001Good evening everyone. We'll go ahead and call this meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, April the 13th, 2026 to order. At this time, I'll call on Pastor Steven Littlejohn of the Battleground Community Church for our invocation. Pray with me. Lord, it is at the outset of everything that we do that we acknowledge that you are God and we are not. We are dependent and you are in charge. And so, with Lord, we are reminded of what you say in your word to ask ourselves, what do we have that we did not receive? And so, Lord, that we start this time and before the school board acknowledging that one of the most precious gifts that you have given us on this earth is our children. They are precious. They are a gift. They are
002a blessing from you and so we thank you for it. And we thank you for our school board that partners with us in the education and the protection of our children. And so, with all that's on the agenda, we ask for your blessings and your wisdom, but Lord, no more important to understand if we follow you everywhere we go, your name goes. And so, God, we ask that we would honor you tonight even in our rejoicing and even in our business and we do it all in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. At this time, uh I've asked Grayson Barnett and Jurgen Kohler if they would to come and lead us in our pledge. They're both from Casar Elementary. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
003republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, gentlemen. At this time, we have some special recognition. I'll call on Dr. Steven Fisher. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. Got a great crowd tonight. Amen. Uh and we've got lots of recognition. So, just bear with us as we recognize uh some students and some staff members for exceptional work. Uh the first recognition that I'd like to do, starting with staff, is uh our director of middle school and accountability, Dr. Chris Bennett. If I can have Dr. Bennett come up. As Dr. Bennett's coming, I would like to wish congratulations, Dr. Bennett. Now, Dr. Bennett, I would like to take credit for all of Dr. Bennett's accomplishments because years and years ago, Dr. Bennett taught for
004me uh when I was principal at Kings Mountain Middle School. I'd like to claim uh all the credit of that, although I can't do that. Uh Chris is a very talented young person uh who's who's done a a lot in his career. Uh a couple weeks ago, Dr. Bennett was named the Dr. Kim McEachern Award winner uh presented by the North Carolina Middle School uh Educator Association at their annual annual conference. You can see a couple pictures there with his his wife and child and and parents there. Uh the Dr. Kim McEachern Award is a prestigious honor given to leaders in North Carolina that are focused on middle schools and the promotion and advancement of middle level education. And if you've heard Dr. Bennett talk about whether it's at our Educational Programs Committee or anytime,
005Dr. Bennett is passionate about middle grades education. He's passionate about the work that that uh we've got going on in our middle schools. Uh Dr. Kim McEachern is is almost like the godfather of middle schools in North Carolina. He's an old App State alumni, so we know he's great uh if you come from from App State, uh but he is well known across the state as really the godfather of middle schools. And so, Dr. Bennett uh was recognized by his peers as the North Carolina Middle Level Educator Association um uh Dr. Kim McEachern Award winner. So, we'd like to recognize Dr. Bennett for this tremendous accomplishment. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Dr. Fisher, what you don't uh consider being a part of, I'll take the rest of the credit because I had him over at Burns
006High School and Burns Middle School, so he knows a lot. I mean, we we'll have to I'll I'll give you that credit. >> [laughter] >> I'll take you to get your picture made. Good job. The next group that we would like to recognize tonight are our Stand Up for Kindness winners. And we recognize a lot of students for a lot of things, but um in in our world today, and I think I said this when we recognized the last group, we need more kindness. Uh that is something that that is uh we need to celebrate when students are doing that. So, we have our schools and our principals nominate a school winner for Stand Up for Kindness. So, I'm going to call these students up. Uh students, when I call you up, if you will
007come over to Dr. Honold. Dr. Honold's got a certificate. He's going to give you a certificate and then we're going to hold everybody over there. We'll let you come and shake hands with the board members and then get one group picture. Okay? So, don't mess that up. We're going to start uh the student from Bethware is going to get us started right. From Bethware Bethware Elementary, Isabelle Smith. >> [applause] [applause] >> From Boiling Springs Elementary, Isaiah Beaver. >> [applause] >> From Burns High School, Miley Bean. >> [applause] >> From Burns Middle School, Daylan Wamsley. >> [applause] >> From Casar Elementary, Teal Rumswinkel. >> [applause] >> From Cleveland Early College High School, Riley Gaston. >> [applause] >> From Crest Middle School, Caylen Robertson. >> [applause] >> From East Elementary, we have three winners, Rashad Moses, Keyon
008Powell, and Raheem Huskey. >> [applause] >> From Elizabeth Elementary, Jaylen Mayo. >> [applause] >> From Fallston Elementary, Aaron Rodriguez Gonzales. >> [applause] >> From Grover Elementary, Mazie James. >> [applause] >> From James Love Elementary, Carson Freeman. >> [applause] >> From Jefferson Elementary, Glenn Fender. >> [applause] >> From Kings Mountain High School, Madison Roper. >> [applause] >> From Kings Mountain Intermediate School, Hector Rodriguez Valdovinos. >> [applause] >> From Kings Mountain Middle School, Caleb Martin. >> [applause] >> From North Elementary, Elena Ortega. >> [applause] >> From North Shelby School, Levi Holman. >> [applause] [applause] >> From Shelby High School, Jessel Matos. >> [applause] >> From Shelby Middle School, Laney Kerrigan. >> [applause] >> From Springmore Elementary, Cara Ott. >> [applause] >> From Township Three Elementary School, Maleah Waddell. >> [applause] >> From Union Elementary School, Ariah Copeland.
009>> [applause] >> From Washington Elementary School, Analia Gonzales. >> [applause] >> And from West Elementary School, Sonia Solis. >> [applause] >> From West Elementary School, Sonia Solis. All right, boys and girls, what I'd like for you to do is if you'll form a line, you'll come and shake the board members' hands. And then after you finish, if you'll stay over in that section and everybody shakes the hands, then we'll get a picture, okay? All right. I know there's [clears throat] plenty of you out there with cameras, so what we will do is as soon as we get a group picture over here, if you don't mind, if we could just let allow this front row, you don't have to get up, just allow some folks to stand in front of you for just a second
010to take some pictures. So, if you have got a camera and you want to take a picture, if you'll just want to come up front here and get a better picture, that's that's perfectly fine. All right, don't move. Don't don't move. Don't move. Don't All right. Any parents, friends, grandparents grandparents? One more. Mr. Terry, can you come back down? I think one of ours showed up. Okay, y'all release. >> [applause] >> All right. I'll call on Mr. Parker, but we'll Mr. Parker, if you would, let's just let them out. Give them a few minutes You all right? You got more awards? Yeah. All right, but this time I'll call on Dr. Jason Parker. Thank you, Chairman Shores, members of the board, Dr. Fisher. We're excited to bring to you the next round of recognitions. And
011it is wonderful to have a recognition rodeo even staged outside and overflow seating tonight, but with the huge emphasis we have on literacy this year in Cleveland County Schools, we have just completed our elementary book challenge for for elementary schools in 2026. Just a brief overview for you, there are now two components to this competition. The first part is I call the interrogation component. It's question, answer, question, answer. There are 10 books where our students have to basically become the experts in all of them. And then we ask questions about them and see which team can win. The second one this year is called the Socratic Seminar component, and that sounds really fancy because it is. We go beyond the question and answer level of comprehension and how can our students engage in discussion about
012the text? This is wonderful because of the direct alignment to the Wit & Wisdom curriculum because the Socratic Seminar is within that curriculum. And again, before we bring the students in, our coaches this year have been phenomenal. A lot of work about above the scenes above and beyond behind the scenes to make this work happen. So, Dr. Fisher has trophies, we're going to present those to our teams and Dr. Hunnells in the hallway going to allow the students to come in. The first school that we'll recognize is Jefferson Elementary. We'll allow them to come in. >> [applause] >> And as they're coming through, they are the third place winners this year in the Socratic Seminar method. Their coach is in front, Maddie McMurray, and those team members are Brenly Arrowood, Blakeley Beam, Elizabeth Dellinger, Molly
013Hayes, Colton Kaiser, Harrison McDaniel, Parker Nesselrode, CC Schleddy, and Aubrey Shook. And then team members, if you could move back to the center, we're going to ask Mr. Terry to get your picture, and then we'll give you all of one more round of applause. Congratulations to Jefferson Elementary. >> [applause] >> All right. Second place for the Socratic Seminar is Kiser Elementary, and here they come. Their coach is in front, Ms. Candace Gold, and I'll read off their team members. Those are Ellie Barnett, Jameson Bonar, Audrey Brackett, Jackson Brackett, Carley Brooks, Weston Mellon, Scarlett Poston, Chloe Smith, Alana Sutton, Arianne Waldrip, and Lucy Wood. Kaiser, we'll let you get back in the center here for a picture, then we'll give you a round of applause. Congratulations to Kaiser. >> [applause] >> And then first place for
014our Socratic Seminar component this year is Township 3 Elementary. They were coached this year by Ms. Christie Hess, and their team members are Elijah Butler, Bentley Chandler, Madison Fry, Sage Huffman, Hunter Keever, Autumn Melon, Joseph Miller, Evan Vincent, Camden Williams, and Colby Williams. And then Ms. Hess, if you want to bring your students back to the center here for a photo. As they're doing that, board members, a little secret about Ms. Hess. You know, the Socratic Seminar was new this year, and there was one person that was a little She was questioning the Socratic Seminar, and look what place they came in, first place. Congratulations to Township 3. >> [applause] >> Switching gears now to the question round, we'll start with third place again, and that's Boiling Springs Elementary. They were co-coached this year by
015Lindsey Baker and Madeline Humphreys. Those team members are as follows: Alexander Bridges, Ruby Day, Peter Harris, Chloe Henry, Kari Henry, Lennon Howell, Piper Spots, Layla Suddeth, and Ella Washburn. Congratulations to Boiling Springs. >> [applause] >> And moving up the ladder for Spring More Elementary, they took second place in our question round this year. They were co-coached this year by Anna Ramsey and Emily Walker. Those team members are Damian Blazewicz, Sullivan Fisher, Madeline Mathis, and Kagan Walker. Congratulations to Spring More. >> [applause] >> And then our first place winners from West Elementary, it is super sweet this year for two reasons. They are our back-to-back winners, number one, and this is also Ms. Nolan's retirement year, so she is going out on top. So, from West Elementary, we have Victoria Cooper, Kara Falconberry, Adelaide Holland, River
016Lewis, Riley Thom- Thomas, excuse me, and Emma Watson. >> [applause] >> Congratulations to West. >> [applause] >> Board members, we'll let you be seated for just a moment, uh because the second half from elementary tonight, it you know, it is 2026, so we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US, so we have been uh we've had opportunity this year to work with our Cleveland County America 250 committee. So, I want to share with you a little bit about that, and then I'll ask Ms. Emily Sisk to make her way down for some remarks. Within Cleveland County Schools this year for America 250, we have worked with our local committee, and our partnership this year really has had two components. On the left of the screen there, you will see a snapshot of Spring More
017Elementary visiting the Kings Mountain National Military Park. Uh thanks to Emily and our partnership with this committee, all of our students who attend these field trips go absolutely free thanks to funding from our good friends with Emily and her committee. So, that is a local place, so we're bringing local social studies to life. And then on the right, you will see how we're bringing in the arts to really support America 250. We have had a flag contest across our elementary grade band and our art teachers to really help them with creativity and design and really lean in to local social studies. So, with that, I'll ask Emily to come up and share more about uh the partnership and also recognize our flag winners. And I would first like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr.
018Parker and his leadership for these events, and also to Dr. Bennett for serving on the local county committee. So, my name is Emily Sisk, and I have a lot of different hats and roles, but uh in this case, I am um elated to be a member of the Cleveland County America 250 committee. Uh the Board of Commissioners stood up that committee in late 2024 for the purpose of finding ways to celebrate our 250th anniversary. The local committee um has put most of their um interest in education and young people. So, today uh and really without without further ado, let me move forward here. Uh I would first like to share You may have seen this before. This happened about a year ago, but one of the first things that the committee did was we asked
019the schools, could they help us with a local logo? And so, what's on the screen in front of you is a picture from uh the May 2025 uh Commissioners meeting where Jason Blanchard was recognized from Burns High School as being the um the logo that designed the logo that was selected by the local committee. The QR code that's on the screen as well goes to the county committee website, uh which we have, and we have a calendar set up for events and activities going on there. Um so, I wanted to recognize him cuz I'm not sure if he made it to the education boards um or not. So, before I go into the um the the winners, I just want to say that again, we've been able to uh help fifth graders get to the
020Kings Mountain National Military Park, and then through the county flag challenge, we were able to work with fourth graders. Uh that request came from the state America 250 um committee. They wanted to see fourth graders. They knew that it it it blended in with the education component that was present um for the fourth grade class. And so, the opportunity for them to be able to design a county flag that represented what they love about Cleveland County. Uh we had a lot of submissions, and the county committee reviewed those, and I guess it was in early March, and made the selection. So, whenever we look at the the first um one, which is a third place tie winner, Peyton Airy from Kaiser Elementary. If Peyton is here, I would like for her, and I would like
021for Ms. Shuford to come forward, please. >> [applause] >> And as Peyton's coming forward, I would like to acknowledge that the Commissioners, when they met on March 17th, also recognized these winners, and they received a prize, a cash prize, at that meeting. And a certificate from the Board of Commissioners. Yeah, and Peyton, wait wait there, please, and we'll get everybody together. The third place tie winner again is Corey Downey from Boiling Springs Elementary School, and her art teacher is Ms. Carrie Day. If both of those could come forward, please, if they're present. >> [applause] >> And one more to round out third place, sorry, they all had the same score, we had to recognize all of them. Uh Lilly McDaniel from Bethware Elementary School, her art teacher is Ms. Megan Allen. >> [applause] >> The
022second place winner is Emma Owens from Boiling Springs Elementary School and her her art teacher is Miss Carrie Day. >> [applause] >> And first place went to Anthony Palermo Jr. from Union Elementary School and his art teacher is Miss Laura Shephard. >> [applause] [applause] >> Okay, good job everyone. Next I'll call on Miss Rhonda Benfield. Good evening Mr. Chairman, members of the board, Dr. Fisher. We're proud to recognize four students and staff who have all earned first place honors in the North Carolina Career Development Poetry and Art Contest. This annual event is open to all K-12 students, to college students, and adults. The purpose is to celebrate creativity, career success, and personal well-being. The honor reflects the artistic and literary talent of these individuals, but also their commitment to reflect on their personal career journeys
023and aspirations. Our school district normally has at least a few entries in the contest and they usually place, but this is the first year that we've had all four winning entries from Cleveland County to finish in first place. As I call your name, please come forward. You'll receive a certificate and a $50 cash award from the North Carolina Career Development Association. Dr. Fisher will present that to you. First is Grayson Wells. First place for poetry in the middle grades division, a student at Cleveland Innovation. >> [applause] >> Avenly Wells, first place poetry senior grades division, also a student at Cleveland Innovation. I believe they're brother and sister. >> [applause] >> Mr. Stephen Therington, who's a CTE teacher at Crest High School. He couldn't be here tonight, but he received first place poetry again in the
024open adult division. And then Rhonda Branch, a CTE staff member, first place in the digital art contest for the open adult division and she's a repeat first place winner. Maybe even a three-peat. >> [applause] >> We congratulate these students and educators for this accomplishment and we wish them well as their work moves on to the national level for judging. So, if you'll all just come right to the middle up here for a photo. >> [applause] >> All right. All that good stuff, y'all just want to adjourn and go home? Uh next is our adoption of the agenda. Do I need a motion and a second? >> Make a motion to approve. All right. I'll second Mr. [clears throat] Bridges and Mr. Briga, I believe. Second. All those in favor of adoption of the agenda? That's
025nine to zero. All right. Next is the approval of the March 9th, 2026 meeting. Uh do I hear a motion to approve that? Make a motion to approve. Mr. Bridges. Second. Mr. Humphries. All those in favor? >> [clears throat] >> That's nine to zero. All right. Finance and personnel report, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The April 1st Finance and Personnel Committee meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Aaron Bridges. Dr. Stephen Fisher and Rod McDaniel provided a detailed update on the state, local, and federal budgets including sharing the superintendent's proposed budget for 2026-2027. The committee discussed the budgeting process and expenses. Mr. McDaniel shared a resolution that allows the superintendent to approve the transfer funds for the purpose of balancing the budget on June 30th, 2026. This resolution is recommended by our auditors for
026the purpose of balancing the budget at the end of the fiscal year. The committee recommended approval of the proposed budget and the resolution will be will go both to the full board for approval in April. >> [clears throat] >> Dr. Valerie O'Kelly shared required updates to the local beginning teacher support plan and gave a program update. The committee recommended approval of the plan which will go to the full board for approval at their April meeting. Dr. Jennifer Wampler shared the most recent teacher turnover data from the NCDPI. This data is based on turnover in the 2024-2025 school year. Cleveland County Schools continues to have a low turnover rate in all the areas in the state. Cleveland County Schools data is better than most of our surrounding districts and highlights the good working conditions for teachers
027in our district. Dr. Fisher shared the 2026-2027 Board of Education meeting and committee meeting schedule for discussion. The schedules will go to the full board for approval at their April meeting. With no new business, the meeting was adjourned and the next Finance and Personnel Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April the 29th, 2026 at 11:45 in room 308. Thank you, Mr. Bridges. Next we have four items that comes from committee. Beginning teacher support plan, superintendent's proposed budget, 2026-2027 proposed budget highlights, and end of year resolution. That all does come from committee. Is any discussion? Yes, sir. Yes, I'd like him to explain where we got that cut, that 1 million and 800,000 we got the cut on the budget. I'd like to have that explained a little bit. Uh Dr. Fisher, are you prepared to
028address that? And why? Uh really and Be glad to, Mr. Shores. Um first let me clarify the question if you don't mind. Uh I believe Mr. Quint Blanton's question was about a 1.8 million dollar cut. Is is that you referring to a state that state allotment cut? Yeah, whatever that cut, it was a cut like 1.8 million. >> 1.8 million. That is directly related to ADM. As we mentioned, I think it was last month, definitely in the committee meeting. I I think we mentioned it even in here. Maybe Mr. Shores alluded to that that we were losing anticipated 1.8 million dollars from the state based on declining ADM. So, we get funded per student from the state and that funding is the funding model isn't the funding in arrears. So, we're getting funded last year
029for where we're at now. And so, we our ADM decreased, so our allotment next year we anticipate a decrease by 1.8 million dollars. And so, that what how many students are are did we have a decline? Well, approximately, I don't have that number in front of me, but approximately 175 to 200 students. Okay. If you look at a 20-year decline, we that's that's a that's an average of of that decline over the last 20 years. If you remember, I think I mentioned this last meeting as well, post-COVID we actually saw a little bit of an uptick. Um you know, there, but that's kind of been balanced by there was a year or two of a flat and then we're back a little bit declining in in the ADM there. Okay. As well and and this
030is not what you asked, but but I'm going to provide a little bit of commentary with that. The challenge of a $1.8 million reduction from the state with a with a let's just call it a 200 student reduction is those students student 200 students don't come in nice neat packages of classrooms here and a classroom there. You take 200 students and you spread those over 28 schools um obviously proportionally I mean the high school large high school are going to have more than a smaller elementary most likely, but but really you don't see a difference. If you look at La Crest High School, you're not going to see a difference of really 20 or 30 students, but when you look at the district funding of $1.8 million, that's a significant difference uh that is a
031district we have to account for, whereas individual school needs haven't changed very much. Is that uh that's a certain thou- so so many thousand per student? >> Right. It's a state allotment per student when we thought when we look at Mr. McDaniel looks at the the total the total allotment formula from the from the state. So we get you know, priority ADM we'll get so many teachers allotted, we'll get so much money in this category, so much money in this category, so much money in this category. So if you remember from conversations about school finance teachers are allocated in positional allotments. Outside of that, we get dollar allotments. And so when we when we break that down at the end of that sheet, it all this total is $1.8 million. So we may lose a
032little bit in teacher assistants, we may lose a little bit in in instructional supplies, we may lose a little bit in this code and that code, but when you total it all, it's a $1.8 approximately a $1.8 million reduction and that is based on the ADM or the number of students that are attending school in Cleveland County Schools. Okay. Thank you. Does that make sense? Thank you. Is this reduction is this for this year this coming year? >> This coming year, yes sir. So they they'll use the the current year's ADM at the beginning of the year for next year's funding. Now, if their budget goes up, then will that will they automatically raise ours up because my my understanding we basically got the same funding for 23 24 and 24 I guess 25 and
033now it's 25 26. They're still based on the same funding. So if they get that budget and they raise that up, well, our numbers is got to come up for our money to go up. Is that correct? You know, it all depends, Mr. Blanton. There's really no way for me to answer that question, but it depends on what the state budget looks like. If if they don't allocate money to traditional public schools in that area, they can increase educational funding, but put the funding in an an opportunity scholarship or put the you know, funding in something else, which really doesn't impact us. They may it it may impact us if if we get more let's just say 002 money or 003 money. I know those those codes and may not make sense, but if they
034increase that funding, then yeah, we may get a little more of that money. But that you got to remember that call it costs more because if they give us more money, that they're raising the cost of of doing business. So when they if if they give a a percentage raise, they may give us that that more money that money there, but we really hadn't gained anything because it it comes out as a wash. Okay. Uh You got another question? >> Well, uh I'll thank you to come in just a little bit later uh when we're talking about our insurance and stuff like that on uh on that 5% that that raise and insurance costs went up 5%. Did is that is that our local uh our what like our dental and stuff like that or
035is that our state benefit uh that went up? >> Let me let me reel that conversation back in a little bit, okay? Okay. It is we have appropriated in our superintendent's proposed budget, we have a we have approximated a 5% increase as you can see in the uh let me turn to that page in my notes here. As you can see, Mr. McDaniel has done a wonderful job of giving you some highlights. And what he's highlighted in our proposed budget, we have predicted we have estimated a 5% average salary increase for all employees, a benefit rate increase. We we don't know what those things are. Um we we have estimated an increase in health insurance premiums. Again, we don't know what those numbers are. If you remember, you know, school budget school finance 101, we
036are dependent on everybody else funding us, but we have to by statute by law, we have to pass our budget first. So we're going on a lot of predictions. We don't know that there's going to be a 5% increase, but to be financially responsible um Mr. McDaniel, his staff, our team have built in a 5% increase because what we don't want to do is not build in any increase and then there be an increase and we're not prepared for that. So we build in an increase in case those things happen. But but I wanted to make it clear we're we're not we're not passing a salary increase. We don't know that. The state would have to do that. It could be two, it could be three, it may be five. We're just based on you
037know, history of knowledge things we hear, things we are just working on that to to be financially responsible in our proposed budget. Okay. Mr. Ledford. Dr. Fisher, when is it the uh board goes to the uh county commissioners for uh the finance or the funds from commissioners? So so upon approval of our proposed budget at tonight, this uh superintendent's proposed budget is just that, superintendent's proposed budget. We present it to the committee, we present it to the board. Once it's approved by the board, it becomes the board's proposed budget and we send this proposed budget to the county commissioners. And then once they approve their budget, then then that's where we get local funding. But this proposed budget is got state, federal, and local funds all wrapped into that. So the board doesn't physically go
038to the uh county commissioners for funds? No, sir. We we we have by by law, we present them a proposed budget. Why is it that other districts are going to their county commissioners? This is this is the procedure that we've used with our county for as long as I can remember. But a lot of those districts, Mr. Ledford messed up. Uh they're going begging for money that they spent with COVID money. I know one system in particular spent like 14 million extra, so they had to go to the commissioners to ask for that 14 million that they well, I'm not I'm not going to get into all that, but some of it was because they didn't do their books right. And let me just say this and I know we've said this before. I was
039on the finance committee and Mr. Ledford I think you are now and putting this budget together, Mr. McDaniel is like throwing darts. It's guesswork. I mean, here we are April of 2026. The state has still not approved the budget for since July of 2025 till now. Uh We exactly, we're guessing. I mean, we're guessing at at what this budget's going to be. If if if this budget they were to give the teachers 7%, that would throw our budget all out of whack. Because we're assuming or guessing that it's going to be 5%. The other thing I'd like to say that I found out in our committee meeting and I think that you may told it all. The uh grants that we received from the state for fiscal year 25 26, we don't get a dime
040of that until the budget's approved by the state. So if we got approved for a grant for 25 26, we're not receiving any of that money. And we had to make a special request to the commissioners for some safety stuff. I'll not get into that here, but uh and it's crazy. I mean, leaving us kind of in limbo. I mean, it's going to be July of 2026 when they need the budget for 26 27 before they even get this budget done, but it's Mr. McDaniel and you you and your team, you've done very well at guessing. I mean, I understand it. You do very well at guessing, yes sir. Well, my understanding that we're really operating on 23 and 24 by the state budget. They're cuz they haven't increased it to 23 24 and 24
04125. Is that correct? Really 24 25, they didn't increase it for 25 26. So we're we're going on 2 years of Yes, just one year off. Well, my I talked with someone down there today and they said they they were still getting the same thing as 23. So so I think they did put a budget in 24 25 um but to your point, the the increase that was there in 23 24 was not the increase from 23 24 to 24 25 was not substantial, but we did have a 24 25 budget. If I can if I could comment one thing to going back to Mr. Ledford's comment, Mr. Ledford, we we have ongoing conversations with our with our county commissioners and county manager. We have a very good relationship with them. You know, we we
042try to be There's an article There was an article in in A and C and I'll I'll resend it to you guys about where Cleveland County is in terms of funding and and and financial stewardship and and and it really puts us in a good spot to credit to what our team has done over the last 5 and 6 years in terms of finance. So, we have on those ongoing conversations and we're we're we're very responsible when we make ask for the county understanding where we are and what the county budget is. My comment was because really that I feel like the board the whole board is the one that needs to contact super contact commissioners to let them know that we as a whole as a unit are in favor of these things or
043whatever it it is that we turn up to to ask them for and not Yeah, and that's really your vote into that tonight is that this is your vote and we we will send this electronically. We'll hand deliver a a copy so so they have a hard copy as well and that is like your endorsement of hey, these are these are our projections. And and you remember hopefully we'll we'll get a state budget at some point and then we'll come to you we'll come to you with a continuation budget probably in June because we won't I'm sure we won't have a budget in June and then hopefully sometime maybe in July or August September October that superintendent Rob will come to you with a budget that is reflective of the county pass their budget reflective
044of the state budget and that didn't happen this past year but but hopefully it'll happen this year. If not it becomes it becomes more and more difficult because the dart throwing becomes less accurate and less precise because you get farther away from the target because you don't have a new budget to set there so I think we have to vote on this understanding that there's a high probability somebody's going to mess up and we're going to have to do budget amendments. This is again a guesswork and so far I've worked with Rob for 4 and 1/2 years. He's guessed pretty good. But not to blame him we I mean you know, so I just say that with that being said Oh, yes. Yeah, just just to comment. I just want to let y'all know how
045much I appreciate seeing over the horizon. That's one of my big things look over the horizon. Y'all have done a great job of that. We're not having to run to the county commissioners to keep the doors of the schools like a neighboring county is. I wouldn't go there. I mean it is fact and that just reflects excellent work so cultivating excellence goes all the way from the top all the way down to the lowest CSA. Thank y'all for what you do. You're very correct Mr. Humphries. All right. I read all of those all in favor. That's 9 to 0. All right, personnel report Mr. Blanton has indicated to me that he needs to recuse himself from this. So, do I have a motion? And I need a second for the approval of the personnel report.
046>> Make a motion to approve. Mr. Bridges? I'll second. Mr. Griggs, all those in favor? I have a question. >> Yes, sir. I'm sorry. Appropriate time to ask this question. We Dr. Wampler gave information about the turnover report for from the state I think. Is that correct at our committee meeting? Yes, sir. I'm sorry I was not at that meeting and I had to go to the VA that particular day. Have we got any kind of a turnover report by schools? And do we have any kind of a turnover report showing which grade that we need to look at more so than other? I've got a copy I'm assuming it's sent to everybody a breakdown of the resignations retirees who had retired and went somewhere else as a teacher who had just retired. I can't
047remember what all it was but that report did exist. I read it somewhere but I can't remember where it was and I can't remember it's broken down by school. It was not broken down but but It was district. It was just It was district. why they were leaving you know, different there I think there's three or four reasons you could leave. I do have that one but I'm sure we can get that information. Yeah, in the in the personnel report it shows those people that were hired those people that were terminated. It shows the school but it doesn't show a complete turnover rate. And I think it would be good if we could know what school is having the most turnover. Do we need to work more at that particular school? Which grade are we
048losing the most teachers in? Mr. Excuse me, Dr. Fisher is that something maybe you could put together for the next finance and personnel Oh, I'm not asking for now. No, I know there's no way you can do it now but that's whatever's possible if you put that in. Okay. All right. Any more questions on the personnel report? All right, all those in favor? That's That's 8 to 0. I got you Mr. Blanton. All right, safety and operations Mr. Sperling. >> [clears throat] >> March 30th safety and operations committee meeting was called to order by committee chair Walter Sperling. Daniel Howell shared an update on a recent situation at in the Crest zone. He praised the work of the school staff and the excellent response by law enforcement. Previous training was cited as contributing to an
049effective response. Rodney Borders shared an update on the effectiveness of teamwork related to recent situations. Mr. Borders said that they are finalizing things related to the SROs and will attend the SRO conference this summer. Dr. Fisher shared information related to interior door locks and the rekeying process at our schools. It is recommended that we rekey Burns High and Crest High over the summer. We plan to request funds from the county from our escrow account to cover these expenses. The cost to rekey each school is $169,809. The committee approved this recommendation and quote and it will go to the full board for approval at their April meeting. There were no agency reports. Dr. Jennifer Wampler and Chip Childers shared the capital projects report. This report will be shared with the full board as an as an
050information item at their April meeting. Brian McCullen requested that a list of DWI seizure seizure vehicles be declared surplus for sale on GovDeals in May. The committee approved the request which will go to the full board for approval at their April meeting. Jamie Currier shared that a childhood nutrition update. Summer feeding will run from June 4th to July 31st and will be available at Kings Mountain Kings Mountain Intermediate Burns Middle and Shelby Middle. Ginger Jackson shared technology update. Ms. Jackson has partici- uh has participated in the school safety visits and is working to make some related updates. Technology is working on summer plans and projects a work worky and working to secure grant funds. Dr. Fisher shared a state budget update specifically due to no state budget being passed this school year we did not
051receive any safety equipment funding for safety technology or door locks. As a result we are asking the county to allow us to use our escrow funds to pay for these needs. Dr. Fisher also shared the 2026-2027 Board of Education meeting and committee meeting schedule for discussion. These schedules will go to the full board for approval at their April meeting. With no additional business the meeting was adjourned. The next safety and operations committee meeting is scheduled for Monday April 27th, 2026 at 11:45 in staff development. Thank you Mr. Sperling. I We do have Okay. uh Now by us not getting our safety grant uh due to because the budget hadn't passed. Now if we go ahead and vote to get this money from the county out of our escrows will we will we be able to
052come back and still can we get take that money back after we done had it done if we can get the when they pass the budget and we get that grant, I forgot to ask that question during our meeting. Do you understand what I'm saying? Can we repay ourselves? I I don't Uh in other words, can we if we get we've asked for the grant, you know, and we didn't get it because the budget's not passed. >> Nobody got it. Nobody got it. Do do the grants, okay? We've asked for it. Now we're going to ask for the county to take it out of our escrow money. Can we still ask for that by us done having it done because I know of other grants that we've done. If you've done it, then you can't
053go back and recapitalize that money from that grant. Is that true or false? So, let me let me let me answer your question in a different way. And and if I don't answer it, I'll I'll try to run back over it. Um what I would recommend is if you approve that project tonight, we we are able to access the escrow money for the safety project, we'd do that project and we not worry about replacing the escrow money. When we write that safety grant, we write that for for some of those same projects and we're able to get more of that. We we've got We've got more to do in those areas than than even the safety >> we're going to get in safety grants. >> So, so I wouldn't worry and and I don't want
054to get into the fact of a crossing uh fiscal years from 25 26 to 26 27. It it gets really messy. We got enough work to do. Let's just If we can get the money, we we take it out of escrow, we do the projects and then when if the budget comes out and there's safety grant money, we we we can do more projects. And as you know, we we had that discussion. There's more of those similar projects that need to be done. Okay. Did that answer your question? Okay. And and just uh there were several law enforcement officers at this meeting and I think several of them said that this basically was priceless. Yeah. It it's a no-brainer, so uh but anyway, we do have the Burns and Crest High School re-key quotes and
055the transportation of DWI surplus, so any other uh questions? Mr. Chairman, why don't we take it out of escrow? Why don't we just ask for it from the commissioners? Well, yeah, it's all the same pot of money. I mean, that that's it it's coming from the county. Okay. Yeah. So, all right. All those in favor? 9 to 0. All right. Education programs and policy, Ms. Sherman. Yes. Is that all of it? Okay. All right. The March 31st educational programs and policy committee meeting was called to order by committee chair Ron Humphries. Dr. Stephen Fisher shared seven policies as part of the normal review of policies. The policies are all in the 7,000s personnel section. These policies were 7320, technology responsible use, 7322, web page development, 7330, copyright compliance, 7334, employee cell phone use, 7335, employee
056use of social media, 7340, employee dress and appearance, and 7345, use of unmanned aircraft drones. No changes were recommended to these policies. Dr. Fisher introduced Jason Wynn, chair of a steering committee for Lifewise Academy. Lifewise is a program that allows students to be released from campus with parent permission to study the Bible during the school day during an elective period. No funding would be provided by the school system. Lifewise would like the support of the district to pursue this offering for students and families in Cleveland County schools through a memorandum of understanding with the district. The committee discussed the recommendation and asked questions. Heather Bridges Moore, president and chief executive officer of Communities in Schools, shared a detailed presentation about their work in Cleveland County schools and educational outcomes. She highlighted their new work at
057James Love Elementary this year. Ms. Moore requested that we continue at the same level of services in Cleveland County schools as we have now at 201,000 zero and $53 per year. The committee approved this recommendation and it will go to the full board for approval at their April meeting. Dr. Brian Hunnel shared information related to alternative accountability model options for Turning Point Academy and North Shelby. The recommendation is that we continue to do option B, which is participation in the modified system and evaluated by student persistence 20%, student achievement 20%, and growth 60%. The committee approved this recommendation and it will go to the full board for approval at their April meeting. Dr. Jason Parker shared multiple elementary education purchases for the 26-27 school year. Those purchases include Reading Horizons district site license and training
058for 1 year at $117,017.21 and Reading Horizons student transfer books for K3 at $87,660.37. Approval was recommended by the committee and it will go to the full board for approval in April. Dr. Chris Bennett shared a style, an eighth grade middle school science curriculum, which is recommended for purchase through Curriculum Associates in the amount of $146,004.21. Approval was recommended by the committee and it will go to the full board for approval in April. Dr. Hunnel and Dr. Parker shared a quote to continue IXL in the amount of $91,456.25. IXL is a learning platform designed to help K-12 students build confidence and mastery through personalized practice in math, language arts, and science. The committee approved this recommendation and it will go to the full board for approval in April. Dr. Fisher shared a state budget update.
059He also shared the 2026-2027 Board of Education meeting and committee meeting schedule for discussion. The schedules will go to the full board for approval in their at their April meeting. With no additional new business, the meeting was adjourned. The next educational and policy committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th, at 11:30 a.m. in room 308. Thank you, Ms. Sherman. We have several items that do come from committee. Uh I am going to break this up. We're going to do Communities in Schools contract by itself. Ms. Sherman has asked to be recused from that vote. And then we'll vote on the alternative accountability option for TPA and NSS, Reading Horizons software renewal, Reading Horizons transfer books, the style eighth grade science curriculum, and the IXL renewal. So, at this time uh I'll take a vote
060on uh and questions on the Communities in Schools contract. Any questions? All right. All those in favor of the Communities in Schools contract? That passes 8 to 0. All right. Now, any questions on the remaining five? Uh yes. Uh we're not going to get us ourselves in trouble with that. Hey, I'm all for it. Uh with that uh that group in our at our schools. That's That's not in That's not in here. That's not even in here. I thought it was you when you read it out. >> It was a discussion about the program. Okay. We're going to go to further discussion on that? We ain't voting on that. Oh, okay. >> There's nothing All right. Nothing was done. All right. All right. All right. So, on the 1 2 3 4 5 items that
061are on here. All right. All those in favor? All right. That was 9 to 0. All right. One question though, you didn't look this way. >> [laughter] >> Um all these programs now that we're we voted on through these schools, none of them are new programs, correct? They're all the same that we've got now. The style renewal, the style eighth grade science. Are our teachers prepared to teach that? Yes, sir, they are, and they will. They pilot that. All right. Thank you. All right. Dr. Fisher. Get my steps in tonight. Um Mr. Chairman, members of the board, you have um couple documents at your spots. Uh first of which or one of which is a draft resolution, uh pertaining to the Marion property. I emailed that to you on Friday night. The bids were opened
062on Friday afternoon. You see the information there related to the high bid. You've got a copy of that resolution again. You've had that since Friday night. Just bringing that back for your consideration. Okay. Any questions for Dr. Fisher? All right. Mr. Chairman, there would be I also included on the back side of that just for information in case you have you got questions. Information that if approved then I that would would be pushed out next in terms of upset bid process, how that works. That information would be available on the website. So, that's ready to go. Upset bid the 10-day upset bid process would start tomorrow and it could run for until there's no upsets during the 10-day window. So. Okay. All right. If there's no questions, I need a motion and a second. I'll
063make a motion. Second. >> I heard Mr. All right. Mr. Blanton and Mr. Bridges. All those in favor of the resolution? That's a 9 to 0. All right. Uh I sent out an email a week and a half or 2 weeks ago, I can't remember how long, asking the Kegel Board of Directors would like to have one uh person as the contact and one as an alternate. Uh primary, that's what I was trying to think of. Uh I got interest for the primary from Mr. Blanton and I got interest from alternate is Mr. Griggs. If there is no uh no issues, I will by acclamation uh Mr. Blanton will be primary and Mr. Griggs will be alternate to the Kegel Board of Directors. Uh any objections? All right. Through acclamation, that will happen. All right.
064Uh Mr. Dr. Fisher. Members of the board, at your spots, you also have a copy of the proposed 2026-2027 board meeting schedule and committee meeting schedule. Slight adjustment from what we talked about or showed you a committee meeting and that's been updated. Um we just uh bring that as a recommendation so you can we can move forward with planning district events around board meeting schedule. All those uh I believe, if I'm not mistaken, that hits the second Monday in every month with the exception of July. Typically, we don't do that second Monday in July because that butts up there with the week of the 4th a lot of times and creates some travel issues for folks. So, we usually meet the fourth Monday in July and the second Monday other events. You've got committee meeting
065schedule there as well. Going on by memory, but the November committee meeting there's a little bit of a change in November meeting. Um the Wednesday budget finance will actually be Tuesday before uh education programs and policies. So, we'll have budget finance meeting at 10:30, lunch, and then education programs uh because that Wednesday of that week is against Thanksgiving break. That would wouldn't be a good time to meet. So, keeping keep the integrity of the meeting structure when we're doing that and work to be able to double up on that Tuesday. Just make you make make you aware of that. Okay. I'll I'll we'll go ahead and uh I'll take a motion for both if that's okay with no objection. I'll make a motion. Meeting schedule and the committee meeting schedule. I'll make a motion to
066approve. Mr. Bridges makes a motion. And Mr. Griggs seconds. All in favor. It's 9 to 0. All right. Superintendent update. Just a few updates for you tonight. Uh Board members, um the student art show is Thursday. Uh we've had some art uh opportunities to celebrate student art work tonight with the America 250, but uh Thursday evening, uh the Cleveland County Arts Council will be full of of students and parents and and staff members celebrating student art. So, if you have an opportunity, that begins at 5:00 from 5:00 to 7:00, come over there and and and enjoy seeing our student art show at the Sherer Miller Student Art Show. Um Friday morning is our spring Title 1 parent event. Uh Dr. Parker and his team will be uh having parents in as we uh do their
067spring Title 1 event. Um you've got a training work session on Friday, April 24th at 9:00. Uh don't forget that. It's a very important uh time for the board. If you got any questions about that, I can try to answer those or you can direct those to Next this Friday? That's the 24th, not this Friday, next Friday. Okay? 9:00, we should be finished about 11:00 by 11:30. So, uh we'll we'll have you out by 11:30. Um you see the April Board of Education Committee schedule uh there on April 27th, 28th, 29th. The big senior scholars banquet is Thursday, May 7th at the Le Grand Center. Doors open at 5:30, program begins at 7:00. I know you won't want to miss that event. Uh we still are accepting taking money for senior scholars. If anybody wants
068to uh provide that, we have had an all-time high in fundraising again this year for the educational foundation for student scholarships. I appreciate everybody's work on that. Next board meeting is Monday, May 11th. Um and that's knocking on the door. There'll be a couple things in between, but knocking on the door at the end of school. Memorial Day is Monday, May 25th. And it's hard to believe I'm even saying this, but the last day of school is is Wednesday, May 27th. You do have a graduation schedule there. Couple of to be determined times. Um at Turning Point, Cleveland Innovation. Um but you see those times. As you begin to firm up your calendars for graduation and you you know which graduations you're going to attend, if you will please let me know. Uh shoot me
069an email, call me, text me. Uh let me know so I can make sure that on that form and if you notice on your Friday update there's a link to this um document and you can see there because our principals need to know the impact seating. We need to know to be able to to give you directions of who to meet, when to meet, that type of thing. I don't have anybody. So, if you'll if you'll let me know I done emailed You have not emailed. Yes, I have. I'm I'm going to I'm going to go back and check my email there. You better You got back. I don't I don't believe When you sent it out, I sent it right back. Uh well, I I'll I will I I will have to go do
070that. You hit delete Yeah, I'm not sure, Mr. Blanton. I'm not to call foul on that, but now I I was wrong once. Well, you know where I'm going. Uh Uh you know I'm going to a certain place where I did meet. Yes, sir. I understand. I understand. I'll I'll write you I'll pencil you in on that. When you let me know where everybody else is going, okay? Um but in all seriousness, if you guys will let me know that way I can I can confirm with the principals and we can make plans and I can communicate with you um to to where you need to be at what time and that way I'm not sending nine people directions. You're like, "Why does he keep sending me these texts to show up here and I'm
071not going there?" So, it it does get confusing there. So, um be glad to try to answer your questions with yours. Mr. Blanton, I'm going to go look for that email. Any questions? Yes, Mr. Blanton. Uh North Shelby, uh I I don't see it on here, but I think they sent an out a invitation. They they send a different invitation, but we'll we'll add that to you. Make sure. North Shelby's a little different >> Yeah. in terms of it's it's earlier in the school year. All right. Thank you, Dr. Fisher. Thank you. Next is our public participation. Uh Mr. Bridges, if you'll read our rules, please. Public Public comment should not address any specific confidential student or personnel matter. Specific concerns related to confidential student or personnel matters should be directed to the superintendent or
072designee. Comments must be relevant to the matters that are within the authority of the board. Speakers shall refrain from personal attacks or threats directed towards staff, elected board members, or members of the public. Speakers shall be courteous in their language and presentation. Insults, profanity, or use of vulgar language language or gestures, or other inappropriate behaviors are not allowed. The board vests in its chair or other presiding officers authority to terminate the remarks of any individual when he or she does not adhere to the rules established above. Any person who willfully interrupts or disrupts a board meeting may be directed to leave the meeting by the presiding officer. Any persons who refuses to leave may be prosecuted for disrupting a public meeting. Persons appearing before the board are reminded as a point of information that members
073of the Cleveland County Board of Education are without authority to act independently as individuals in official manners. matters. Immediate answers are not generally possible and must be deferred pending investigation and consideration by the full board. Thank you, Mr. Bridges. The first one I have is Cal Pass. Good afternoon. What you have before you is a picture of the Thousand point club at Shelby High School that's on the gym wall that it includes players who have scored a thousand points over their career. So, this is a First page is a picture as it appeared in 2023. And the second page is how it appears now. So, I'll be here. Let me begin. My name is Cal Pass. I'm a lifelong resident of Shelby in Cleveland County. I taught at each of the school systems. Uh I
074taught at Fallston Elementary. I taught at Shelby Extended Day School and I finished my career at Shelby High School. Currently, I'm 72 years old. Counting the three years as a student athlete and 34 as a educator, coach. Uh I've spent over half my life at Shelby High School. I became the girls head basketball coach in 1991 school year. I spent 20 years in that position. I was the first coach to recognize a student athlete to score 1,000 points. I received permission from then athletic director Jim Taylor to do this and pursue that. And he gave me his blessings. And uh Tammy Ponder was the first student in my tenure to reach that milestone. This was in 1994, the 1994 season. Eric Mayo became the first male student to reach the thousand point club during my
075time as head coach in 2009. So, there was a difference between the time that the girl scored a thousand and and the first male. At that time, when Eric Mayo did score a thousand points, the boys head coach Aubrey Hallfield spoke to me about how I had been presenting that award to the girls coach to when the girl scored that I reached that milestone. And we both decided to form a thousand point club and post it on the wall in the gym like we've seen in other schools. Uh 2010 was the first year that the dis- display board was visible in the gym. And each season as a student athlete reached the milestone of scoring a thousand points, names were added during the summer break. This was com- completed regardless of the player's student student
076classification, whether we're junior, sophomore, whatever. The first board displayed Eric Mayo as the only male player and Charlotte Smith on down through Tierra Sweezy displayed as female players. It appears that in 19 Excuse me, then 2024, other males were added to the display board as old records were discovered. And so, those males were added to it. Only three underclassmen reached this milestone. Only three female underclassmen reached this milestone. And these students' names were added at the end of the year end of their junior year when they reached that milestone. Not after they graduated, but each name was added after the junior year. Gabe DeVoe, Quay Kimble were the first males to reach that milestone before before their senior years. They did both of their junior years. And their names were added to the display board
077at the end of their junior year. So, it's important point to remember that players' names were added at the junior year. >> Mr. >> They'll come momentarily. Mr. Pass. Uh I've given you about another minute, but what I want to let you do is finish reading Excuse me. >> I said I've gave you about an extra minute more than you were allowed, but I want to let you finish reading what's on your paper. If you'll just read what's on your paper, please. Thank you. I don't mean to be rude, but you're given three I've gave you about a minute. >> I've got two paragraphs. >> you'll just finish reading what's on your paper. Thank you. >> All right. In 2000 2021 season, Maraysia Pass scored 1,000 points as a junior at Shelby High School. And
078this was after winning the MVP award in the girls state championship game that Shelby High's only state championship. Yet, her name has been uh she has been denied inclusion in the thousand point club. Given the re- And that is the reason that I'm here. After meeting with the principal, I was told that the policy was to only honor students who graduated from Shelby High School. He was unable to provide any rules, uh general statutes statutes, or policy that states that. After meeting with the athletic director, I was told that he really didn't didn't have He really had problems with kids who transferred from Shelby High School. And anyone who transferred or left Shelby High School, he had a problem with. However, at the end of our meeting, he told me that he had no problem
079with if his decision was overturned by the principal. And after meeting with the superintendent, I received a letter that had a bunch of statutes and uh that it would take a legal person to understand. And basically, what he said was that he would agree with what the other gentleman stated. I'm here to ask that you overrule the decision that the AD, principal, and superintendent made. None of them were able to give a legitimate reason as to why Maraysia Pass has yet to be acknowledged for her accomplishment of scoring a thousand points while registered as a student at Shelby High School. Simply put, she achieved this goal. Her name should be posted on the book thousand point club display board. When Aubrey Hallfield and I decided to make this board, there were no criteria, only score
080a thousand points while playing at Shelby High School. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Pass. Uh Sir, we don't make decisions on that tonight. I will uh Can you give me her first name again, please? Excuse me, please. >> Her first name again? My first name is Cal, C A L. Cal, C A L. Mr. Pass' first name. Maraysia, M A R A J A. Okay. We're We're going to look into that, okay? Thank you very much. >> you, sir. Appreciate it. All right. Next is Ms. Jennifer Ross. Hi. Back in the fall, my daughter had a dentist appointment during the school day. I went to her Cleveland County School Elementary School, typed her little name into the kiosk, scanned my license, waited while I was verified, and then they sent an admin
081to go um retrieve her. All in all, it took about 15 minutes for me to check out my one child. This month, release time for religious instruction was discussed in committee. RTRI programs bus students off campus for religious classes during the school day. The minutes at loss to add up when you consider the time to verify the identity of the program rep, check off all their children, retrieve them all, load them, bus them, teach them, and then do it all again in reverse. It seems impossible to have this happen solely during specials, lunch, and recess as suggested. But even if it weren't, those classes are also valuable. Recess and physical movement have been proven to boost educational outcomes. Music and math are intrinsically linked. Art gives students a chance for self-expression. Library is critical to
082our district's literacy goals. Before the meeting started tonight, I was lamenting to Dr. Fischer about the struggle of transitioning my kids back into school after spring break. It is obviously a lesser disruption, but it will be disruptive nonetheless to transition some kids back into the classroom while other kids have remained. More time lost while our teachers reintegrate the children. Especially when these programs focus on elementary schoolers. RTRI programs cannot be funded by the school system. However, we cannot ignore the cost of the admin work it would take to facilitate these programs, or the cost of the lost instructional time, the money we pay for specials that would not be fully utilized. There are plenty of documented cases of these programs sending children back to school with candy, trinkets, and treats with the instruction to tell
083their friends and try to convince them to join. More time lost and more teacher energy spent on bringing the class back together. Additionally, the kids who stay behind may begin to feel ostracized or peer pressure to participate. This leads me to concern about parents' rights and choice in this matter. I do not want my child proselytized to do to by her peers. Our religious beliefs belong to our family unit. Our TRI programs have to operate with parental permission. However, parents trust Cleveland County Schools. We must acknowledge that approving such a program would appear as endorsement in some parents' eyes. I've truly only scratched the surface of concerns with TRI programs. There's also background check concerns, transportation safety concerns, curriculum concerns. I strongly urge this board, and particularly the committee, to say no to our TRI.
084Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ross. All right. Next is board member comments. So, I'll start this way this time. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to congratulate every one of the students that received awards tonight, that were recognized. It was good to see standing room only in this auditorium. Uh I wish we could have that for the entire meeting, but that's the not way it works. It's not the way it's always worked. It's been like that. Um I do have a request for the safety committee meeting. Uh this came to me from a group of parents from Boiling Springs Elementary School. This is pertaining to a fence that they would like to be completed. I think it's only partially there. And I understand that there's some houses that are exposed. I've
085been over there and looked at it about two or three times. And uh it is a safety matter for uh kids and uh for teachers. And I would like for the uh safety committee to review that and look at that, if you would, please. Um also, I would like to ask if we have had any results about the problem being resolved at the different at the different schools where there's a lack of enough food going to the students. This is public comment. This is a Hm? This is this This is public comment. I mean, this is just board comments. That's what I'm making is a comment. >> Okay. Are you done Are you through? I guess I am, if you're not going to answer that question. Okay. Mr. Well, I'd like to say this is
086one of my favorite times of the year. All the students that came tonight, um it it lets us and helps us see what we do why we do what we do every day. And um it's it's so refreshing to see them here, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this year, because this starts the beginning of all the celebrations and going to the schools and actually seeing what what everybody's working so hard to make happen. So, I want to congratulate all those and thank the parents that brought them tonight. Um I think Mr. Pass is already stepped out, but I wanted to thank him for his dedication to Shelby High School um all those years working and um working with many, many students in Cleveland County Schools, it sounded like. So, um also um
087um I want to um tell the board that I really um I feel like we had a great board meeting tonight. I loved hearing people collaborate and share their ideas, and um I appreciate you and um appreciate um the the board meeting tonight, and um look forward to to many more. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Bridges. I just want to say it was great to see everybody that came tonight, you know, all the kids that got their awards. It's always a good time to see people come together like this for this reason, but it would be great if we could have parents that would engage with us throughout the whole meeting to kind of see what we do and to realize that we don't just fight all the time. You know, we we do a lot
088of work that's beneficial to the community. And um sometimes it gets passed over because people don't come in and engage with with us to see what our job actually is. But I still want to thank everybody that's here, and um I'm looking forward to the next couple of months. I think we're going to have uh some great times coming. Thank y'all for coming. Mr. Bridges. So, just to reiterate, how how thankful it makes me to see the students reading programs coming along. That that's obviously near and dear to my heart. Staff, you're doing a great job with that. And also, just to reiterate again, y'all are doing a credible job on the budget. You pick up a newspaper and look at how many school systems in North Carolina had to get begged their county commissioners
089for money because they overspent and didn't plan ahead. You guys did a great job on that. Thank you. Mr. Humphries. Mr. Bridges. I don't I don't think I could say it any better than the uh these people did. So, uh great job. I guess uh this school uh school board meeting to me has been one of the better experiences that I've experienced since I've become on the board. And I guess everybody's trying to be positive, and I want to be positive. I want our board to be positive. I want us to quit this bickering and uh stick to the issues, which our job is to make the education experience for our kids better, and to try to get what they need, and also back our staff. Uh we all know that uh our staff is
090pretty good, and we appreciate every one of them. Thank you, Mr. Bridges. Mr. Blanton. Um appreciate all the people that came tonight. It was a full house, and appreciate all those that won. But I went on uh three school visits today. Spring More, Crest High School, and the middle school. And they were they are some great things that taking place at these schools. Uh firsthand, I seen it. And I want to thank what they're doing. Uh I'd like to get around to the I'm going to get around to the others and stuff, but uh like I say, I went to those three. Appreciate what took place here tonight, and uh I think there's a lot of positive stuff that's went on. I'll still be Danny Blanton, and I work for y'all. So, anytime y'all got
091a question, feel free to call me, and I'll guide you in the right I'll guide you in the direction that I know how to send you what you need to do go do. I'm not uh I cannot do anything for you. It takes all nine of us. But if uh but I will guide you in the direction, and I work for y'all. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Blanton. Mr. Bridges. Well, I'll just echo off everyone real quick. I serve on the finance committee, and I just commend our finance team. You guys do a good job, and I appreciate you. As they've already mentioned, we can look outside the district and see all the issues that everybody else has has. Um not that ours is perfect, but dang, we do a pretty good job. Um so,
092I thank all of you guys. I also want to say thank you to our teachers and administrators and everybody that makes CCS work. Um tonight was a good night with the kids. Uh actually, my niece was one of those award recipients, so I was definitely um proud of that individual, but proud of all of our kids. They're doing a good job. Um we got a lot of good things going on in the school district, and looking forward to seeing what happens the end of the school year here. Thank you. Mr. Bridges. I'll just say uh the first part of this meeting is what it's all about. Uh looking out there and seeing all those kids and the awards and everything, and board members, I I I great job. Uh respect. Uh that's that's all we
093can We can disagree. I think Mr. Lefford said this one time, you can disagree with someone without having to make a a show about it. So, uh if we just continue to show each other respect, you we may not always agree, but we we respect each other. Uh that's just a good human behavior, and I appreciate the the respect each one of you shown each other tonight. And I just you know, I'm excited about moving forward with all of you, and we we got a big, big, big job ahead of us. And with all that With that being said, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. Make a motion to approve. All right. Adjourn. All right. What I say? I said to Oh, approve. Uh motion to adjourn. Mr. Bridges and Mr. Humphries. All in favor,
094goodbye.