001Good evening everyone. We'll go ahead and call this meeting of Monday, October the 13, 2025 to order. Uh Mr. Borders, have you seen Mr. Clark? While he's looking to see if Mr. Clark's outside, uh I would ask that you keep uh the family of co coach um uh Jim Taylor. Yeah. Uh he was probably a legend. Well, he is a legend in this county and probably one of the greatest football coaches to ever coach high school football. Uh he passed away I believe two days ago. If you also if you would keep uh the principal of Burns High School, Jennifer Aberly, her mother passed away late last night. So, Mr. Borders, could you come and give us an invitation, please? Let us pray. Oh gracious kind God, we thank you for another opportunity to come
002together, Lord. And we just we pray right now that you just be in the midst of this meeting to celebrate our young people and our staff and everyone that's involved. And Lord, we just pray for this board, Lord, that you just keep them covered. We thank you and we ask all these things in your son, Jesus name. Let everyone say, "Amen." >> Amen. Amen. Thank you, Mr. Borders. At this time, we have Serenity Jenkins. Oh, yeah. Well, that's where I'm getting ready. At this time, we have Serenity Jenkins Brown from Elizabeth Elementary School. If she would come forward and lead us in our pledge. >> I appreciate it. If everyone would stand, please. To the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty
003and justice for all. Everybody give her a hand. [Applause] [Music] All right. Just one quick announcement I'd like to to make before we get into our recognition. Uh, as chairman of the board of education, I want to express our full support for National Bully Prevention Month and the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for every student in our district. Bullying has no place in our schools or in our community. We are committed to policies, programs, and partnership that empower students, support educators, and foster a culture of kindness, courage, and respect. I encourage all staff, students, families, and community members to wear orange on October the 22nd, a national day to stand together against bullying and to pro promote kindness and respect for all. Again, October the 22nd. Together, let's promote attitudes of kindness
004and respect, reaffirm our commitment to making our schools safe, and welcome them for all. With that, Dr. Fiser, if you would come forward. I think you have some presentations. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. We have lots of uh recognition tonight. Uh and it's just a great opportunity to recognize both some schools tonight. Uh we've got some really special students that we want to recognize. Uh, and then after I do that, uh, Daniel How is going to be here to recognize some some really special staff members. Uh, so, but to get us started, I'd like for the team from North Shelby School that's here tonight, if you'll come join me up front. As as the team from North Shelby is coming, it is very appropriate that tonight we recognize North Shelby School for
005being a 2025 state and national school of character. Um North Shelby School has has undergone a rigorous process uh to to establish themselves as a school of character. Uh they received state designation last year and have continued to push that into national recognition. uh had visited by DPI and folks from uh the character organization there and just a tremendous amount of outpouring of support uh for both the students and staff at North Shelby and the things that that are going on at that school. Let me read uh just a little bit uh about this. Your commitment to excellence in character education is evident by the high praised you received by the North Carolina Schools of Character Selection Committee and Character.org. Thank you for serving as a beacon of light in our state by developing a
006climate and culture in your school that shows character really doesn't matter. Really does matter. Excuse me. The character really does matter in a time where uh in in a time where our world needs more kindness, uh needs high character, uh those those traits are are evident every day at North Shelby School. Um, I can tell you that if you think you're having a bad day, if you think things are life is tough, you go spend a day at North Shelby School and you see the work that that this staff does every day to meet the needs of our students. I would encourage you to go sometime during lunch. Um, what what a heartwarming experience understanding what these people do uh and the commitment they have in serving our students. And so, thank you for the
007work that you do. Thank you for demonstrating that and thank you for setting a challenge that we all uh not only ought to live our lives with character, but we ought to be a school and and a community full of of of character. And it's appropriate that uh here in in anti-bullying awareness month when we're focusing on kindness and we're focused on those attributes that North Shelby is a lighthouse as a beacon of the work that we're doing for high character. Um, in December, uh, North Shelby School with the representatives, uh, maybe not all these representatives, but a group of of folks from North Shelby School will be be at the state board meeting Cleveland County Schools proud, um, and presenting their information, state board, and some state board recognition. So, that's great. So, join
008me tonight in recognizing North Shelby School and their great accomplishments. we'll get an opportunity for you guys to get your picture made. Uh, and just extremely proud of the work that you're doing at North Shelby School. Congratulations. So, as officer as as chairman Shores mentioned, uh this is uh National Bullying Awareness Month. As we recognize the month of October as National Bullying Awareness Month, we're reminded of our shared responsibility to foster learning environments where all students feel safe, supported, and respected. This month serves as a critical opportunity to acknowledge the harmful impacts of bullying, both seen and unseen, and to renew our commitment to prevention and positive culture building. Um, while bullying remains a serious issue in schools across the nation, affecting students academic performance, emotional well-being, and long-term development. Um, whether this bullying takes
009the form of physical intimidation, verbal harassment, uh, social exclusion, or cyber bullying, the consequences are deeply felt by those who experience it. As many of you know and and Chairman Shores just mentioned, October is bullying awareness month. A time dedicated to shining a light on the impact of bullying and the steps we as a community can take to prevent it. It's it's an important opportunity to reflect on the kind of environment we want to create for every student who walks through the doors of our schools. Bullying in all its forms, whether physical, verbal, social, or online, can have lasting and painful effects. It can make students feels isolated, unsafe, and invisible. While awareness of bullying is a critical first step, it must be paired with intentional action. This is where the value of kindness plays
010a vital role. Promoting kindness in our schools is not merely about encouraging polite behavior. It's about cultivating a culture grounded in empathy, respect, and inclusion for all. When kindness becomes the standard, students are empowered to stand up for one another, to celebrate differences, and to contribute to a stronger school community. That is why kindness matters so months. Not just this month, but every single day. Kindness is more than just being nice. It's about showing respect and practicing empathy. When when we lead with kindness, we create classrooms where students feel seen, feel heard, and feel valued. During bullying awareness months, let month, let's recommmit to promoting conversations that empower students to stand up, speak out, support one another, and be kind. Let's make it clear that bullying has no place in our schools and that kindness
011is just not encouraged. It's our expectation. As a part of this effort, Cleveland County Schools has embraced a stand up for kindness campaign that originated through the leadership of our board chair Joel Shores. Mr. Shores has set a challenge for our students and schools to accelerate kindness through our stand up for kindness campaign. So tonight, we're going to recognize our school level stand up for kindness campaign winners for the first nine weeks. So students, when I call your name, please come up. You'll receive a certificate from Dr. Hunnel. Once all students have come up and received their certificates, we will circle around and take a big picture. Um board members, we're just excited that um as we push this stand up for kindness campaign, we have a lot of people doing the right thing in
012our schools. If you read the news, if you watch the news, if you involved with that, there's so many things that can can deter that and can distract us from a lot of young people doing the right things. Uh it's so it's it's great to see an auditorium full tonight with students, parents, school personnel, school administrators recognizing young people for standing up for kindness, for doing the right thing. That's something that is is we think is just as simple as being kind. Yet it's not just that simple. It's really showcasing the words kindness into our actions and the things we do every day. So students, when I call your name, come up and and be greeted by Dr. Hon with certificate. First from Bethware Elementary. Liam Jones from Bowling Springs Elementary. Emma Owens from Burns
013High School. Conrad Kasendi from Burns Middle School. Juan Yuribe [Applause] from Kazer Elementary. River Simpson from Cleveland Early College High School. Landon Olmstead Smith from Crest High School. Michaela Nelms >> from Crest Middle School. Gina the [Applause] from East Elementary School. Nyla Floyd Dr. Hunel, pay attention. >> From Elizabeth Elementary School, Serenity Brown. Serenity, you great job with pledge of allegiance from Grover Elementary School. Ta Jackson from James Love Elementary School. Miracle Ramsour from Fston Elementary. Aiden Smith from Jefferson Elementary. Molly Hayes from Kings Mountain High School. Elizabeth Bolt from Kings Mountain Intermediate School. Bennett Burgess from Kings Mountain Middle School. Emilyn Johnson from North Elementary School. Serenity Jurgen from North Shelby School. Alexa Ruiz from Shelby High School. Lana Scott [Music] >> from Shelby Middle School. Elise Strong, Andrea Husky, and Leah Anderson. from
014Springmore Elementary School. Nick Haley excited to get up here. Dr. He's ready. from Township 3 Elementary. Evan Vincent from Union Elementary. Kennedy Elliott from Washington Elementary. Addison Pike and from West Elementary, Lily Falls. Members of the board, these are your first nine weeks stand up for kindness winners, and these young people have demonstrated what we want to see uh in our schools. students. Uh we will have winners for the second nine weeks, the third nine weeks, and then at the end of the year, we'll have a grand prize winner for some cash. So, I know everybody's excited about that. So, if everybody if you guys will come on around [Music] You might have a future. Go get your parents now. Let's give another round of applause. And for anybody that needs photo arranging, Dr. Hunnel
015is available after after program. Thank you guys. Thank you for being kind. Appreciate what you do every day. Uh thank you for your leadership in your schools. It is appreciated and obviously it is noticed. Make sure before you leave tonight or as you leave, make sure you tell your parents or your grandparents or whoever brought you tonight, thank you for bringing you out and thank you for what they do as well. Obviously, their kindness has has rubbed off on you and you do a great job of exhibiting uh kindness in our schools. So, thank you. [Applause] I would like to make one announcement before all of you get out. Uh we've had several other people uh that have contributed to the educational foundation for this cause. If anyone watching tonight or anyone in audience would
016like to uh contribute financially to this cause, just contact uh Dr. Fiser or uh the president of the Cleveland County Educational Foundation, Jamie uh Davis. Uh but it's greatly appreciated. Thank y'all for coming tonight. Oh yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, it's just a kind of a glimpse. [Music] Okay, Mr. How >> good evening, >> Mr. Chairman? Me? >> Yeah, just one second. I I apologize. Okay, >> Mr. Chairman, members of the board, I'm here this evening to recognize and commend several outstanding individ individuals whose quick actions and professionalism recently saved the lives of students within Cleveland County schools. This time I'd like to call up Deputy Greg Johnson with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Beth Wear Elementary School staff members Allison Benfield, Cameron Clark, Michelle Franklin, and Nicole Fonsa while they're coming up. On September
017the 11th, 2025 at Crest Middle School, school resource officer Deputy Greg Johnson of the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office responded immediately when a student began choking during the school day. Deputy John Johnson performed abdominal thrust maneuver, formerly known as the Himlik maneuver, successfully clearing the students airway and preventing a potential tragedy. His decisive response and commitment to the student safety exemplify the highest standards of service. Likewise, on October the 2nd, 2025 at Bethware Elementary School, staff members Allison Benfield, Cameron Clark, Michelle Franklin, and Nicole Fonsa demonstrated exceptional care and purs and and presence of mind when a student experienced a similar emergency. Working together, they also performed the abdominal thrust maneuver uh effectively dislodging the obstruction and saving the student's life. The quick thinking, training, and teamwork displayed by Deputy Johnson and the Bethware Elementary School
018staff reflect extraordinary dedication to the safety and well-being of our students. Their actions are example of the compassion and professionalism that define our school community. On behalf of the students, staff, and families of Cleveland County Schools, we want to express our deepest appreciation to those individuals for their heroic efforts. Their courage and readiness to act in moments of crisis bring great pride and credit to our schools and our entire school district. So, at this time, they're standing in front of you. I I can't think of a better time that I could stand up and recognize individuals who did the right thing at the right time. And we have two students in our county that are still here because of their actions. [Applause] Good job. >> Good job. >> Great job. Good job. >> Yeah. Just
019stand. Great job. [Applause] That's uh that's exceptional right there. Yes, it is. >> All right, we'll give them just a minute. >> Ginger, I need ginger. This done went all right. At this time, uh, I'll entertain a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. >> Commission chairman. >> Yes, sir. amendment. First, I've got about two and a half, three pages of questions to ask policy and personnel files. I move that this be sorry about that. I move that this be tabled until these two policies until uh next time unless you want me to go through all my questions tonight. >> Uh not on personnel issues and open meeting. Uh, >> can you clarify >> the personnel policy and then the one on personnel files? >> Oh, you're talking about the policies for adoption. I miss
020I misunderstood you. >> Yes. >> Uh, >> it's uh >> Yeah, we can we can deal with those when we get there. >> All right. I heard Mr. Where is Mr. rig first and second and we will you can have your questions when you when we get to there. Okay. All right. All those in favor? All right. That passes 90. All right. At this time, I'll entertain a motion to for the approval of the minutes from September 8th, 2025. Close session October 7th, 2025. >> Mr. Bridges made a motion. Mr. Humphre made a second. Any discussion? All those in favor? That's nine to zero. All right. Finance and personnel. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The October 1st Finance and Personnel Committee meeting was called to order by committee chair Aaron Bridges. Rod McDaniel shared that there
021have been no changes in the state budget. No budget has been approved. We do not anticipate any additional mini bills at this time. So, we are opening on the current information we have at this time. Mr. Mr. McDaniel shared that the December pay date for employees will be December 31st, 2025. This will be a change for employees as they typically have been paid on the last teacher workday. Uh this change complies with the state law regarding pay for teachers. This has been communicated to employees. Mr. McDaniel shared that the 2025 2026 proposed b beginning budget resolution highlighting how the budget is set up in sections by purpose and funding source. Each section was discussed by the committee. The budget res resolution was unanimously supported and recommended by approval by the full board in their October
022meeting. Eric Lammana shared a state health plan update. Open enrollment is in October 2025. Communications have been set out to employees and will continue to be set out this month. Mr. Lab list Mr. Lammana, excuse me, shared that the human resources department is working on various mandatory reports for NCDPI relating to staffing. Dr. Fischer shared that the shared the draft 25 2026 2030 strategic plan was some tweaks to the education and policy goals. This will be put on the board agenda in October as an information item and in November as an action item. Dr. Fiser and Dr. Wampler shared three options for the 2026 2027 school calendar along with feedback from teachers and the community. The committee discussed the options. Selection of the 2026 2027 calendar will come to the board for approval at their
023October meeting. With no new business, the meeting was adjourned. The next finance and personnel committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 at 11:45 a.m. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Bridges. coming from committee is a proposed uh beginning budget resolution. It does come from committee. Any questions on that? >> Yes, sir. I I I made a phone call to question why we're having to go to the 30th and I never got no uh statement back that we have written document that we cannot pay on the last school day instead of going to the 30th like we've always done uh because they use that money for Christmas and also on our unclassified uh staff uh like substitutes, TAS, uh bus drivers. Uh I'm still pushing that we go twice a month. They go for three
024months without pay. And for what little they make, it's it's tough to budget uh for three months without uh any money. And I feel like that uh if unless they're a state law and we can prove that that that is a state law, we need to think about going back to help our staff uh that's getting paid uh that little amounts uh you know like the teachers assistance, the bus drivers and all of that food nutrition and that to twice a month. >> Okay. I I think I heard two concerns in there. I think I heard the one concerning this. Did I hear anything on this budget? That was that the one about paying? >> Yes. At the end of December, I I did bring that up that why are we switching? Are they state
025documentation showing? >> Uh >> well, I made a phone call and they couldn't nobody tell me. >> Okay. >> Down there. So, I'd like to see paperwork that we have to switch at for our employees, but we're taking all their benefits away. >> Okay. Um, I'm not I don't have the answer to your question. Um, Dr. Fischer, do you want to kind of >> throw your two cents in? >> Absolutely, sir. Um, fir first of all, really that that question really doesn't have anything to do with the budget. >> Okay. Um the budget is what the budget is. That's the recommended budget. That's that's more of a semantics and organization of payroll structure. So it really has nothing to do with the budget. However, that is a state law. Uh that is something that we
026have to we're supposed to pay on the last day of the month. And while, you know, we've communicated that, you know, a couple times uh over the last several weeks to to you guys, um I do think in the long run this is a positive because what we hear a lot of times more often is when we pay teachers at the the last working day, last student day of December, then it is a long time between Christmas break and then January. It's almost six could be almost six and a half weeks before they get paid again. this pay set when we're paying at the end of December will be more in line with how they're normally played on the last day of the month. But the it it is a a a part of state
027financial systems that you are to pay the last uh day of the month. >> Okay. Uh I agree with you 100% there. What about those that goes three months without getting a paycheck? Well, so you know, in terms of of paying people twice a month, we discussed that in in in great detail at the uh at a finance and personnel committee and and based on that conversation, there was really no appetite to to move forward with that. Um, you know, while it s does seem good on the on >> on on the front end, um, it does create issues when we allow uh employees to, for example, um, they do payroll deductions or they have things drafted from their check and then if you break that check into half, then that really messes that up
028because half the check, they may have more deductions coming out than that first half is there. um the the lag time between getting paid is really only at the inception of their employment. That is the big time that allows and again it's just like uh in most jobs you work and you get paid for time that you've worked. So because of the calendar that we have and because the payroll happens it really happens to be when you begin working especially there at the beginning of the year. Um the other piece of that is, you know, teachers uh that classified folks are paid uh there in September and and they're paid again. They get that check in June. So once they start working, it it's not as big of a deal as the original onset of
029their employment. >> Why getting these calls from people that's been working with us for 15, 18 years, but who's on that finance? >> They need if they you're getting calls and and quite honest, Mr. that that's not something that we get a lot of calls on about uh you know paying that. We don't hear from those folks. So we I would encourage you to have them call our office to be able to we can walk through that they're getting paid in September and then getting paid in June. So if we you know a lot of times what we hear is I'm going to get paid in August. You get paid in August and you're only get you're not going to get paid your pay will stop in in May. So you still have two months
030there that that you know those 10-month employees are still only going to have two months that they're not getting paid. Who's on that committee? So I know who to talk to >> on the itself. >> Right there, >> Mr. Fisher. >> This is more of >> right. Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, Mr. Blandon. Uh, I've kind of we've kind of got off the agenda. Okay. What I would encourage you to do is either talk to Dr. Fiser or talk to this committee because I' I've been gracious by letting us go down this rabbit hole. It's really not on the agenda. But if you'll just check with them. And what what I want to do now is I want to about the rabbit hole. This is on the agenda. >> You talked about
031the the price the the that December >> and I brought that up in >> I I I think I said I was want entertain a motion. I mean a a vote on the proposed beginning budget resolution. No, we're talking about the December that pay going from the last uh last day of school. >> That was that was in the committee report. I read the committee report. That was from the committee report. >> Okay. Is that not what we're supposed to be discussing in here? >> We're No, we're discussing the proposed budget that we're fixing to vote on. >> Okay. If you would just get with Dr. Fischer that committee and and and you can get attend the committee and and and bring it up. Okay. What I'd like to do now is vote on the
032U proposed beginning budget resolution. Any questions on that? Okay. All those in favor of that? All those opposed? All right. That's 8 to one. All right. Personnel report. Uh, I need a motion and a second on the personnel report that's been presented to you. Move >> to approve. >> Mr. Humphrey's made the motion. Mr. Bridges uh made the second. Any discussion on the personnel report, which can't really discuss a lot. All right. All in favor? That's all opposed? 8 to one. All right. Safety and operations. Mr. Sperling. >> The September 29th safety and operations committee meeting was called to order by committee chair Walter Sperling. Daniel House shared a SEF safety update. He has been meeting with each school administrative team to discuss their individual school risk management plan to ensure all plans are up
033to date. David Ples shared updates from transportation. Ridership reports were collected in September and we are hoping for increased ridership. We are still working with DMV on training additional drivers education teachers. Rodney Borders shared a brief update on his work with law enforcement. He and share he shared that schools are working proactively to avoid bigger issues. Sandy Hamrik shared that multiple schools are doing Steuart with hello programs and an emphasis on improved social interaction among students. Miss Hamrich shared that we are looking to extend our peer and mentoring programs to additional schools. We are continuing to work with schools and our staff to ensure we have training and dealing on dealing with grief and trauma. Dr. Fiser shared information regarding a recently developed prek prehome visit questionnaire to help with ensuring a positive safe environment
034for these visits. Dr. Fischer shared that second secondary administrators have been discussing a clear bag policy for athletic events. A draft policy was shared for discussion. The committee is in favor of this procedure. Mr. Phillip Lane from the city of Shelby shared about a recent incident with a car on fire at Elizabeth Elementary School. He praised Chip Childers and David Ples for their quick and appropriate response in putting out the fire. Probation officer Carmen Clark reported that they have collected school supplies to be donated to a school. Miss Ham will work with them on getting this donation to a school there. There were no other agency reports. Dr. Fish Dr. Fischer shared an update on Marian school the Marian school uh property. The committee heard a proposal from the nonprofit profit group one more one
035less. Dr. Wampler and Chip Childers shared the capital project report. This report will be shared with the full board as an information item at their October meeting. Daniel Sherman shared an update on the Kings Mountain High School gym floor project. Mr. share, excuse me, m Mr. Childers gave a roofing update on Kings Mountain High. Dr. Wampler and Mr. Childers shared bids received to replace one of the children's chillers at Township 3 Elementary School. They recommended accepting the low lowest bid from Piatt and the amount of $196,000 which includes contingency. This project will be paid for using the public school building report repair and renovation funds. The committee supported the recommendation and it will go to the full board for approval at their October meeting. Dr. Wapler and Mr. Childers share shared bids received for re-roofing
036the re-roofing of B Bowl Bowling Springs Elementary School. This roof had damage from a recent hell storm and has and has been submitted to insurance for coverage. They recommended accepting the lowest bid from gutter guys in the amount of $32,000 which includes contingency. The committee supported the recommendation and it will go to the full board for approval at their October meeting. Dr. Wampler shared a list of CTE surplus items from Rhonda Benfield for approval. These items are no longer needed or are broken. The committee supported the recommendation and it will go to the full board for approval in October. Dr. Fiser reviewed the draft strategic plan with an updated action step. The committee was in agreement with the plan. Dr. Wppler shared the 2026 to 2027 school calendar options with the committee. The committee discussed
037the options. The calendar will come up for a vote and approval at the next board meeting. Dr. Fischer shared a request from TPA principal Anita Wear and the TPA school improvement team to name the wait room after Jim Jim Putnham and the multi-purpose room after Adam Floyd. Both of these are past employees who who have passed away. The committee supported the recommendation and it will go to the full board for approval in October. The committee went into close session as defined in GS143-3181A3 to consult with the attorney. With no additional business, the meeting was adjourned. The next safety and operation committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 27th, 2025 at 11:45 a.m. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Sperling. Uh there are several items that come from committee uh with their approval. Number one's resolution of safeguarding
038our children from vaping and nicotine township. Number three, chiller replacement bids, Boiling Springs roof bids, CTE surplus, and TPA room name request. Any questions on any of those items? Yes, sir. >> Yes. Why do we have to give out the content uh fee that we're going to add to a bid if if they find hidden cost after they put their bid in and and our maintenance people sees that, then we've got that money to go there. But if you tell put it out there up front, most people they're going to drop their bid down just a little bit to try to get it and and they going to they'll find some way using that plan, that content money. Why is that a law that we have to tell that upfront? uh uh let them put
039their bid in. If if they're doing a roof and they don't find anything wrong except for that roof and until they get those shingles tore off, well and good. But if they do find it, call our mainten, let them check it. Yes, that is hidden c hidden something wrong. And then we put that bid out there. But I think we throw money away just about every time. >> Dr. Fischer, do you want to talk about the contingency? >> I know we've been doing it for a long time. >> I I can, but I I mean I think that's industry standard of of putting contingency in there. If you don't have a contingency, then when you go over, it's going to be like, well, this is over now. You I think you open yourself up to
040a lot more speculation and liability and and uncertainty of what you're spending there. But the contingency fee of of 10% or whatever 15 whatever that that that job calls for, it's still a competitive bid process um that is monitored by our project managers and our operations department. So that's pretty standard operating procedure I think in in you know putting operations out to bid. >> Okay. Thank you Dr. Fischer. Uh Mr. Blandon I guess if uh the board would have to change that. >> Well you're on that committee so >> all right. Yeah. More policy. >> Yes sir. Come please come forward please. I don't have a problem. >> Good even the contingency money is not part of the bid process. We add that internally after the bids come in. >> So the the the person
041when we send it out for bid, they have no clue what we're thinking the contingencies. >> No. U take for instance the roof bid for Bowen Springs. uh gutter guys actual bid was 279124 and then we add contingency to that in case we have any rotten woodwork and then after this job is done it's specific to what we can use it for but that money is reusable as long as it's in the same calendar year >> okay did that help you know that >> not up front no sir >> Mr. Mr. G, >> that is that is our practice. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Uh, Mr. Childers, what who sets the um percentage on these? I've noticed on a couple of them it's different percentages. Is there some reason there's >> It's It's our
042history with the building and our uh a lot of times we have a Wednesday maintenance committee that meets every Wednesday. uh we'll throw that around the table. Uh if if one of my supervisors knows that building better than I do, uh take for instance the chiller bid. >> That's not my expect, you know, that's not my u >> expertise >> specialy. Yes. But I do have two people sitting there that do do that. So, you know, they make that recommendation. A lot of times it'll be Dr. Blankler and myself that'll actually do the percentages, but we take all the information into account. >> Mr. Sperling, >> I'd like to point out too that the these estimates come to the committee for approval and we also approve in committee the committee approves the contingency of percentages
043and then it comes to the board. So, so, uh, it the place to to dispute how much the contingency are contingencies are or even if we put them on would be the committee. Okay. >> Not not tonight. Tonight's board should be approving the the plan and if it isn't approved, it would go back to committee. >> But we do not put that in as as part of their actual bid. >> I think that was Mr. Blandon's question. the the viders are not aware of it prior. Okay. Thank you. >> All right, >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> If that's the case, why does it not come before the full board instead of only the committee? >> It does. We're voting on a contingency tonight. >> But he said it went before the committee. And
044if the committee didn't like it >> first, >> then it didn't go to the board, >> right? It goes to committee first. If they approve it, it goes on to the board. That's what we're voting on tonight. Okay, that's what I was wanting to know. >> We're not by full. >> I know I'm that's the reason I'm asking the question. >> Have another question, Mr. Chairman. On the uh CTE surplus, it says I believe that you read that it is either broken or not needed for use anymore. Does that mean that the uh the surplus material could be in good shape but that particular department does not need it? >> I go ahead. >> I read these items are no longer needed or are broken. Right. So, so yes, they could be uh serviceable and
045and and outdated and and so the schools determined they were no longer needed because they've been replaced or or you know the uh you had 10 and now you've only got one left because the rest of them broke or something to that effect. And so they they come to us then to uh to be recommended for surplus. >> Not concerned about that. Okay. I understand that. What I'm questioning is if these uh materials or equipment is in good shape or is okay to be used other places. Is it recommended or is it transferred to another school to another area? Yeah. So Rhonda Benfield and her team does a really good job replay or sending equipment to other schools if it's needed in other schools. >> Good. These are items that are not needed countywide. >>
046I didn't want us to get rid of stuff that's good and uh have a need for it in another school or something. Okay, >> that's my answer. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Le. All right. Now, with that being said and all the question, thank y'all. Uh, I'm going to take a vote on all these items. All in favor? That's nine to zero. All right. Education, programs, and policy. Mr. Oh, Miss Sherman. >> Yes. >> I'm sorry, Miss Sherman. >> Oh, it's fine. Okay. Um, the September 30th educational programs and policy committee meeting was called to order at James Love Elementary School by committee chairman Ron Ure. Dr. Jason Parker and Dr. Brian Hunnel shared information related to the reading horizons program. Sarah Stit, our partnership consultant from Reading Horizons shared an overview of the
047program and the connection to the science of reading research. The committee then participated in a classroom visit to see the reading horizons program in action. Dr. Steven Fischer reminded the committee that eight policies with legal updates based on recent legislation are up for approval at their October meeting. Those policies are 3210 parental inspection of an objection to instructional materials, 3320 school trips, 4130 out of district admission, Emergency Epinephrine Auto injector devices 6125 Administering Medicines to students. public records retention release and disposition 7820 personnel files and 7100 recruitment and selection of personnel. Dr. Fiser and Leah Sink shared information related to HB959. Mrs. Sync suggested some additional language to be added to policy 3225, 4312, and 7320, technology responsible use, to clarify responsibilities related to public library materials. The committee agreed with this addition and this
048policy update will go to the full board for a first read in October. Rhonda Banfield shared two soul source requests for approval. Paxton Patterson is the sole source vendor for the career discovery construction lab learning systems that are requested for board approval for use at Shelby Middle School. One request is in the amount of $38,56721 and will be funded using monies provided by Bean Construction. The second request is in the amount of $11,82256 and will be funded using federal funds for CTE. The committee supported those these requests which will go to the full board for approval in October. Dr. Hun shared the Head Start documents for approval. The committee recommends approval of these documents which will go to the full board for approval in October. Dr. Hunnel shared a field trip request from Crest High
049School for an optional overseas field trip to Amsterdam and Paris in the spring of 2027. The committee supported the trip and it will come to the board for approval at their October meeting. Dr. Hunnel shared the school improvement plans. The committee discussed the plans and process. The committee supported the plans and they will go to the full board for approval at the October meeting. Dr. Fischer reviewed the draft strategic plan with one tweak to the educational and policy goals based on feedback from the committee at their last meeting. The committee further discuss the goals and action steps. Dr. Fiser also shared three options for the 2026 2027 school calendar along with feedback from teachers and the community. The committee discussed the options. Selection of a 20 2026 2027 calendar will come to the board for
050approval at their October meeting. With no additional new business, the meeting was adjourned. The next educational and policy committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. >> Thank you, Miss Sherman. Next on the agenda is policy for first read. That' be policy 3225 4312 7320 technology responsible use. No action needed tonight. Mr. Leford, which policies were you mentioning at the open? It was and which other one? >> 7100 first. >> Okay. and personnel files. I will move that to a third read at our next meeting. Um, >> that might be a simple answer. >> Well, he said he had 21 questions, so I don't think is it a simple >> one question? >> Well, it could be not. >> All right. Well, we'll just we'll move it. >> Let let me
051just throw this. >> I think Mrs. Sain and I need to review these. >> But let let me make sure you understand. Yeah, >> this is the ones that came from the state school board association because of changes in state law. We didn't have these are not optional for us. >> We had we have to change these to meet >> that's okay. I'm not concerned about that. But I'm concerned about some of the wording and some of the things like for example in u in the first paragraph there it talks about u let's see the beginning of the sentence. It is the policy of the board to provide all applicants for employment with equal employment opportunities and to provide current employees with training compensation promotion and other benefits of employment without regard to race, color,
052religion, national origin, military affiliation, genetic information, sex, age, or disability. except when sex, age, or physical requirements are essential occupational qualifications. >> Okay. >> Chairman, what order? What positions question? >> Hold on. Hold on. I got to point >> order. >> Yes, sir. >> The the uh that first paragraph is not in the scope of what we're voting on. >> The that that is not part of the change. That is part of the old >> this chairman of the board. >> This is what we're going to do. We're going to move those for a third read. End of discussion. You get your answers. They'll be brought up next meeting. Now, we are going to vote on >> important question for >> Yeah. >> So, these changes were made so that we would comply with law.
053Third won't work because we're talking about wholesale changes in this. So it would have to go through another entire cycle if we make changes other than the one that's already made. >> If changes are made, >> right? So would it not be prudent to vote on this particular change that has already gone through that's been laying here for 60 days and then have Mr. Leadford come to the committee meeting and question if there's additional changes the committee feels like being made. So, it's a two-step process instead of lumping it all into one thing. >> The the board can take either legally. The board could take either path. I have no concerns with with moving those two to a third read. Be more than happy to go through any questions you have. If changes are needed,
054we would need additional readings. However, if the board chooses to vote as is, and then bring those policies to the next policy committee meeting, add additional changes. We would run through a first read, then be set for approval, so it' be another 60 days. Um, my suspicion is that we'll be able to work through those questions and that additional changes will likely not be necessary. So, a third read does not give me concern, but the board legally could could take either path. >> Can I ask a question? >> Mr. Humphford is the reason I'm questioning some of these things is to keep us out of trouble with either EEOC uh uh Asha or whatever. and uh it's my responsibility as a trained human resource professional to understand to know what what is taking place. >>
055So >> well wait Mr. Bridges had a question for the attorney. >> So these are come from the state. This is from the this is law though. So what is I mean I don't understand if the state is telling us to do this what the question would be on why we should not approve this tonight. >> All right. As the attorney said she thinks that once she meets with Mr. effort, all of this will go by the wayside. I don't want to sit up here and argue back and forth about what's state law, what's not state law, what's this, what's that. If the attorney and Mr. Leer can get together, he's satisfied. We're going to move this to a third read. Next board meeting, we'll take it up. That's my decision. I'm sticking with it.
056>> That's my original question. >> All right. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. I don't mean to be so cruel, but you know, we're let's just try to make it simple and get his answers to his questions. With that being said, I will vote. We will be voting on >> I didn't hear Miss Sherman when she talked about those dollar amounts on that one thing that she read on her. >> Would you mind repeating that please? Uh-huh. >> He should have a copy of it back. >> I don't have it in front of M. Sherman, which >> Well, there are several different things that had dollar amounts. >> Do you remember what it was concerning? >> Beans and uh beans and >> the money they donated. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Um, one request in the
057amount of $38,56721 will be funded using monies provided by Bean Construction. >> 39,000 38 >> 38 38 >> 38,000 >> 56721 >> other 11,8226 as federal funds. >> You good? All right. Policy 3320, policy 4130, policy 5024, 6127, 7266, policy 5070, 7350, and policy 6125 has come to us before committee. Any question on those? All those in favor? It's nine to zero. All right. Next is also comes from committee uh the Shelby Middle School constructions labs one and two head start items and Crest uh high school Amsterdam and Parish Trip and school improvement plans for the elementary schools in the middle and high schools. Those come from committee. Any questions on that? With none, all in favor that passes non zero. Dr. Fiser, couple of superintendent updates for you tonight. Um, I know it's maybe
058hard for you to believe, definitely hard for me to believe that we finished the first nine weeks of school already. Um, that ended on Friday, teacher work day today. Um, Tuesday will begin uh the second nine weeks for our students. Uh, so just excited about that that second quarter coming. Um, tomorrow night you've gotten invitations. I think you you've e you've had that emailed to you several times. You may have an invitation at your spot. We do have a circle of honor recognition tomorrow night for uh employees who have had certain lengths of service. We're excited about recognizing that uh and celebrating with those folks tomorrow night at L Grand at 6:30. Um we do have just as a reminder we do have a special education, excuse me, a special call board meeting uh next
059Tuesday on the 21st uh regard continuing discussion on Marian. There is information post online already on that for that meeting. Uh as well you got some committee meetings there. Uh you can continue to go. gets us into November uh there with the November board meeting, Veterans Day. Uh draw your attention to the Heroes and Agape banquet, which is Tuesday, November 18th at the Lrand uh Thanksgiving holidays, and then uh it's Christmas. So, uh it's hard to believe, but we're here at the middle of October. Um football season's going to be finishing up. We got, I think, three regular season weekends and playoffs will start for fall sports. And so we're at that time we're feeling the air uh some some nice things in the fall. So uh exciting good good first nine weeks of school
060looking forward to good things as we move into the second nine weeks not included in your superintendent update but some additional things I'd like to mention um is as you know we have a new student information system um power school is gone. I I incorrectly sometimes still refer to it as power school, but it is infinite campus now or a lot of times you'll just see that as NCCS, which is a North Carolina student information system. And one of the things that that we've tried to do and schools have tried to do is really push out uh parental access to NCC. Uh making sure that parents create their login information, parents have access to uh progress reports, um all student grades, student attendance, all that stuff in the student information system. And so far in
061that first nine weeks, we're up to a little over 55% of our parents who have logged in, created that account, which is pretty good for this time of year. We want to continue to push that um, you know, well into the 80s and 90s in terms of parents who participate. So, we'll continue to work on that. Uh, and parents need to make sure that they have are creating that account inc uh, to make sure they can help keep up with their students information. If uh parents have questions about that, they can need to contact their child's school and they can help them get get set situated in NCCS. Um and then third, October is National Principal Appreciation Month and we just are so appreciative of our wonders wonder wonderful school-based administrators. Uh they do a
062wonderful job every day of of leading in their buildings um captaining those ships. uh just tremendous people that that are responsible for a lot and leading schools and doing a lot of things in in our school buildings. Just a really appreciate appreciation for those administrators. Um so the next item is our 2026 to 2030 strategic plan. Uh this has been something we've worked on uh with board members and committees for several months. Um, you've got a a final draft of that strategic plan. Uh, we took the board's committee structure and looked at that and we have a policy and educational program section of that strategic plan. We have a safety and operations section and then we have a finance and personnel section. So we believe that three these three pillars which make up the board's
063organization also help us to define from a strategic plan where we're going under policy and educational programs. We have three goals. Goal one is to increase academic growth and proficiency across all grade levels. And underneath that goal, you can see five action steps that are real that are that are very measurable. They're very specific that are targeted and the things that we believe are important for for our district. Uh goal two is to provide innovative, engaging educational opportunities and increase student success and community impact. Again, under that goal, you have three action steps. Again, very specific, very measurable, trying to articulate the direction we want to go. And then goal three is to reduce chronic absenteeism to pro to improve student outcomes. Uh and there are three action steps inside of each of those. Um
064as you can see, the goal under each pillar is is uh broad more broad. uh you know it's not as measurable but when we get to those action steps it is very measurable very specific of the target the actions that we want to see under safety operations we have two goals uh goal one foster safe and positive inclusive environments uh there are four action steps there and then goal two is to maintain and modernize facilities to support high quality teaching and future growth and there are three action steps in under that goal and then finally under the pillar of finance and personnel we have two goals to recruit retain and recognize high quality educators and staff. There are five action steps in that. And then in goal two uh is ensure efficient and effective use
065of district resources. And there are three action steps. Uh we want to we want to be very, you know, specific with our goals. Again, I think that if you have more than than two to three um goals inside of a a family or entitlement organization, uh when you get that spread out too thin, you don't accomplish it accomplish any of those things. Um there is this you know you know duplication a lot of times of sometimes folks will want to have 10 or 12 goals and then you don't accomplish any of those because you're spread too thin. So in each of those pillars we have two or three goals that we feel good about and we appreciate the board's work and each committee meeting really focusing in on those conversations. Um so this is for
066information tonight. This is kind of the public unveiling of of that work that's being done. We you know encourage any communication, any feedback, any conversations about that. It is our plan to bring this strategic plan back to the board uh in November for approval as we look to make the next steps of 26 through uh 2030. The current strategic plan which is done in 2020 uh excuse me 2021 and ran through 2025 is expiring at the end of this year. Uh this gives a roadmap to success for the future. So Mr. Chairman be glad to try to answer any questions that the board members have about superintendent updates or strategic plan. If not we uh just provide that for your information tonight. >> Any questions? >> I have one. >> Mr. Sp. So, uh, you
067said about 55% on the new, uh, parent portal for lack of being a not being able to say what it is. >> Infinite campus. Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, uh, how's that compare to the to the amount of parents that were using uh, the power school before you switched? >> Ginger, do you have a It's up. I I think we've done a better job, Mr. Sperling, of being intentional with that. And sometimes that with a new product, we've really tried to push hard to make sure that that that this new product is parents are logging into that, keeping up with that. When P school came on um you know, years ago that that wasn't a push. It wasn't something a lot of things did. So, a lot of places really pushed. So, you know, over
068time that just was hard to really have a a blitz on that. So, our schools have really done a good job through parent teacher conferences. will continue to do that in the spring, making sure that we get parents logged in to to the infinite campus push. I I will brag on technology uh and I'll brag on our entire staff, not just technology. I think Jinger will be the first one. We we have had great Infinite Campus leadership with that, but our schools have done a wonderful job of of championing this. There are districts that are near to us that hadn't even opened the parent portal yet uh just because of some of the issues they've had with transition. And um you know, like any major transition with that, there's been a couple bumps in the
069roads, but our our team has done a phenomenal job of of navigating that and uh getting us in a good spot with with student information. >> Chairman, I'd just like to say the reason why I asked that is that's parents first step to being involved within the school. So, good job. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? Yes, sir. Well, are we going to move on down to the student transfers? I don't mean to ask this question, Dr. I'll leave there. >> Yeah. I mean, uh, are you are you going to speak on student transfers? >> I hadn't planned on it, but >> I can answer a general question about transfers. >> You got a general question for those transfers are just for information. They're not for approval. >> And you you'll have to probably
070look information up. How many uh grade levels at each school are we at capacity at each school? I'd like to have those numbers at our next meeting or whenever we're going be doing because I'm looking at these transfers here and stuff and I noticed there one year at capacity. So I just come up with just at each school. How many grade levels is at each school or at capacity? >> All right. Thank you, Dr. Fischer. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next is our public participation. Mr. Bridges, do you read our rules, please? >> Public comment should not address any specific confidential student or personnel matters. Specific concerns related to confidential student or personnel matters should be directed to the superintendent or designate. Comments must be relevant to the matters that are within the authority
071of the board. Speakers shall refrain from personal attacks or threats directed toward staff, elected board members, or members of the public. Speakers shall be courteous in their language and presentation, insults, profanity, use of language, use of vulgar language or gestures or other inappropriate behaviors are not allowed. The board vests in its chair or other presiding officers to terminate the remarks of any individual when he or she does not adhere to these rules established above. Any person who willfully interrupts or disturbs 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 of the Cleveland County Board of Education are without authority to act independently
072as individuals in official manners official matters. Immediate answers are not generally possible and must be deferred pending investigation and consideration by the full board. >> Thank you, Mr. Bridges. U I think it's Jonathan Bman. >> Hello, my name is Kim Beerman and this is my husband John. >> Maybe. Yeah, we're >> Is that better? >> That's a lot better. Thank >> you. >> Okay. My name is Kim Beerman and this is my husband John and we are coming to the board to promote some amazing things that our seniors could do at the high schools. I think that it would be really neat for the seniors to be able to paint their parking spots to show pride in their school as well as showing their individuality and because there's a lot of kids out there that
073are very artistic and I think that would just be a great thing to incorporate into our school system here in Cleveland County. And then the other thing that I want to propose is potentially bringing like a homecoming dance where we announce homecoming king and queen at the dance instead of at like the football game instead of having a parade. Do a dance for the kids. And I think that would create more memories for these high schoolers to take with them as they grow. And that's like really all the word that I can come up with. Do you want to add anything to it? just uh different type of events that they can have open to them to help create more memories because currently um as parents of a Burns Burns High School child, we can
074see that there's not a whole lot of events for seniors to participate in besides um obviously the senior prank day, which doesn't ever seem to go over well for most schools um across the board, but some other just year-long activities that they kind of keep their memory especially like she was saying about the parking spot painting, they could pay a fee. Um we know that East Gaston and some Gaston schools do participate in it. Um that they could pay a fee to the school, paint their spot, and at the end of the year they'd have to wash it off or do something to remove the paint and return it back to its standard appearance. So, >> thank you. Thank you. Thank you for coming. All right. >> Thank you. All right. Next on the agenda
075is board member comments. We'll start with this side and come across. Mr. Sperling or did you Okay, Mr. Sperling. I'd just like to congratulate North Shelby first of all for the 2020 again for the 2025 state national school of character. Uh great accomplishment. Uh the stand up for kindness. What a great program that is. And uh and I'd like to thank our lifesaving team. I'd say for lack of better words, but uh what a great job they did. Uh I do want to point out, you know, out of out of all the bad things you might hear go on, uh you know, it's like it's like bad things overpower good things. For uh in the military, we used to say for every hundred good things you did, the one bad thing will will erase them
076all. and and that tends to be the same way in life. So, uh I I want to keep uh it really I just want to bring to the forefront every chance I get. Uh Cleveland County Schools does good things and we have good students, we have good teachers, we have good administrators. Uh we're we're uh ranking right at the top one of the best places to work at. We have uh uh what was it? uh seven schools that that went up a grade in in in the grading system on our schools. So, I mean, we have some great things going on. So, just keep that in mind. >> Thank you, Mr. Sp. Thank everybody for what they do. Just to let everybody know, I received another anomalous letter. Why don't you sign it? Why don't
077we have a talk? Because I'm going to keep working for every last staff and every last child in this district as long as I'm here and the dollars. >> Thank you, Mr. Blandon. You have anything, Mr. >> Yes, real briefly. Um it was great to have the opportunity to visit the third grade classroom during our committee meeting at James Love to see reading risings and in process. It it's an amazing program. There's there's no wonder why our grades are coming up. It it's it's just brill brilliantly constructed. Uh also like to thank beam construction. Uh that's a rather large chunk of money that they provided to for those uh construction kits for our CTE students and we talked about them briefly. They're getting a cement mixer. Hey, how awesome is that? So it it's a
078great opportunity for those students to be exposed to construction. So any great >> Mr. First of all, congratulations to the United States and Israel for bringing back all their hostages they had uh uh overseas today. Uh I think that's a very great accomplishment uh not only for Israel but for the United States as well. Second, I want to congratulate Kazer School for their 100th year celebration. Uh tremendous crowd there and uh I think the people enjoyed themselves. They had a section where uh they could go in the library and look at uh old annuals and old paperwork and see things that had happened. So congratulations to them. Uh third, uh congratulate all the ones that were here today. Yes, saving a life is a very very important thing. Uh I hope you might consider that
079to go before the American Red Cross for a life-saving award. They deserve it and uh they do that. I guess the nearest one to us here is Gaston County. I don't know, but uh it it would be great to have them recognized by the American Red Cross as well. Um other than that, I mean, I think we're doing well. I think we're doing some excellent things in the school. Um I think that we are uh accomplishing a lot and uh all I can say is just keep up the work and continue forward. >> Thank you, Mr. delivered. Miss Sherman, >> first of all, I'd like to thank Dr. Fiser for engaging the board and um giving us an opportunity to add to the goals on the strategic plan. I think it was back in the
080summer when we had our retreat the first time that you asked for us to give some feedback to you and I really appreciate that. It's not as easy as it sounds when you start trying to narrow it down and make things that are goals that are effective and measurable and but we have a great strategic plan and um I'm looking forward to seeing us work to meet those goals. I also wanted to commend the principles, teachers on their school improvement plans. um school improvement plans take hours and hours and hours and lots of meetings to get those together and narrow those down as well into goals that are meaningful and measurable. So, um I know that a lot of hard work goes into creating those plans. And then the last thing, it was great to
081see all our students and parents tonight and I look forward to seeing more of them in the future. >> Thank you, M. Sherman. Mr. Grigg, you have anything? I always enjoy going to North Shelby and and it was like it was said tonight, you know, if you're having a bad day, you might want to stop in over there and you're going to find out you're probably not having a really bad day. These these people that work over there are some of the best teachers for our system. They really have to deal with a lot at that school. And I enjoy going over there every chance I get. and make sure you put me down for any kind of um event that they're going to have. I try to make sure that I make it to
082all of them. And um you know, we've got a lot of good people in our school system and I appreciate each and every one of you. the um lifesaving um thing. I was kind of shocked tonight because my great niece was actually one of them uh Cameron Clark uh from Bethar and you know I didn't know that until she walked in here and and but I think that's a great thing and I think these people need to be recognized for stuff like this. Um, the other thing I I want to bring up is and and talk about a minute is policies. You know, we we've talked about a lot of policies tonight and we've talked about tweaking them and state policies and and all the different things that we have to do, but are we
083actually following all the policies when when an event happens? and I have concerns that there are some policies that we don't follow. Um, I want to find out more about the uh student code of conduct because if we're going to have a code of conduct, it needs to be followed in all schools, not just in one, but in every school. So, um, again, thank you guys for coming tonight and congratulations again to North Shelby and thanks to all the teachers and staff that we have here at Cleveland County School Systems. >> Mr. Bridges, >> I'll just be brief. I just want to say thank you to our admin team, uh, finance team, uh, all of our administrators. Uh, thank you to our teachers for what they do, our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, bus custodians, everyone
084that plays an intricate part in making Cleveland County schools efficient and operating. I appreciate what you do every day. We couldn't do it without you. Uh, and I hope everybody has a good evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Bridges. At this time, I'll entertain a motion to go into close session to general statute 143-31811, subsection A. >> Mike, sorry. Subsection A. Uh motion to go into close session to consult our attorney uh over a confidential matter, personnel matter. >> Okay. I have a motion by Mr. Bridges. I have a second. Second. >> Uh see Mr. Sperland's hand first. All those in favor, it's non zero. All right. Thank y'all for coming.