12 years, and when you have the honor of serving a generation of kids, uh I'm going to tell you, you can't go anywhere where everybody doesn't
004know you. They'll remember you, good or bad, and and that's a great thing. But, Dr. Fisher, I've got a few remarks I want to make before I present the award. Uh to me, he's been the voice of reason and a trusted leader who leads with clarity and purpose. In every role he's held, Dr. Fisher exemplifies what it means to cultivate excellence, leaving a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire the district long into the future. It's been an honor to work with Dr. Fisher as a member of the North Carolina School Superintendents Executive Board for the past 6 years, and he's brought that steady voice there. Uh and again, what he did for the High School Athletic Association, he brought some common sense to the realignment that we haven't had in a long time.
005So, I have the honor tonight of presenting on behalf of the honorable Governor Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to Dr. Fisher tonight. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the highest honors our state can bestow, reserved for individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to North Carolina. Dr. Fisher embodies the very spirit of this award. It was recommended by Senator Ted Alexander and Representative Paul Scott. The award reads as follows from the governor. Reposing special confidence in the integrity, learning, and zeal of Dr. Steven Fisher, I do by those present confer the Order of the Long Leaf Pine the rank of ambassador extraordinary privilege to enjoy fully all rights granted to members of the exalted order, among which the special privilege to the purpose
006the following North Carolina toast in selected company in the free world. Here's to the land of the long Here's to the land of the long leaf pine, the summer land where the sun do shine, where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great. Here's down home to the old Old North State. Dr. Fisher, please come forward to receive your award. >> Got you. >> [applause] >> Yeah, get get the family in there. Get get some more photos. >> Mr. Chairman, having served as uh superintendent for 12 years and been through uh hundreds of board members, I'm going to leave it in Dr. Fisher's capable hands tonight and I'm going to head back to Alexander County. Thank you for your service. Thank you what you do for the students of Cleveland County every day and
007what you've done for this district and and with working with Dr. Fisher, y'all have a a model district in my opinion. Congratulations. >> Thank you very much, sir. Uh as mentioned, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious honors our state can bestow, presented by the Governor of North Carolina. It is awarded individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and whose service has strengthened the state and improved the lives of its citizens. We thank you again, [clears throat] Mr. Hoke, for asking for making the trip to join us this evening and we thank Senator Alexander, Representative Scott, Mr. Borders for their letters of recommendation. Dr. Fisher, thank you for tremendous service to our school system. You truly have cultivated excellence. And I saw you had your sister here tonight,
008but just for everybody to know that you do have family, your wife and daughter said hello from New York. Your son, one of your sons, had an online schedule that they tran- that they changed to an in-service uh class and the other son just started a brand new job and he was scared to get off a little early, so uh we do appreciate your sister for coming though, but and Dr. Fisher, uh uh does anybody want to have comments now or do we want to wait? I mean, I I mean, I just uh I mean, I I'll just start. Uh About about 6 years ago, uh I joined this board. And uh I I'll be honest, I came in with I felt like I had an axe to grind cuz I listened to a lot
009of noise. Uh if we're not careful, we can listen to a lot of noise that makes us think things are really bad. And as I evolved into my role as a school board member, I realized, "Dang, we've got a great school system." With some of the obstacles we have to face and challenges we have to face with the community we live [snorts] in, uh to be where we standing today is a tribute to you, and I know you'll not take credit, a tribute to your staff, principals, and everyone all the way down to the teachers to the custodians. Uh but I want to thank you for being honest, a stickler for following the rules, for being fair. I know a lot of people make you angry. I never seen him angry but a couple times,
010but uh the thing about it is he always treats people regardless with dignity. And I appreciate that. And, you know, you're a facts-based man. And it's just been an honor and a privilege uh serving with you the last six what this December will be 6 years. Uh and I just want to personally uh thank you. And most of all, uh as I told, I appreciate you your faith that you showed. And I appreciate your friendship. And God bless you. You're always welcome to come back anytime. Anybody else? >> Connie Cat. Well, Dr. Fischer, I want to say congratulations. And um I want to wish you the best. Enjoy your retirement. And thank you for the support you gave to me through the years. And um I just appreciate your passion. And um that you're a
011fighter for our school system. And you also address um issues that need to be addressed. But you are the coach, and you continue to pull and push. And And I think we're going to um we're going to reap the benefits for years to come of many things that you've done. And um it's an honor to be here and to have worked under you and with you. [clears throat] So, I wish you the best. >> Uh go go ask Danny ask Danny. >> Will you? >> All right. Well, y'all don't panic. I actually wrote this out so I wouldn't talk for 10 minutes. So, got it down to one. So, tonight I'd like to take the opportunity to honor a remarkable leader, our superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher, who has dedicated 30 years to cultivating excellence in
012Cleveland County Schools. His commitment to education and our students' growth has been truly inspiring. As some of you know, we both enjoy the writings of Stephen Covey and in particular the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. One of Covey's most powerful principles is begin with the end in mind. Dr. Fisher has exemplified this throughout his tenure by setting a clear vision for our schools and ensuring that our students' futures informed every decision he made. In Terry Orlick's book, which we've also discussed, In Pursuit of Excellence, he states, "Excellence is a journey, not a destination." Dr. Fisher has not only embraced this philosophy, but has instilled it in our entire community. He has guided us through challenges, always encouraging us to strive for our best both academically and personally. His leadership has been a shining example
013of how to cultivate excellence, fostering an environment where educators and students alike feel empowered to reach their full potential. Additionally, Dr. Fisher embodies the North Carolina state motto, Esse Quam Videri, to be to be rather than to seem. His authenticity, humility, and integrity shine through in everything he does, reminding us that true excellence comes from genuine commitment and character. As as he embarks on the new chapter of his life and we prepare to move forward, let us remember the lessons he has taught us and strive to continue the journey of excellence he has so passionately championed. Thank you, Steven. I won't I won't call you Dr. Fisher now. >> [laughter] >> Known you too long. Thank you for your service, your wisdom, and your heart. Thank you. Good night. >> Well, I've been here through
014our ups and downs the whole time. Uh I guess I'm the oldest one and the whole time he's been superintendent I've been sitting right here and we've had our ups and we've had our downs. And congratulations uh that you made your time. And uh carry on wherever you stop. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Mr. Blanton. Anyone else? Mr. Brick. >> Well, I got to know you in 4 years and um you've always been there when I've needed to talk. You shared a lot of um knowledge that I needed. Um retirement Well, the only thing I can say about retirement is I tried it. Uh it it's it's not all it's cut out to be and I think you'll find that out. So, I feel like we'll see you again at some point in time somewhere
015in the school system. And um you've been a friend and a and a and a good person to us. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Griggs. >> I've probably known Dr. Fischer for longer than any of the rest of you. I remember him whenever he was a high school principal over at Kings Mountain High School trotting up and down the halls, in and out of the lunchroom. And he's always been there. He's always been on alert. And he's always tried to do what he thought was best. Uh, no. I'm going to tell you, retirement is not the golden life. It's nothing but a lot of lead instead of golden life. So, your wife is going to have a lot of lists for you to do. You might as well get used to it. You might
016as well get a lot of things to do because you're going to be busy. You're going to be busier now than you were then than you are now. So, uh, just get ready. But, best of luck to you and whatever you do and wherever you go. >> Thank you, Mr. Leopard. >> I guess I've, uh, been up here probably the smallest amount of time under Dr. Fischer's tenure, but uh, I tell you, when you make [clears throat] the decision to seek a position on a board like this, sometimes we don't really know what we're getting into. But, it don't take but one meeting till you find out what it is, but uh, and I want to thank Dr. Fischer because if anybody needed help, I needed it. And the information that he gave, I mean,
017it it I I think all he did was spend time on the computer. Because I had got everything, the emails and everything was appreciated. The only thing that I did not appreciate is I guess it's been about what, 10 months I've been on here and I went through his office and wanted to talk to him. And I asked him point-blank, I said, "Are you going to be here for a few more years?" And uh he looked at me and said, "Yes." That he was happy here. And then when he announced it I think it was a couple weeks later, I confronted him. Told him, I said, "You told me a lie." Face-to-face. But I appreciate you, and appreciate the job you did for the students. And I guess the whole time, every time we talked,
018the important thing was the students and the staff. You know, we've got to take care of our staff also. But it's all for the kids. And I just want to thank you for Of course, you can still go come back on the But anyway, thank you. >> Dr. Fisher, I hope that didn't seem like a funeral to you. And the reason I say that, I'll give And then we'll then I'll hush. I'll give some people some insight. The day he handed me his resignation, he said, "Now, Joel, I'm telling you, I don't want no party." I'm like, "Yeah, you're going to say." He said, "No, I I don't want to don't do nothing." And I said, "Okay." So, knowing me, I would go around behind the channel and I go to Ashley. I say, "Ashley,
019we got to do something for Joel." He'll fire me. He is serious. He is serious about that. He don't want nothing done for him. I said, "Ashley, we got to do something." Then I talked to Leo one day. Leo said, "He told me that them parties that it kind of makes him feel like he's at his own funeral." And so, anyway, that's where the funeral comment come from. So, I hope that didn't seem like a funeral. Don't fire Ashley. She didn't have no choice. And again, congratulations and and and and we'll move on. All right. All right. All right. Next is the adoption of the agenda. Uh do I have a motion to to adopt the agenda as presented? Mr. Humphries and Mr. Greeg. >> [clears throat] >> All those in favor? That's seven to
020zero. All right. Uh approval of the minutes. Uh we'll do the minutes of May 11th and May 26th without objection. Uh both of them at one time. Do I have a motion to approve those minutes? Mr. Greeg. Do I have a second? Mr. I saw Dr. Excuse me, Mr. Fisher. I got Dr. Fisher on my brain here. David Fisher saying, so all those in favor? All right. That's seven zero. All right. Finance and personnel report. Mr. Leford, you going to handle that for us tonight? >> Yes, sir. I'm here. I guess I will. I just happened to see it. You learned about finance and personnel committee meeting schedule for May 25th. Mr. and Mr. Daniel provided the budget on the state, local, and federal budget. State budget is not passed as adopted in the committee.
021Daniel chaired the beginning budget resolution and budget amendment number two for approval. Committee supported the budget resolution and number four would be the uh the uh would be approval of four more new names. Dr. Fisher shared the last meeting update related to the House bill or Senate bill 99 funding formula proposal. The meeting discussed both the pros and the cons of the proposal. Dr. Chris Manning and Dr. Brian Harmon shared the preliminary testing and accountability based on recent testing results from third grade and end of course assessments. Dr. Ramona shared a staffing update and reviews have been done. No new business, the meeting adjourned. The next finance and personnel committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 5th, 2026 at 11:45 a.m. in the board room 301. That's the end of the report. >> Thank
022you, Mr. Ledford. We do have one item that did did come from committee and that's the interim beginning budget resolution 2627. Did anyone have any questions on that? All right. All those in favor of that That's 7-0. Now, this did not come from committee uh but if we need any questions, I think Mr. McDaniel is here. A motion to approve the budget amendment number two. Uh I'll need a motion and a second on that one. Are Dr. Fisher, anybody want to say anything or what was included in our information? >> Nothing particular, Mr. Chairman. You've got a copy of that updated budget amendment. This is just normal end of the year processes. If you remember, the board passed a resolution um a couple months ago allowing our finance staff to make another end of the
023year amendment prior to June 30th. We'll close the year June 30th and that that amendment that we made will be will come to the board in July. But that resolution allowed our staff to go ahead and do that and so we didn't have to make have a June 30th meeting last minute to approve that budget. So this is the amendment up to this point just cleaning up some balances and receiving new money. Sometimes hard to believe we get new money this late in the year but that that that happens and our our finance team does a really good job of making sure that's in there in the right spots so we can spend it most effectively. >> I would say until the state decides they won't get their act together we're going to probably be
024going through a bunch of these budget amendments. But anyway, thank you Dr. Fisher. Do I have a motion to approve the budget amendment number two as presented? I heard Mr. Leford and I think I heard Mr. Gregg a second. All those in favor? That's seven to zero. All right. I need a motion and a second on the personnel report as presented to you. All right, Mr. Offutt. I have a second. Mr. Leford. All right. All those in favor? >> [clears throat] >> All those Is that a yay Mr. Okay, that'll be seven to zero. All right, Mr. Blanton safety and operations. >> On June the 1st safety and operations meeting was called to order by committee member Danny Blanton. Daniel Howell shared that we had successful safe graduations at all high school locations. Mr. Howell
025will do a summer safety training for the school administration on July the 15th. Dr. Stephen Fisher shared that our CCS safety team visit assessments are complete. We will re-key Burns High, Crest High, and Beth W. Elementary. We are using grant funds to cover the Bethware Reeky. There were no agency reports. Dr. Fisher introduced Nicole Hazen, CEO and Keelan Parr, Operations Director for Cleveland County Boys and Girls Club. They provided information and an update on their work. The Boys and Girls Club is in the year nine of 10-year lease with school systems. This is a school partnership that has benefited our community, our students and our schools. Dr. Chris Binnie shared a preliminary testing and accountability update based on the end of the year state testing. The preliminary results are encouraging. The committees discussed and pre-
026presentation. Dr. Jennifer Womble and Chip Childers shared the capital project report. This report will be shared with a full board as an information item at their June meeting. Dr. Womble and Junior Jackson shared the request for approval of Scale by Tyber Creek as our data center solution for various services. This is technology request that we will pay for out of capital dollars. The committee uh supported this information important purchase and improved its amount of $269,035.48, which covered the new equipment and license for 1 year. This recommendation will go to the full board for approval at their June meeting. Dr. Womble and uh Mr. Childers shared a surplus declaration request for a bathroom mobile unit at Spring Moore, which is very poor condition and needs to be dis- carded. The committee supported the request and wanting
027to put it on Dove Deals for a minimum of 30 days and if not sold, it will be discarded. This recommendation will go to the full board for approval at their June meeting. Dr. Dr. Womble shared an update on the North Carolina DPI Facility Needs Survey, which is required by the state to submit every 5 years. Dr. Womble shared the information in a survey specifically highlighting the project that were shared for completion in the next 10 years based on alignment. With our district capital improvement project list, Dr. Fischer provided an update on Marion school property. Dr. Fischer and Dr. Womble shared the Burns High School will have a monument placed near their entrance as a gift from the class of 1968, which was first graduating class from Burns High School. The monument is an honor
028of our veterans from their class and all the following who came through Burns High School. This does not require board approval, but it shares the board information. Who with no additional business, the meeting was adjourned. The next Safety and Operations Committee meeting is scheduled Monday for July the 6th, 2026 at 11:45 in the Staff Development. >> Thank you, Mr. Blanton. Uh I will say I hope all of you got the email on the update of 508,298 bid came in today. So, the upset bid that was from uh Ebenezer Missionary Baptist. So, the next bid will be ending June 17th. All right. Uh we do have two items that do come from committee need approval. The data center solution uh virtual servers and the surplus declaration that Mr. Blanton mentioned. Uh all those in favor or
029anyone having questions? Okay. All those in favor? That's 7 to 0. All right. Uh Mr. Humphries, education program Oh, uh I did both of them. >> Oh. >> I have a question >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> On the uh school safety team. >> Yes, sir. >> Who is on that committee? >> Uh that is a The one I can probably know for sure is going to be Mr. Daniel Howell. Well, other than that, I I I I I I probably can't tell you everybody that's on it, but uh uh if you'll get with Mr. Howell afterwards, I'm sure he'll tell you everybody that's on it. But, that's the only one I can know for sure that's on it. Okay. All right. Thank you, sir. All right. Now, Mr. Humphrey >> Oh, Miss I'm sorry.
030Miss Sherman. >> No. Am I on? I can't see. >> The light's not on. Okay. Um the June 2nd Educational Programs and Policy Committee meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Ron Humphries. Dr. Jason Parker shared the Comprehensive Federal Program Plan. Dr. Parker highlighted recent district data and the district's strategic plan. Included in Dr. Parker's presentation was an overview and planning budget synopsis for Title I, Title II, Title III, and Title IV grant funds. Dr. Parker focused on how each allotment was spent in Cleveland County schools and the impact on our students. The committee recommended approval of this plan and it will go to the full board for approval at their June meeting. Dr. Parker shared an over overview of PRC 085 early literacy intervention and presented a recommendation to purchase additional Wit &
031Wisdom books for a total not to exceed $150,000. The additional books would allow more books in the hands of students. The committee recommended approval of this plan and it will go to the full board for approval at their June meeting. Dr. Chris Bennett and Stephanie Henson shared an update on the CHOICE, which stands for Changing Habits Through Opportunity, Intervention, Character, and Education program. Dr. Bennett provided district behavior and suspension data to support the need for the CHOICE program. >> [snorts] >> Dr. Bennett highlighted the need for students to be in school in a controlled instructional environment. Dr. Steven Fisher reminded the board that two policies were up for a second reading and approval at the June meeting. Those policies are policy 7130, licensure policy, licensure, and policy 7325, video and audio recordings by employees, which
032is a new optional policy for consideration. The committee had no questions regarding these policies. Dr. Fisher shared eight policies as part of the normal review of policies. The policies are all in the 7000s personnel section. Those policies were 7410, teacher contracts, 7425, school administrator contracts, contracts for licensed personnel, 7430 substitute teachers, and 7440 assignments, reassignments, transfers. No changes were recommended to those policies. Paula Peeler Paula Peeler shared Head Start information. Mrs. Peeler shared update Miss Peeler updated the committee that the Head Start transportation was approved and some placement funding revisions made at Keizer Elementary and Union Elementary. The committee recommended the Head Start information shared and it will go to the full board for approval at their June meeting. Ginger Jackson shared several technology updates and purchases for ClassLink, Frontline, Google Workplace, and Canvas. The
033purchase price for each was under the board approval requirements, so they were presented as an information item. Rhonda Benfield shared CTE plan for approval. The committee recommended approval of the CTE plan and it will go to the full board for approval at their June meeting. Dr. Bennett and Dr. Brian Hunnel shared a preliminary testing and accountability update based on recent end of year and end of grade testing. The committee discussed this good information. Dr. Fisher shared new information related to founding principles of the United States of America and North Carolina, civic literacy and the cursive writing survey requirement. With no additional new business, the meeting was adjourned. The next educational and policy committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. in room 308. >> Thank you, Ms. Sherman. We do have
034two policies that need for approval. Policy 7130 licensure and policy 7325 video and audio recordings by employees. I will need a motion and a second on this. So, do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Mr. Humphries? >> I'll second. >> Mr. Griggs, any questions? Okay. All those in favor? 7-0. All right. We do have 1 2 3 4 items come from committee. A comprehensive federal >> [clears throat] >> program plan, comprehensive federal program plan. Purchase of the Wit & Wisdom books for a total to not exceed $150,000. Head Start information and the CTE plan. Any questions on that? All right. All those in favor? That's 7-0. All right. >> We hadn't voted on the personnel plan, have we? >> Personnel, yes. >> I missed that. >> You voted on it, but >> Yeah.
035Okay, we voted >> Okay. All right. Anyway, uh Dr. Fisher, uh your last >> Hey. Did you Did you get that? On that personnel. I voted against it. >> Okay, we'll get it to you. All right, Dr. Fisher. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. I do have the opportunity appreciate a few minutes or maybe more than a few minutes to give my last >> got to be short on your last one. >> no. See, uh >> You ever have a board walk out on you? >> [laughter] >> You mentioned You mentioned correctly that my wife and daughter are in New York City uh and and both of my boys are um out of the house in uh different things. Uh so, I I've got nothing but time tonight. [laughter] Um I've prepared
036quite the lengthy history of 12 years of documentation presentation. I'd like to present tonight. Shouldn't take me more than 3 or 4 hours to get through all that. >> You'll be here talking to yourself in about 5 minutes. >> [laughter] >> No, I I wouldn't I wouldn't do that to you. A couple I do I do have a couple updates and then I do have a couple words that I promise to be brief. You see just a few updates. We do have a special called meeting on Monday, June 15th. You're aware of that. Just making sure that is is on on your calendar. Committee meetings there beginning of July and then the July regular scheduled board meeting is not till July 20th. Just making sure folks that are viewing that and keeping up that that
037that in July we deviate from the second Monday because of the July 4th holiday and push that closer to the end of July. So for you guys lots of going on with the superintendent search but from a meeting standpoint you do not have a lot of those things. If Chad if you'll push that up a little bit you can see some things just looking at the 26 27 school year. You know, that's in the future but it'll be it'll be here before you know it. Resident licensed teachers begin on the 29th. Our BT beginning teachers on Friday the 31st. All teachers and staff begin Wednesday, August 5th and the first day of school for students Wednesday, August the 12th. Now that is that does not include the early college. Early college is a different schedule
038that all the other schools. So you've got those updates. Just a few quick comments. I just would like to extend my thank you. Tremendous honor being awarded the the order of the longleaf pine. That that means a lot. I want to say thank you for 12 years. It was in this room 12 years ago that that I accepted the job as superintendent and it has been a wonderful ride for for 12 years. Lots and lots of things that our school system has accomplished. Lots of things that I'm I'm really proud of from a student perspective, from a teacher and staff perspective, from a school administrator perspective. You know, from my vantage point, you get to see a lot of success. Sometimes it's like a parent sitting back and watch your children perform and there's a
039lot of pride in seeing the great things that are happening in in our school district. One of the things that I've said probably a bajillion times over the last dozen years is team CCS. That motto, that mantra has has spread and and we talk about team CCS and individual school teams. We look about this this idea of collective effort and working together where the work is shared and the credit is shared. Responsibility, accountability, those things are shared and it's important. We've kind of coined that over the years and really emphasized the idea of teamwork, collaboration, cooperative work, working together, pulling together and I hope and encourage you guys to continue to to push into that and make sure that's part of the mission and vision moving forward. When I was hired as superintendent, kind of
040coined the phrase I believe in Cleveland County Schools. And I believe in Cleveland County Schools as much today as I as I exit my career as I did when when I started my career as superintendent. I believe in our young people. I believe in this our students. I believe in the things that they have accomplished, the things that they are accomplishing and the things that they will accomplish. I believe our teach believe in our teachers and staff. We we have phenomenal people leading our students every day. I believe in our administrators. I believe in the things that that they're doing and leading in their individual capacities and their leadership responsibilities across our district. I believe in our community. You know, I'm a from here guy and that's important because you feel connected there. You feel
041tied to there. You feel responsibility to the people in this community. And so I hope you'll continue to to really adopt and hold on to that I believe in Cleveland County Schools. You know, that that's that idea of continuous improvement. The idea of Ron said, you know, knowing beginning with the end in mind, understanding where you want to go, but you believe in the school district, you believe in people. As many of you know, I teach Sunday school and and my Sunday school class is is a good large Sunday school class, but one of the things I do at the end of every Sunday school lesson is I have five big things. We go through the lesson, talk about the scripture and talk about the word and and and and leave with five big things.
042And so today I'm going to leave you with five big things that that not only I hope that this board holds on to, but that that our team holds on to and then I hope it transcends in our community. So number one is encourage one another. Encourage one another. That command is biblical. Encourage them with your words. Encourage them with your deeds. Encourage them with your actions. Encourage, encourage, encourage. You know, our world needs so much encouragement now. And even sometimes when you fall short and things don't go the way you hope they go, you can continue to encourage one another every day. Number two, if I said this one time, I've said it a million. Find good in one another. It's easy to to point blame. It's easy to to point the finger. It's
043easy to criticize. And if you look on social media in our world today, that is rampant. But I encourage you to find good in one another. There is good in each of us. We have to look at that. We have to find that good. Sunday school lesson this this past week is when Jesus healed the leper. He saw good and the leper was was unclean. But Jesus knew there was good in there and made them clean. Find good in people. Find the good in people. Number three, lavish one another with the fruits of the spirit. You know, I use that word lavish sometimes and and you think about lavish, it means you apply generously. It's not enough. Um don't don't don't be don't be a Scrooge with with your fruits of your spirit. Apply those
044fruits lavishly. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control. There is no limit to that. Apply that lavishly in your work as a board members and our work at school and in our community. Trust one another. Sometimes trust is hard, but trust one another. Trust the team. Trust the process. Trust them to do their work. You know, we we have a an autonomy perspective here in Cleveland County Schools where we expect people to do their work. Uh from our from my job in my office, I'm not going to micromanage things throughout the district. You have to trust people cuz when you trust people, you invest in that, you get better results. And I would encourage you to continue to trust the team. Trust the people. Trust the process. Trust the good things that are happening
045in our district. And last but certainly not least, um pulled from our uh mission and vision about cultivating excellence. Um cultivate one another. You ask me how you cultivated excellence, um an essential ingredient in cultivating excellence will be cultivating one another. You say, "Well, that sounds like the the the five the four things you said before." And yeah, there's a common thread that runs through those five encouragements that I have for you. Uh and it's not just for you as a board, it's for all of us to cultivate one another, make one another better, uh continue to improve not just your own craft, but the craft of those around you. Um, I I can honestly say I have loved serving, um, as superintendent of Cleveland County Schools. It has been, uh, a an awesome opportunity.
046And I appreciate, uh, the board in in 2014 investing in me, and giving me the opportunity to to lead people, uh, to lead processes, to lead our our district. But but really it is, from a superintendent's perspective, to partner with the wonderful people in our district, uh, to make, uh, things better for for our students, our staff, our schools, and our community. Um, God bless you all. Thank you very much. Uh, you mean the world to me. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Fisher. >> [applause] >> We have one speaker to uh, Mr. Humphries, would you read our rules? Uh, well, right here it is if you need to read it right there. No problem. Right there in print. Might be better than that phone. >> Oh, yeah. I just want to make sure it
047said the same thing. Okay. Okay. Each speaker will have 3 minutes to address the board. Speaker shall refrain from personal attacks or threats directed towards staff, elected board members, or members of the public. Speaker shall be courteous in their language and presentation. Insults, profanity, use of vulgar language or gestures, or other inappropriate behavior are not allowed. The board vests this chair or other presiding officer's authority to terminate the remarks of any individual when he or she does not adhere to the rules established above. >> [snorts] >> Any person who willfully interrupts or disturbs a board meeting may be directed to leave the meeting by the presiding officer. Any person who refuses to leave may be prosecuted for disrupting a public meeting. Persons appearing before the board are reminded a point of information that members of
048the Cleveland County Board of Education are without authority to act independently as individuals in official matters. Immediate answers are not generally possible and must be deferred pending investigation and consideration by the full board. >> Thank you, Mr. Humphries. I have Ms. Glenda Green. >> Thank you. I'm Glenda Green. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Dr. Fisher, congratulations. I did not know I'd be here tonight for Dr. Fisher's ending compliments. And in case any of you wonder, I have been his best thorn side, uh best friend in the side, telephone-wise, and I'm the only one that pops in in his office unannounced, no appointment or nothing, and he runs and hides. >> [laughter] >> And by the way, in case you're interested, he has a job July 2nd, watering my flowers $10 an hour. >> [laughter] >> Uh
049my talking with you tonight has nothing to do with anything but questions. I will type these questions up, present them to the secretary, and let her give them to Joel, or Joel can hand them out. >> [clears throat] >> I would like to know in what order or what priority you're going to have in your search for a superintendent in supporting teachers and administrators in trying to stable the behavior and the structure of the students body that we have in Cleveland County right now. We know that there it's not stable. I'd like to know where you prioritize that in searching for our new superintendent. And if you're willing to support him all the way, even if it takes going to court. I would also like to know when you plan to decide what your priorities
050are. I'd like to know your seven priorities or 10, whatever they are. I hope that you're united together in what you decide to do looking for a superintendent. I'd like to know in that order how you feel about iPads, computers, laptops, and cell phones. What's your priority in the line of that being with the superintendent in the classroom versus a board, a book, a pencil, and a piece of paper. And teaching our students, as we know, they're graduating some of them reading on a seventh grade level. That's not what we need for our students. I'd like to know how you feel about discipline. Is it going to be tight, loose, everybody on the same page, all schools doing the same thing, or are the schools going to be left to do as they choose as
051far as discipline's concerned? I'd like to know how you plan to address with the new superintendent our dress code. Especially in our high school level with our high school students. I'd also like to know where you prioritize social promotion. We have it, we've had it since the beginning of time. It still exists. I'd like to see that that stopped if it could be. I'd like to see there's no child left behind. That's not acceptable. We need to stop giving students a passing grade if they have not earned it. I'd like to know where that falls in your priority and with serving Cleveland County in the future years to come. And I'd also like to know what you plan to do with uh your feelings in regard to the superintendent. He or she uh their personal
052accountability to you and how you're going to hold them in that accountability. Uh I'd like to know if the majority of you are going to always discuss publicly, openly to all of us, your plans, what you plan to do for Cleveland County Schools, teachers, will you support them, will you support the administration? Uh >> Okay, Miss How many more >> When will you meet to discuss these plans? When will you meet to form your priority, or have you already done that? Uh We would like to know when that's discussed, that should be discussed openly. I think a lot of us would like to be there and hear you discuss it. Uh If you notify us, I appreciate it. >> All right, thank you, Miss Green. All right. Next is >> Can you get us a
053copy of these minutes? >> said she's going to email put them together. >> You going to get it all of us? >> Yes, I'll get it to you as soon as I get it. You don't have to write them. I'll get it to you. Uh Next is uh board member comments, here. Mr. Blanton, you have anything? >> I'm going to let it pass tonight. I'm going to pass the roll. >> Over here to Mr. Lackford. >> I'd like to say congratulations to Dr. Fischer on the job that he's done for the last 30 years. I'd also like to say that I feel that we had a good school closing this year. Uh things went very well. Our graduations went very well. And very peaceful. So, I would like to congratulate our staff on that. Uh
054I would like to thank everyone for what they did during this past school year. Uh the teachers, the teacher assistants, the staff everyone that played a part in every school every student's life. So, I think everything went extremely well. Naturally, we can say some things as far as or find some things that were bad, but I I feel like that we had a good successful year. That's all I've got, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you, Mr. Ledford. Ms. Sherman? >> I would like to agree with um what basically Mr. Ledford said about the year, very successful year. I think um the um preliminary testing data um we we all is we get just the end of it, but all the work that went into that from every student, every teacher, every parent. So, I think we
055have a lot to celebrate even now, and I feel like we will as more information comes in. So, um just a very successful year. I want to wish everyone a safe and happy summer. And before we turn around, it's going to be time to start school again, as Dr. Fisher said. And um and I'm looking forward to um our superintendent search. I want to thank Ms. Green for coming and speaking. And I'm looking forward to that process as we're doing. And um I know we're going to continue to move forward building on the great things that are going on. >> Thank you, Ms. Sherman. Mr. Big, you have anything? >> I just want to say I I think we had a great uh graduation this year. Um everything came off really smooth. And um I
056was kind of impressed with the Kings Mountain. I I talked with Ms. Wilson over there. They had a little over 300 students that graduated, and she said next year that it was going to be closer to 400. So, I guess y'all will be sitting down all time next time. But uh it it um it came off really good. I hate I missed the ones that I did miss, but congratulations to all the graduates. And Dr. Fisher, even though we didn't get along on everything, I still like you. >> [laughter] >> And we'll we'll be looking forward to seeing you. That's all. >> Mr. I don't have anything again. >> I have one more thing I'd like to mention that I forgot to mention. I thought that uh uh Dr. Bennett's presentation was excellent. And on
057the agenda we kept say seeing that Dr. Hummel was going to help present. The only thing I saw him do was eat. I don't know about the rest of the committees, but that's all I could see he did. >> Well, you got to understand when we lost Mr. Borders, we had to find somebody to replace [laughter] him. So, but anyway, you know, I had to do that, Dr. I don't know but anyway. >> Did I say one more? >> Oh, yeah. Uh yeah, if you make it quick. >> Well, I'll make it real quick. I do want to congratulate all of our graduations and I I attended quite a few of them. >> Yeah. >> And it was very enjoyable. It was very hot. It got sort of hot uh King's Mountain uh fire. I
058believe that asphalt filled off some heat. And uh but like I say, I want to thank all the graduates and and and everybody that worked to make that all happen and run smooth. All of our graduations really did go smooth. >> Thank you. >> Uh uh What if I wanted to say something? >> [laughter] >> Be my guest. >> Dr. Fisher, congratulations. Uh continue success in whatever you decide to do later on. I did hear a motion from Mr. Griggs and a second from Mr. Umphrey's to adjourn.