November 3rd 2025, Pitt County Schools Board of Education Meeting

001Uh good afternoon. It is good to see all of you here on this evening. We welcome you to our November meeting. On behalf of our board and on behalf of our superintendent, we're glad that you're here with us. Those that are viewing our meeting, we thank you for listening in on tonight. We're also glad to have in attendance my grandson who's a junior at Farmer Central, Landon Kimbro. Wave again, Landon. >> He wanted to tag along with his grandpa tonight. >> At this time, we will have our Well, we're going to make sure that all our board are present. That it be on record that all our board members are present on tonight. All right. At this time, we have our pledge by Mary Mossby and our moment of South Let us [clears throat] I

002pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Now we will have a m moment of silence, please. Thank you. >> Are there any adjustments to our agenda? >> Motion to approve our agenda. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Moved by W. Second by Amy. Any questions? All in favor of the motion? Let it be known by the rais on the right hand. Motion carries. Spotlight on teaching. We have Dr. Matkins on tonight. Good evening, Chair Trip, Superintendent Lacader, and members of the board. Tonight, I'm honored to share several exciting spotlights on teaching and learning happening across Pit County Schools. First, we have Ridgewood from Rididgewood Elementary School. We celebrate Reagan Duncan,

003a talented fourth grader whose artwork has been selected to be displayed in the North Carolina General Assembly Art Show this coming spring, continuing through the 2026 calendar year. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and Reagan will have the special opportunity to meet with many of our state's House representatives and senators as part of this honor. Congratulations to Reagan and her art teacher, Miss Lundy, uh, for representing Pit County so beautifully at the state level. [applause] On behalf of the P County Board of Education and Dr. Lasser and his staff, we would like to say we're so proud of you and congratulations. We're looking forward to you sharing pictures that you take and bring back to us. Okay? I'll come to the school, take you out, okay? Congratulations, sweetheart. >> So cute. >> [applause] >> a fantastic

004job by Reagan. A beautiful art piece. Um, much better than I could ever do. So, >> that's so cool. >> Next, we want to celebrate two outstanding leaders in art education. Tiffany Zaryiana has been selected as North Carolina Arts Educators Association Rookie of the Year, a recognition that highlights her creativity, passion, and excellence in art instruction early in her teaching career. And I have Mr. Knight here. He's going to share a little bit more about uh her award. >> Hey, good evening. of of course uh Miss Williams and myself and her students uh know what an outstanding art educator uh Miss Arnyana is, but um this award is a state level award that was actually nominated by a former state uh level board member um because not only does she do out outstanding things in

005her classroom, but she's a real leader already in her first year across the state where she serves as the chair for pre-ervice art teachers um and has gotten involved even at the state convention at the state uh with helping support firstear or even pre-ervice collegiate students that are planning to be art teachers. So um I just wanted to mention that this is a real honor and um in addition I know to the certificate she's going to get. This was the award that she was pres presented at the NCAA conference uh just a few weeks ago. So congratulations [applause] >> award which isn't much but comes with a lot of love and appreciation because without the arts so many of our kids wouldn't have a voice and just appreciate you for everything you do. So congratulations

006[applause] Okay. [applause] >> All right. We're going to continue our theme of arts tonight. Uh so next we want to celebrate Mr. Russell Knight. Our coordinator of arts education was recently honored with the friends of the arts award by the same organization. This award recognizes his leadership, advocacy, and continued commitment in advancing arts education for all of our students in Pig County schools. And at this time, I'm going to invite Miss Kathy Bell um from Shakod. She's going to come up and share her nomination letter that she did for Mr. Knight. >> Well, I've been in Pit County um for 30 years and I've seen a lot of art administrators come and go, and Russell Knight's pretty special. I nominated Russell Knight um enthusiastically for the NCAA Friends of the Arts Award. He won this

007award because he was an outst he's an outstanding support and transformative leadership of the visual arts in pig county. Russell has championed the arts as an essential part of a well-rounded rounded education, successfully advocating to make arts as a high school graduation requirement and securing increased funds and resources and professional development opportunities for art educators. He's committed to equity. His commitment to equity is evident in prioritizing materials for underresourced schools and implementing solutions like like transportation for field trips, raising significant funds such as $12,000 last year was raised at the annual ECU arts festival for teacher art supplies. Furthermore, he has forged extensive community forged cons extensive community partnerships to display student artwork in places like the Greenville Mall Greenville Airport, the Children's Hospital, ECU Educational Library, and Alice Keane Community Center. Um he has

008we have all benefited from his vision and efforts and it's evident all throughout Pit County schools. There has been a marked increase in student participation in local and state and national competitions with many students receiving accolades for their creative achievements. The annual countywide art show held in partnership with Emerge Gallery has become a widely anticipated event drawing participation from students, family, and community leaders alike. He has also started a weekly online newsletter that features photos and articles about our county's art activities. Because of all of these efforts, I am pleased to award Russell Knight the NCAA Friend of the Arts Award for 2025. [applause] >> And Mr. Knight, on behalf of the board of education, our superintendent, thank you for all you do. Your commitment to what you do is such a joy to have

009you [clears throat] try to go anywhere else. [laughter] Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> So that was a great representation where we had a student, a teacher, and our coordinator of arts education all being recognized for the great things that they're doing. Um, moving to global education now. We are proud to celebrate Hannah Butler, coordinator of global education for Pig County Schools, who has been named one of the nation's top 10 rising stars by K12 deep dive. Miss Butler continues to strengthen our district's global learning opportunities as she leads programs in English as a second language, world languages, dual language immersion, and global leadership. Her innovative approach and commitment to equity have expanded across access to language learning for students across the district. Under her leadership, testing options have also expanded to

010include Arabic, uh, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, and Mandarin, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and celebrate their linguistic diversity. So, I've asked Miss Butler if she would spend just a few moments just to share with you a little bit about K12 Deep Dive. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> So, I was recognized because I solved a problem and I think in education that is our mission every day. Um, until I stepped into this role to earn the global language endorsement, which is a seal of biiteracy on your transcript, that was only possible in Pit County schools in our large high schools because a student has to prove proficiency through level four. And the only way to do that was if you had Spanish 4, French 4, Japanese 4. And we just

011don't have those options in all of our high schools. And so from 20 years of working with English learners, I knew that we had students in our school system who spoke other languages, and they deserve that recognition as well. So, I worked with Language Testing International and I found a North Carolina external approved exam so that we could allow these students to prove that they did know a language through level four proficiency. When I started in 2022, we were able to give this seal to 49 students. And last year's graduating class, we awarded it to 149. >> Wow. Awesome. [applause] Miss on behalf of the board of education superintendent, thank you for all that you do. You are a star to us. Thank you so much. Alrighty. So, next up we have Pit County Schools

012Early College High School. Y'all come on. We are proud to share that PCS Early College High School has been recognized as one of the best high schools in the United States. That's right, the United States by US News and World Report. This ranking places our early college in the top 40% of high schools nationwide, reflecting the exceptional dedication of the staff, students, and families who make this program so successful. Congratulations to Principal Deshawn Jenkins and the entire early college community for this esteemed honor. [applause] She let me tag along. My friend wanted to give this to you all and I offer it to her and then I said why don't you just come and stand with me because she's worked with so many of you. But this evening we would like to say congratulations to

013you all. This is truly an honor and to have you all represent us Pit County Schools and we are so proud of you Mr. Jen. Thank you to you all. We love you. Thank [clears throat] you and God bless you. I don't know who to hand this to, but I'm going do this. Okay. So, what are you taking? Okay. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. She's all right. She's all good. [applause] >> Congratulations. >> All righty. Finally, in school nutrition, our school nutrition team was recently awarded the innovation in education award by the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, and the action for a healthy kids uh meal incentives. I want to just highlight that these ladies work exceptionally hard uh as you have seen all throughout the district. They are always in schools helping out

014in any possible way uh they see fit. And it is just fantastic to have such a great group of individuals that are in charge with providing such nutritious meals and opportunities for our students every day. >> And we lost one. Sorry. >> Granted, on behalf of the board of education, our superintendent, thank you for all that y'all do for our students. Thank you for wonderful that they thank you so much. Um, when I was in her school, I thought we had the best school in Green County that you could ever, >> but I thank you for what you're doing. >> Thank you so much. Thank you very much. I didn't [laughter] >> help. Thank you. Uh, additionally, we do not have these individuals with us tonight, but the North Carolina School Nutrition Association has recognized

015two local media outlets for the lunch bell awards for their outstanding coverage of school nutrition initiatives. In the television category, WNCT's Gabby Stori and Michaela Muk were honored for their June 18th feature on the school uh local school nutrition. And in the newspaper category, the daily reflector was recognized with the article free school lunches extended for another year published on June the 7th. So, uh, Chair Trip has our wonderful awards and we will make sure that they get to those individuals. Uh, we're grateful for these partnerships that we that help share the important story of how Pit County Schools nutrition services supports the health and success of all our students. Thank you. Um, so please join me in celebrating these outstanding students, educators, and partners who continue to elevate teaching and learning in Pik County

016schools. Let's give them one more round of applause. [applause] And one last item that I want to share with the public. Uh, so we are currently in our uh, our year that we're working on our strategic plan. So, we are starting to gather great information and data from all of our stakeholders that will help drive our creation of the strategic plan. So, starting tomorrow and going through November the 16th, uh our school uh our strategic uh plan survey will actually be open to everyone in the public. So, we're asking both students, staff, parents, guardians, and community members to please provide our uh your feedback that will help us grow and make sure that we have our priorities uh set in place that will help drive our strategic plan for the next five years. So, please

017revisit that link tomorrow and that will be open and it's in both Spanish and English. Uh so, we hope that as many individuals can complete that survey. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> At this time, we have our public expressions for This evening we have uh six individuals and one group offering public expression. Public expression is opportunity to share issues concern of concern that are relevant to the business of the board. The board will listen to your comments respectfully and our chair may offer some direction if our rules are not followed but the board will not respond to you your comments. Only speakers who have signed up for public expression may address the board. And when a speaker's time expires, you must end your remarks and step away from uh the podium.

018If a speaker is not present when his or her name is called, the opportunity to speak will be considered waved. And during this time period, you may hear someone share a viewpoint with the board that you do not agree with. But we do not censor speech by viewpoint and we do not permit our audience to express approval or disapproval for a viewpoint express. This time is for the uh individual speaking to address the full board. Uh the board does not permit speakers to name a staff member or student when offering praise or criticism. And we also do not permit uh comments that are irrelevant to our business which include attacks on individuals for something in their personal lives or the discussion of board members uh and their family members. Again, the board members will listen

019to your comments respectively and our chair may offer some direction if our rules are not followed, but we will not respond to your comments. At this time, we'll hear from our first speaker, and that'll be Trisha Workin. She's got three minutes. Good evening, friends. It has been a month. Um, and I was honestly kind of unsure how to spend my three minutes up here tonight. And then I realized it is November. and I wanted to come up and share some things with you guys that I'm grateful that the district does. In fact, because as I'm sure many of you are aware, I have no issues letting you know when I think the district's doing things it could improve on. And I want to spend my time tonight sharing with you guys things that I think

020the district is genuinely doing well. Um, so one of the things that I do genuinely appreciate that the district is doing is that it hires people that believes in these kids. It has board members that believe in these kids or I would not be up here having such high expectations of you guys every month. I love I am grateful that this is a school district that collaborates with programs that believe in these kids like parents for public schools. I am very grateful for that. I am grateful that this is a district that has simply phenomenal school counselors and social workers. I'm grateful that this is a district that is a capturing kids' heart district and that had two schools recognized as rising stars last year, last academic year. I am so grateful that because I

021have kids that go to one of those schools and I have heard firsthand how it has affected them. I have one kid that loves that they're asked what is their good thing every day because it's usually my good thing is that my friend is here and my friend's good thing is that I am here and I love hearing that my kids like going to school. I'm so grateful for that. Um I am on that vein. I'm so grateful for my kids' teachers. I had a meeting at the high school the other week and all of my kids' teachers were there because they believe in him so much. And in that vein, my kids as principles because they believe in these kids too. And it is beautiful to me to see that coming together. And then

022the commitment that the leadership has. A lot of them came from the schools because they wanted to make a difference at the leadership level. A lot of the principles became principles because they wanted to make a difference and because they believe representation mattered and they wanted to make sure these kids were seeing that they could they had opportunities too. I am grateful that these kids have people like that in their lives. That my kids have people like that in their lives. And I am grateful that there are people willing to work with parents that can be a little intense sometimes because of how much they believe in those kids. Those are things I am grateful for. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Next we'll have uh Rosa >> Ruiz uh district support for

023bus drivers and classified staff. You have three minutes. >> Good evening. Thank you for allowing me to speak and for the important work you do for the students of Pit County. My name is Rosa Ruiz. Tonight, I'm speaking as a parent who puts two kids, my entire world, on the bus every morning. And as a parent who knows what it means to trust that driver completely. A story [clears throat] here in Greenville last week really got me thinking about just that. A driver was charged after illegally passing a stopped school bus and thankfully no one was hurt. But it was a reminder that safety isn't just about what happens on the road. It's also about what happens inside the bus and about whether our drivers feel supported and respected enough to focus on what matters

024most, our students. So, I want you to picture this. Every seat on your bus is filled. You're driving a double route because another bus went down, and you're hoping yours holds up because funding is tight and most of the fleet is aging. You remind the kids to sit down and keep it down, but it's just not happening. the noise, the traffic, and the elements surround you. Now, imagine doing that twice a day, every day, with 40 or 50 kids, often alone, knowing that every single student on that bus is depending on you. That's what our bus drivers do. Last month, districts across the country recognized National School Bus Safety Week. And here in Pit County, for the more than 11,000 students that ride our buses, safety begins long before that first bell ever rings. Our

025district provides excellent safety training and behavior systems. The district has also made real progress in improving pay for classified employees. That's something to be deeply proud of and something I am genuinely thankful for. Even so, staffing remains one of our biggest challenges. Often potential employees turn down positions when they learn they might have to drive a bus. They're not afraid to drive. They're hesitant because of the environment, the constant noise, unpredictability, and too often the lack of respect. That tells us this isn't just a discipline issue, it's a culture issue. So tonight, I want to ask the board to continue strengthening support for our bus drivers and all classified staff through visible inclusion in district priorities and communications and through a clear public message that respect for our educators must also mean respect for every

026employee who makes education possible. And to the two drivers at Wintergreen Primary and Hope Middle, although I can't call you by name, thank you for getting my boys to school safely every day. I see you and I appreciate you deeply because no matter your title or position, when our employees feel respected, they give their best. And when they give their best, our students thrive. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Next, we'll have Kathy Thefts and International Bal Art Program and Low Performing Elementary Schools. You have three minutes. >> Good evening. Thank you for the chance to speak. My name is Kathy Phelps. I've been a Pit County resident for about five years. I have a granddaughter who will be beginning kindergarten in the fall and I've been privileged to be her caregiver while her

027parents work and watch her grow up. I was also a high school English teacher for 27 years, including two years in the private school system and 25 years in the public school system. I taught many courses as a high school English teacher and also participated in the advanced placement program and the international balarat program in Wilson County. When I saw on the agenda for this month's meeting that Pit County Schools was considering adding the international balaria program, it really spoke to me. I was so pleased. It's such a wonderful opportunity for students to grow and learn beyond what they normally can. However, I was concerned and needed to bring my concerns to the board. As someone who taught IB students in Wilson County, I saw the immense uh financial commitment that that required of the

028county and I'm concerned that Pit County schools be very careful in allotting funds to do this program. I want to see it done equitably. If it's offered at one high school in the county, how will students from the whole county be enabled to participate? Will there be transportation for them? Will the testing fees and the program fees be paid paid for them? Um, what about books and materials? I know that some parents where I taught were a little concerned about the subject matter of the books and materials. The international balarat is an international program and so it requires an open mind. Students grow so much through that program. Second thing I wanted to speak about very quickly was the low performing elementary schools. I saw that was being addressed by the Pit County School Board.

029Um, and as the wonderful doing grandma of a soontobe kindergartener, I really, really hope that you all will just spend so much time working with those schools and those students and considering that every one of them is someone's grandchild and they deserve the best that you can give them. Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. Now we have uh Claudia Harris reading. You have three minutes. [clears throat] >> Good evening. Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak. Uh my name is Claudia Harris. I'm retired Pit County school teacher. Um I taught at Elmharst for almost 25 years and loved every minute of it. I'm so proud of Pit County Schools for all the endeavors that um that are having many many good results. But tonight, I'm going to speak as

030a concerned grandparent. Um I'm appalled that some of the books that are in our uh P County school libraries are um persuasively vulgar and unsuitable for the intended age groups. Uh, I have a book here named The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. It's in a middle school and it talks about um this man who's trying to figure out um his sexuality. And um this book, the characteristics of this book include could include some extreme frequent hate, excessive profanity, and references to sexual activity. I I read I didn't read the whole book, but I I read enough to know. Um Monty, the main character, struggles to find out who he is. In Shepherd Memorial Library, this book was in the adult section. Um, I think our goals are to protect the innocence of our students

031from content that is obscene or harmful and to provide educational materials that are relevant to the curriculum like reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and history. Um, I've been told that parents are the key to getting books removed. Honestly, I feel like we all are responsible for what happens in our public schools. We work together. Um, parental rights have always been fundamental to the family and society and um the US Supreme Court and I quote, "It is cardinal with us that the custody, care and nurture of the children rest first in the parents whose primary function is primary function and freedom includes preparation for [clears throat] state can neither supply or hinder. It's in recognition of this that these decisions have respected the private realm of family life which the state cannot hinder. And I

032do have a I do have something that the Supreme Court has said about how much we depend on. We need we need the parents involved. We need the parents uh to be able to be involved in the in the education. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Lindsay Price. Uh class size student support. You got three minutes. Uh, my name is Lindsay and I am the mom to a wonderful prek kid who will be educated in Pit County Public Schools. I'm thinking a lot about his upcoming experiences and the experiences of his peers. what supports will be in place to help him love learning and to be the wonderful, creative, thoughtful person he's already showing himself to be. I'm worried about him having limited access to books and to thoughtful discussions that I'm

033blessed to have been part of while I was in public school. I worry about our wonderful teachers being placed in increasingly impossible situations and continuing to be unsupported and serving all the children that come into their classroom. I don't envy the place you all sit in. Increasingly, there have been difficult decisions you've been asked to make as the current environment seeks to take away from our children and our school staff. I hope to see each one of you take a stand for our children, all our children. It's easy to talk of faith and being good to each other, but I'd like to know how you all plan to act on that sentiment. Classroom sizes could become bigger. School staff stretch incredibly thin and lack of funding to support the needs of our students. We've already

034had children in our nation fall victim to gun violence merely by being president at school. A fact that no school board member has remarked on. Our country and our county has good schools despite the efforts of some that may say different. I'm proud to be in Pit County. I'm proud that my kids want to go to Robinson. I think there are wonderful people in that school and wonderful people in this room and I hope that each of you speak up for the children of Pit County, including the ones that are so often ignored. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we have Jessica Ford and talk about special education. Hi. Um, >> three minutes. >> Thank you. Good evening. I'm Jess Ford. I'm a proud mother of a Wintergreen Primary student. Um,

035I'm grateful I have the opportunity to address my local leaders in education. Um, recently there were threatened layoffs of employees in the Department of Ed who oversee special ed funding. A federal judge blocked them, but advocates are worried about the long-term future of the office and the potential for harm to students with disabilities due to the previous mass reduction in force. Special ed is crucial in public schools. It ensures accommodations and specialized interventions that address differing learning needs, fostering academic success, confidence, and independence. Students who receive special ed enjoy long-term benefits, including a higher likelihood of graduating, pursuing [snorts] higher ed, and entering the workforce, ultimately requiring fewer government supports as adults. I know I've seen my son learn so much and build so much independence at home as a result of his year and

036a half in Pit County schools. And um these supports simply do not exist in private schools. Um and many will not accept students with special needs. My son has a a wonderful home here. Um, despite special ed's track record of success, when news about the office broke, pundits and public commenters began selling the narrative that students with special needs are disruptive and a drain to gened resources. So, I'd investigated what is the impact of including children with special needs in public schools. And when people examine schools, they find the opposite trend. Inclusion tends to increase academic success in all students. Selendon Dehaney found that typically developing students in inclusive classrooms received the same level of teacher attention as students in non-inclusive classrooms and had similar levels of academic achievement. And a systematic review of 26

037studies focused on what happens to non-disabled students in inclusive classrooms found that 81% of studies indicated that non-disabled students either experienced no effects or positive effects on their academic development. as a result of being educated alongside students with disabilities. Um, a similar review also found this and they found that it was because teachers are basically three subsequent studies found that it's because teachers are learning new ways to adapt and teach all students. So, they're becoming more flexible in their educational style. Um, and I just kind of wanted to, you know, share that with y'all and close to like thank you for letting me [snorts] share a little bit more information today. I know I'm preaching to the choir. I know that you all do a lot of amazing work and I just thought I would

038support you in the ways that I know how. Um, uh, as as you continue to advocate for all of our students. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you. Okay, we'll have Julie and Anderson. Um, mothers for living. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> You have five minutes. You represent a group. >> Yes, sir. I wanted to bring to attention something that came across our Moms for Liberty um uh phone uh the other night. I got to meet a lady named Paula Davis from Indiana, Howard County, uh, in September when I went with her to, um, hear a briefing from the Department of Education in Washington DC. And then I got to see her again at our summit just a couple of weeks ago in Florida. She's a phenomenal teacher. She's a she's a mom

039of three teens. Um, she sent this out about I read their results back in Howard County, Indiana. They use the um, where I'm at? Orton Gillingham program which was which they said they um trained all their teachers about five years ago. Anyway, to be real quick on this, they came down with their scores and we're talking second grade and they make sure that if they, you know, if a second grader can't isn't right where they're supposed to be yet, they get extra help for that student before they let them test. As of just a week ago, two counties in Indiana And now they're ranked fourth overall, scored 99.3 in their reading, passing their reading level for the second grade. And because I'm not an educator, my my background is always was in law enforcement and

040the military and whatnot, I just wanted to bring that to you all because I don't even know what reading program you use or if the the different grade schools are allowed to use different types, but I wanted to bring that to your attention. Um anyway, the other thing I'd like to go on to real quick is just to um piggyback some of the things that uh pre previous speakers said. Um though this is uh I thought this was a concise way to explain to those calling Moms for Liberty book banners because we never banned a book since the inception of Moms for Liberty. We can't do that. Only parents can do that and guardians come to the school board and do that. Um, parents who declare that content is too explicit for our children are

041stating a fact. It's not an attack on the teachers. It's not an attack on librarians. It's not an attack on authors and it's not an attack on administrators. It's an attack on explicit and obscene content. It's an attack on the narrative that experts justify and even inquire to pro approve or provide sexual content to our children. the response parents would love to hear from [clears throat] teachers, administrators, and librarians. And it's not that they haven't heard it from you guys. As a public servant, what can I do to help protect your child? And it goes on to say, "Here are some suggestions. Content warnings on books, trigger warnings on books, no explicit content in schools, um, no explicit content in the child's section of it would be public libraries also. uh maybe a permission slip

042just like you would use with a movie and uh the opt out of course which you all know about. Parents do not fear differences of opinion. People believe differently. We get that. We have successfully na uh navigated differences of opinion in our marriages, our families, our workplace and friendships. We understand that mutual respect and civility is a vital component to helping our relationships and American systems flourish. What we are experiencing and seeing is not a mere difference of opinion. It is a tangible assault on sacred territory, our families and our children. My child's not your territory. My choice for my child is not your territory. The parents choice for their child is final. And I'm just going to leave it at that. Um, I had a great opportunity to also go to Chicat a couple

043weeks ago and see some of the things that they were doing there and I was really impressed. I've been out of the school system for a while with my youngest being 29. So, even though I have four grandchildren in the school system, but they don't go to Chicod. So, that was a really nice tour. I really enjoyed meeting the principal, the vice principal, and several other staff members and got to see that gifted program that they have going on there and kindergarten class. Also got to attend on Saturday with my grandchildren the the the arts um at uh Central South Central High School where my kids graduated from. And I was very impressed. Um just like that one girl that just came up here with her art. I'm assuming she was there, right? So that's

044all I have to say tonight. I want to thank you all and I want you to know that even though sometimes I come up here and you probably step away and think, uh, who who does she think she is or whatever, I do appreciate you and I don't know if I could do your job and I don't know if I'd ever want to be a teacher, but nevertheless, God [snorts] gave us all different gifts, right? Thank you. >> Yes, thank you. At this time, um, we want to approve our consent items, the board minutes, our budget resolution, our low performance school plan, and our competential items, our close session, and our personnel report for November the 3rd. >> Move to approve. >> Moved by second, >> second by Mary. Any questions? All in favor of

045motion car. This time I'll do business. Dr. Patterson. >> Good evening, Chair Trip and board members and Dr. Lacader. Um based on feedback from the board work session, I'm presenting to you tonight uh some options uh for our background check procedures. Um, so we are, um, all of these options are still within our Raptor program because that is a program that we are already utilizing district-wide. Um, so I just wanted to share some different options with you. Um, and that way you can discuss some choices. Um, so option one is what we have currently been doing, which is the level one um, check. This is the sex offender registry check only. Um this is um best utilized for visitors that will be supervised by Pit County Schools staff. Um but up until um the new

046process that we've been discussing, this is what has been happening throughout the district um as the only background check. So with this option, you scan the driver's license at the school. Um very simple as you're checking in. Um option two, which is what was proposed at the um at the work session and continuing this evening, is the level two background check, which is better um for our volunteers because those folks may not be supervised by Pit County School staff at all times. They may be working with small groups of students or um chaperoning on a field trip, supervising groups of students. Um, so with this that requires the principal request form where the principal uh signs off on the volunteer functions that that prospective volunteer is interested in performing. Um, and then the background check

047is completed in the HR department. I did add here just in parentheses that prior to COVID um this was a centralized process at community schools and recreation. So volunteers, prospective volunteers were going to a central location uh for the background checks. Um so option three which is also through the raptor system um is another option is the same level two background check. This would be putting a link online um and no principal or HR involvement. So just thinking about the advantages and considerations of these options. So uh for option one very convenient um everyone gets their license checked when you visit a school anyway. So this would just continue. It's completed at the school level. Uh consideration again this is level one the sex offender registry check only which is best for visitors. Uh the

048option two um central office um advantages looking at that thorough background check that level two background check that does the national um criminal check as well as local court check and county residence check. Uh this does require principal approval. Um so that means that the volunteer would talk to the principal about what um the prospective volunteer is interested in doing to know okay this does require a level two background check. I am looking at chaperoning field trips or um working with small groups of students and it's more centralized. Uh the consideration it does require that prospective volunteer to attend an HR background check session every two years. So we're only doing that once every two years, but they would have to come for that centralized check once every two years. Looking at that option three,

049um same thorough background check as option two. it is more convenient because it is completed online. Um considerations here, no principal approval and it bypasses human resources because when this link is online, um the prospective volunteer would just click this link. If it was on our website, they would complete the background check, submit. It charges us the amount of money and it just bypasses the principal and human resources which could cause another consideration, a financial consideration because if you have people who are just submitting that without there being any stopping point of it coming to us and bypassing us, that's going to automatically charge. And you may have people who think they need a background check but don't. they're just attending field trips with their child or just going in maybe to read a book

050to a whole class. And so by having that principal stop or that principal approval, then that would um hopefully give us a little more centralized um control with the cost piece. So um but that that online is the same background check. So as far as a level of background check, it is the same. So those are the options uh that we have through our raptor systems. I'll pause in case you all have questions. >> Um thank you Dr. Patterson for um for taking into consideration all of our conversation at the board work session. >> Um [snorts] I the cost absolutely is something that we've continued to talk about um even when we we've seen each other and kind of are thinking through this process. So I think that's absolutely something we need to consider. Is

051there a way with the online that it's not a a public link that's just on the website but that if it goes through the principal then they give the link so there is the principal approval but not um but not having to come all the way in. Is there a way to kind of combine that um so that they the so that the link isn't just open to the whole world um and charged for all these background checks that aren't necessary, but that parents also have that option to or family members or community members have that option to get the same background check. >> So, it kind of does give this I know one of the things you had mentioned was wanting to protect the principles from having too much responsibility. But if part of

052the responsibility to come up here is the principal approval, how that can play into the online option as well. So we can certainly share that link with principles to give out. I think that link would end up getting out [laughter] pretty public through that process. Um but that is certainly an option if you all wanted to go that route. That's why we're sharing these different options and talking through. So that is certainly something that can be considered by the board. >> Jennifer then >> so sometimes when I do things online I get like a unique code So, I'm wondering if we can ask the vendor if there's a way if there's a right so that everybody gets a unique code and it can't be shared because I hear what you're saying if somebody just shares

053the link, but maybe there's a way to >> to do that. So, so it wouldn't be that everybody could use the same same >> So, I just want to clarify to make sure I'm understanding what to ask if I may. Um, so if someone's interested in submitting a background check, then they would go to the principal and then the principal would provide them with a code to be able to go >> or they would put they would send it through the system. Usually how it works is they send well I don't know about Raptor, you get an email that gives you a unique code >> just like sorry just like trying to sign into your like bank account on a different device. It sends you like a temporary code. >> Yeah, right. >> That type

054of thing. That is certainly something I can ask Raptor whether that's an option. Yeah. Um >> because I was thinking about the bridge between the two, but then I hear what you're saying about people just sharing the link, but maybe that's an idea. I don't know. Worth if you had >> another >> my Yeah, I got a different >> good. >> You know, option three I look at it is it's going to end up being what will end up happening is we'll end up hiring someone that probably went through the process as well as uh and how much does this option three cost? How how much can it run? >> So the cost is $19 per background check for each level two background check. So whether it goes through HR or whether it's just the

055link is online, when someone hits submit to submit that background check, it charges us $19 whether they are and then and then they go through the background check and then they find out and we find out if they are approved or denied. >> And option two, how much does it cost? >> Same. >> It's it's $19 per background check. Yes, sir. And um what we're saying in regards to option three is that they go through the principal. Is that what you're saying? Go through the principle at the uh school level. >> Right. >> Um I'm going be surprised if we're able to get a code the way these uh background because I've been dealing with them uh in renting houses and things and they don't budge on anything. Um, but I'm just thinking about um

056the um process that we would be using. I think for the principles and for the school level, I prefer option two. I mean, we have had uh volunteers have to go to a central location and they've done that, right? >> But here's the thing I would ask you. when I come up here to um sign up or get have a background check, am I going to be able when I come up here to get that background check that day that I come up? >> Yes, sir. >> Or am I going to have to wait or someone going to tell me I got to come back another day? You know, that's what is would be important to me >> because I don't want people calling me and says, "Look, I can't get through >> or I

057can't get an appointment or whatever." Now, that is something I'd like for you to answer. >> Yes, sir. Um, so currently, um, what we've done is put together a schedule that alternates morning times and afternoon times every first and third Wednesday. That was kind of a starting point if we decided to go with option two. Um, if we needed to add additional times, we could look at doing that. So, like for example, this, you know, this coming Wednesday, depending on what occurs, um, if we were to have a background check session, that would be 8:30 to 9:30 this coming Wednesday, and then the third Wednesday of this month would be 3:30 to 5. So, you come during that time, you walk in, you have your form from the principal, your driver's license, a member of

058our staff because we're on a rotating takes you back. we go ahead sit you down, get your background check completed, and then within a couple of days, um, you know, whether you're approved or denied, you receive an email. >> Well, has the, uh, have you included the principles on any of talking with the principles of how they feel about any of these options? >> Yes, sir. We've um presented this at the principal meeting previously. Um, >> and what did they how did they feel about it? >> I >> did prefer a certain option or what? They didn't they didn't really say whether they preferred one option or the other. Um they um we didn't talk about the online option. We had talked about the the current option and then the option two. The online option

059has been presented based on feedback from the board. Um, so based on option one and option two, I think um, principles seem to be they seem to be positive about doing a more thorough background check. Um, and I think they're probably positive about not necessarily having to handle it at the school level based on a few comments. Uh, but we did not present option three to them, only one and two. >> We have Mary. >> Thank you. Wait, >> hold on. Wait a minute. All everybody, y'all hands is going up. I'm trying to keep everybody all right. >> Dr. >> Go [laughter] ahead. >> Dr. Patterson, first of all, again, I want to thank you because we are the ones that asked you to look into that third option. But again, as I expressed at

060our work work session, option two is for me because I want to know who's messing with our precious cargo, who's walking in and out of those building. I'm not sure who's going to be doing those online application. I I would want to know the person that's coming in to work with my students. And that third person, I'm not sure who they might be. >> I would like to and I know principal that's putting a lot more on them, but these are our babies. This is our precious cargo and I want them taken care of. >> Um, >> so I I guess I have two questions. First, option two and option three are doing the exact same service, right? >> Yes. >> In terms of background checks. So Mary's concern I don't think would be an

061issue, right? Because you submit a name and no matter who's submitting that name, that name is getting the background check and then that person has to be the one who shows up at the school, right, for volunteer opportunity. >> So I mean it is a it's a safe option. Um my question though um because there is that concern about people doing this when they don't need to and it's charging the school. Um is there a way to just kind of include a lot of like warnings like stop do not do this unless you are doing the following activities otherwise you do not need to do this. This will charge the schools $19 [clears throat] if you do this. I don't know if that would help because I I guess I just don't foresee people going

062wild [clears throat] on trying to get background checks. It just doesn't really that doesn't seem like a scenario. But if it was having a lot more information surrounding the link that it's only necessary if you're doing this list of activities. >> So we are um in the process of putting together information to add to our volunteer page on the website. Uh if we do choose to go, if you all did choose to go with um the online option, then um we would put on there the definition of visitor and volunteer just like we have shared with our principles what some um examples of visiting versus volunteering would be with the background check. Um I think some of the some of the um confusion uh centers around certain things like field trips. Um, a lot of

063people think if I'm going on a field trip, I have to have a background check and they get confused by that. Um, when it's really not necessary if you're just attending with your child. So, while I don't think people would necessarily just go on there and fill it out randomly, um, they may submit it if I'm if I'm just going on a field trip with my student versus supervising groups of students. Um, another example would be like eating lunch and things like that with students or if I'm just making copies for teachers. Those are things where I'm volunteering, yes, in that in the sense of the word, but does it require a background check? Um, and so that's the reason for, you know, having the principal be able to say, okay, what are you interested

064in doing? Okay, yes, you do need this background check or no, you do not. >> Benj and then >> first of all, Dr. Patterson, I'm excited that we found an issue we can have a little spirited debate on tonight. I was getting rusty. Um, thank you for bringing it to our attention. >> Yes, sir. >> I guess I'm one of the few left on here that live out in the country. Way out in the country. And um I've had two or three that can drive to a school that's in the country, >> but driving through Greenville >> to come out here, it's tough on them. And um [snorts] because of that and I've been approached by a couple >> because of that, if there is some way that we can filter through option three, I

065would be very supportive of that. I don't know if we're ready for a vote tonight. We might need you to look into that a little bit more and come back to us and see if there's something we can do. >> But I would be very open if you would do that. bring it back. We'll have a little bit more spirited debate on it maybe or maybe not. But uh anyway, I would thank you for anything you could do. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. >> And this is just procedure, not something we vote on. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. Okay. Um I'm with the majority I believe and with Benji what he says is [snorts] I mean it's 2025. If I can do something online and don't have to go somewhere then that's what I want

066to do. However, I believe there does need to be a bridge form between the two. Um, as I stated earlier, every time I try to log onto my bank account in any device that's not trusted, it it says we're sending you a temporary digital code. I believe I hope there's a procedure where they can do something similar. If not, then I would I would have to uh say I'm against option three [clears throat] because there's going to be people out there that see, especially now that they know it's going to cost Pit County schools money. They're going to fill it out just to be spiteful. >> They're going to say, "Hey, we're costing somebody money." >> Um, as far as like Mary said, I I'm with her, too. Like I want to know who's coming

067into our schools, but I can I can attest to my district at least. Everybody in elementary, middle school knows my face, but no matter what, every time I walk through them doors, I present my ID. So you you're going to have to verify who you are >> to volunteer regardless, >> right? Um, I guess my only other questions were, and I I hate to even bring this up because I don't want to put any more work on anybody, but is there a certain like a checklist that could be formed to submit to either a principal or even central offices says, hey, this is what I'm interested in. Can I get the code [clears throat] from you guys or do I have to go through that principle? like why is the principal the end all for

068option two I guess is my question. >> Uh so I guess the principal is the starting point. Um just to say this is what I'm interested in. So the principal can say that's just kind of the first stopping point starting point to say okay yes you need a background check or no you don't just to have them sign off on that. Um it's just it is sort of a bridge right um between them and and so um once they once they talk to the principal and say okay yes you do need that background check to chaperon this field trip or whatever then we know that they need to go through with that level two background check >> okay >> and you know they I've had um you know folks ask well do I need one

069from every principal no I if you have children at three schools we're not asking you to see three different principles to [clears throat] get forms signed um the main thing is that you're having someone sign off that yes, you're wanting to do volunteer functions that require that background check. So, we we're just getting the one form. >> So, just to verify this this one background check covers any volunteering at any pit county schools for a two-year period. >> Yes, sir. That's correct. >> Amy, then we're going to wrap it up. >> I'm I'm probably not going to be very much liked with this comment, but I'm surprised no one else has said it yet. Um, with the option three, is it a possibility that we don't get charged that they have to pay if they

070choose to do it online? >> So, reimbursement >> and then maybe like a reimbursement after the fact if if we're going to put it out there like that. >> So, so Raptor does have that option um where you you put in your card and pay. Um, we don't currently have it set up that way, but they do have that option. Um, I know there's been some concerns expressed about that with equity. >> Well, whether you're using your gas to drive across town or >> doing it from the comfort of your home, if >> you know you have either option, then I think it's fair. >> And then it would kind of get people from just going out and fill it out that don't need to. Maybe they'll be a little more hesitant like, okay, make

071sure, do I really need this or do I just need that little quick check? that might be a way to kind of hinder some of that. >> That is that is an option. Um, now once if we set it up that way as a district, if that link requires payment, >> then it would require it here or like it's a link. So, it's the same link here as what it would be online. So, anyone who fills it out would have to pay. So, it would take >> coming up here out of the equation because everyone would do it online and just pay for the background check yourself. But then we they would still get approval or denial and they would still be on our list and all of those pieces >> Kelly and then >>

072um two two things now that Amy brought that up. Is there a way to pay for port the a portion of it? So even if it's not the whole 25, you have to pay $5 or something to have I think that could be part of the conversation. I don't know. I feel like technology should be smart enough to do that. Um, but that kind of option, I don't know if Raptor is. And I was just wondering if you could explain to us the Raptor system a little bit more. I I know about it because I go I do go in the schools and similar to Justin, every time I go, they take my license. >> So, um, regardless of whether you're a volunteer or not, our license, correct me if I'm wrong, is connected to

073whatever background they have. So, as long as whether you do it online or in person, you show your license and it confirms >> um whether you had the second background check. Is that correct? >> Yes, that's correct. So, if you do the level two background check, when you swipe your license in the school, it connects your license information to that level two. The level two does require the social security number and some other pieces as well because it does such a, you know, thorough check compared to just the license swipe. But it does connect the two once you swipe and sign in and it does that each time. >> Okay. So, and that level two would be connected to your license for the two years. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Because we

074have it set up that requires a new check every two years. So, for that entire two years, you're on the approval list and then you get notified about 30 days before you need to have a new background check two years later. >> Not the last of them. [laughter] Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. Forest. Um, uh, if it pleases the board, uh, based on what I've heard, what we'll do is at our work session, we'll bring you a hybrid option of two, which is the thorough background check, principal approval. It'll still be uh we'll remove the centralized and then we'll just pick up the piece where it says the background check for option three and it's completed online. Um I will say to the board we did discuss all of these topics in senior staff as

075you all have brought them up even the volunteer incurring the cost. >> Um that is not an issue for us because it obviously would save the district funds. Um and that will give us a budget line item back. Um so what we will do is I will have Dr. Patterson draft option four uh which will come be a background check based on feedback from the board uh principal approval and [clears throat] then an online option where the cost is incurred. The only thing is with a code, you're going to have to keep sinking and changing out that code in some way. And if you put it behind a fire, behind a wall, somebody has to unlock it. [snorts] >> Um, so I think if you leave it open and the cost is incurred by the

076individual, >> then the issue is resolved. It's accommodating for those who may be out in the county. It's also accommodating for those who may not want to have to come up here, but it solves the problem at the exact same time. So if it pleased >> could could the principles have at their discretion like the ability if somebody has a hardship >> to help them. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> That's always absolutely with that. >> Yes. >> You the chair. >> You have a question. I can't. >> Okay. [laughter] >> It's it's more of a statement. I won't confirm part. >> Okay. Okay. Re regardless if we come up with a hybrid option, option two is still going to be there for people who want to drive here and do it. Correct. >>

077So we would not do option two. >> So you would you would >> we would just eliminate that option. We'd go back to our principles and say, >> "Okay, >> change of plans. This will now be online, but here are the revised steps." The only thing that would change is them. They wouldn't come up here. They would do it in the comfort of their home or on their phone. >> Got you. >> Um Okay. So no more morning or afternoon times at all. Oh, it would just be online. >> It would be online unless Dr. Patter go with that. >> All right, Mr. >> Chair, is that would that please the board if we brought that at our work session? >> All right, we will do that. >> We will decide on options for right

078Dr. P. >> Sounds wonderful. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> Safety >> but I am happy to keep bringing options at your pleasure. We we have to [laughter] a procedure has to be in place and the time is of the essence because all children safety is number one. I don't mind being inconvenience >> to travel. >> Safety is number one with all >> not worrying about how far someone has to travel when it comes to the safety of our children. >> Thank you Dr. Patter. >> Thank you Dr. Patterson. You did well. You smiled. comments from our superintendent. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. And uh I will just start by saying October was a very long, eventful, challenging month in our district. Um I'm continuing to pray for Amari Young Chapman's family, second grader at Wintergreen,

079and Kamora Robinson, uh who was a student at South Central High School as well. Uh those two students passed away. uh in the month of October and um I had the opportunity to go to both of those um services and and just greet the families and just express condol condolences on behalf of the district. So please keep those families in your thoughts and prayers. Uh I also want to say on a couple of positive notes uh some great things have happened also in October though although it was challenging we received an email last week uh from the state board asking us to come and present on how well we're doing with advanced placement and so uh myself Dr. Roach, Dr. Jacobson, Dr. James in the corner there. Um, and Miss Amity Key will be going

080on Wednesday to the state board of education meeting to present uh at a press conference uh with a couple other few other districts on what we're doing for advanced placement uh in our district. So, we're very excited about that. Um, I also want to thank um Miss Amy Cook that came from Robinson and took pictures today. Uh, and you know, and thank Dr. Matkins on his great great job uh this evening. Uh also want to just say congratulations to Aid Griffin High School and the JH Rose girls volleyball team. Um I was able to travel Yes. I was able to travel Saturday and spend the day with them uh at NC State. Go Wolfpack. And um they just did they were outstanding. Uh those those young ladies played very hard and they brought it home.

081So we're very proud. uh very very very proud of them and and almost last I'm proud of our spotlights tonight. Uh it's just great to recognize our students but at the same time recognizing our staff as well because they are also doing excellent things and being recognized not just across the state but they're being recognized across the nation and that is so impressive. And talking about uh recognition uh there's something I would like to share with the board. Um about a month ago at a work session, I shared with the board that the state board, the North Carolina School Boards Association, um were giving out a few awards and there was a submission for the innovations of excellence in public education award. And this award is about the innovation and excellence in public education award

082recognizes exemplary work undertaken by local school boards that creatively found solutions to challenges faced in their district. And this is award that will be given out at the uh school board's meeting next week. And so I want to read this email to the Pit County School Board that I received and it says, "Dr. Laster, thank you for your submission to the Innovation of Excellence in Public Education Award. The North Carolina School Boards Association will be honoring the top three entries as scored by the judges. And I'm happy to share that your entry is one of three. >> Oh, wow. >> So, we will have a reserve table for your district for the award ceremony on November 12th. It can hold 10 people, but if you had need more spaces, let us know. So, I want

083to share that the Pit County School Board will be recognized for their innovation and excellence in public education. You all are one of three. I don't know where you fall, but I think you're number one in my book. And so, um, Miss Rankin, if you if you all are able to go or want to come to that particular part of the ceremony, if you'll let Miss Rankin know tonight. Um, but congratulations to this board. Um, I believe this is the first award, Miss Rankin, that the district has ever received from the school boards association. And I'm proud to serve and to work for a board who loves our children, who advocates for our staff, and you're consistent. You're consistent in your work for every child and every staff member of this district. So, I wanted

084to share that good news with all of you. Mr. Chair, this concludes my comments. >> Thank you so much. our board will start with very mindful that uh you have three minutes or less >> and it's going to be much less this evening. Um again I echo Dr. Lasser on the loss of our students. Um special prayer to their families and to the students um all the students that they were friends too because that's hard for them to like to congratulate all that was recognized this evening. a special recognition to um Pit County School uh Early College because truly that was amazing. Um the best among the best. Um to bring that home to Pit County says a lot for for our school system. Congratulations to DH Connley. Even though they didn't bring that trophy

085back, they still were champions um on their level. And like Dr. Last said special congratulations to JH Rose and Aiden Griffith for their successful year bring the trophy back to pick him. Dr. Patterson, I want to thank you. You handled that so well. And to the board, I want to thank you because in spite of our differences and our opinions, we still remember that kids are first and that's our job. That's our duty and we seem to um always bring that together. And Dr. Lster, that might be a reason that we're getting that little recognition or that special recognition. But Dr. Lester, I want to thank you this evening. You all, Dr. Ler and I had I asked him a question and he said, "Miss Mosby," I did respond. I said, "Dr. Lester, um, no,

086not to this." We even went to his computer, you all, and it seems to be another incident that I was asking him about, but I want to say to Cara, where's your son? [laughter] Um my com my telephone doesn't work. Um and because of that tonight we realized I need a working telephone. Um because I thought I had sent him an email. But Dr. Lester, I said that to say to you, you're always on top of things. I'm saying that because you're always on top of things. And thank you because you didn't have to go to that computer like you did tonight. So thank you. That concludes my comments. >> I put them on spot. Amen. >> Uh I just want to say um again thoughts and prayers with the families of the lost well

087the loved ones of the students that we lost. Um it's never a good thing to see um a child pass. So I can only imagine what their parents are going through and their families. So thoughts and prayers with them all. Um congratulations to all the people who got worse tonight. I loved the painting. I was like did she do that with dots? And then it said dot painting. I was like that was amazing. I do not have an artistic bone in my body. So, um it's just really nice to see that. And of course, um P County Schools Early College has a special place in my heart. I have one graduate last year and my um other ones a freshman out there and I see the wonderful things they do and it's really exciting to

088see um one of the best high schools in the nation. That just a very big honor and I'm really glad that we got to bring that home to Pit County Schools. And thank you for all the people who spoke tonight. It's really wonderful to have support and um kind things said. We don't always get that and you know, you have to be willing to hear the good and the bad when you're in a position of leadership, but it's really nice to hear the the good things um that picking schools are doing and the fact that it's being seen across the county. So, we really do appreciate all those wonderful comments and I'm really excited about this little um board of recognition. So, thank you Dr. Lasser for um nominating us for that. It's very appreciative.

089>> Um just makes us makes me feel like, you know, little recognition just kind of helps say, okay, what we're doing is worthwhile. And the fact that we, like she said, we we do have differences and we have different backgrounds, different perspectives, but we all know that those kids come first. And and that's the main thing that we always try to do. So, I appreciate all of you and I look forward to whoever's going next week with us. >> Thank you, Jess. I'm going to echo what Dr. Hodgson said earlier. Um I'm really thankful for the arts uh presentation. Um it for a lot of kids it is their outlet. Um it's their voice, their way of expressing their passion and emotions. Uh some kids choose not to play sports, can't play sports, aren't allowed

090to play sports. So it's it's very nice um for them to have an outlet and a way to gain life lessons. Also u congrats to Miss Butler. We actually uh were very uh we we got to enjoy the dual language uh performance at a meeting with the county commissioners and it was just it was amazing to see young kids be able to talk fluently in in multiple language like back to back. They will switch from English to Spanish and just back and forth and um it's is amazing to me. Um so congrats on that. Early college, congratulations on being one of the best as Amy said is what a great honor. Um, thank you to the people who did the public speaking. I've always said that, you know, that's where I got started in all

091this. So, really appreciate you taking the courage, having the courage, and taking the time to speak to us. I want to give a special uh congratulations to coach Ron Cook, his staff, his family, and his players with the way they've turned around the Farmer Central football program. Uh we have made the playoffs for the third year and we are hosting a playoff game Friday night against Hyatt Tras at 7 PM at Farm Central. So if you need something to do, come out and support the Jaguars. Um and on that note, as I said, we've lost a lot in this district and unfortunately um that's that's part of everyday life and uh we never know why it happens. We never know why it happens when it does. Um, but I I I I believe that it's

092all a part of a higher plan with purpose and reasoning behind it. Um, when you lose somebody, you know, you go through a lot of first first holidays without them, first birthdays without them. And, you know, people don't see the first a lot. They're there with you with the funeral, but they don't they're not there with you for those first. So, just please um reach out to people if you need them. Reach out if you want to. Don't ever feel like you're a burden to anybody. And um you know, holidays are coming up and for some it's a great time. For others it's a time of sadness and pain. Um but just enjoy the time with the ones you still have and try to remember the times with the ones that you no longer have.

093And just just try to remember that when you're meeting somebody that you just never know what path that person's walking and just try to take that into consideration when you when you speak to people and >> things like that. And that concludes my talk, my comments. >> Thank you, Jennifer. >> Yeah, thank you, Justin. I, you know, I I think about the holidays, too, and I think about planned grief and and how sometimes we try to avoid grief. Um, and I think it's good to embrace it. It's It's hard as heck. Okay. >> I went to um Kamura's um funeral and sat against the wall for 45 minutes until I had the ability to stand up and talk to her mom and and hug those kids as Mary was saying who are trying to make

094sense out of something that just doesn't make sense. Um, so I'm very appreciative of the fact that you just held time to just acknowledge that that these are all important times for everybody and you you do you never know what the person's caring that's that's talking with you. I do want to also thank public comment. Um, our special education program has a very near and dear place in my heart and so several of us around the board are just really huge supports and champions and so always wanting to hear good feedback as well as things we can continue to do differently and trust me we are watching and we are going to do everything that we can to continue to support um the families and our kids who deserve to thrive. So, and I just

095have not heard a more eloquent speech about our bus drivers and the parent experience and just just thank you for acknowledging that because you're right, you put your babies on that bus every day and pray and hope they make it home safely and >> and I do I I try to to really be mindful of that, too. Um, so thank you for for coming up and and for everybody, you know, even if we disagree on things, that's what this is all about. This is all about having a space where we we can do that as you saw with us trying to find the best pathway to protect our kids. So grateful. Um, I just want to thank South Central High School, not only the great capturing kids heart school, but they hosted the principal of

096the year AVID tour there and I continue to learn new things about the amazing things about South Central. So, I just really the principal Kaitton and her team just did an amazing job. Um, the PTO's and PTAs right now and the boosters are doing they're rocking it. they are crushing it because they are providing wonderful experiences for these kids um through you know holiday events or book fairs. I mean it's just it's just been amazing to go to all these events. So I'm color runs. It's just been amazing. I do want to bring up something and I shared with um superintendent and the board chair. North Pitt High School is having a fundraiser on Facebook Marketplace. There is um a gentleman who is making Christmas trees out of wood and for 30 or $60 you

097can get a tree and then he'll going to pick him up. But anyway, he's named Sam. I think it's Laneier and he said the principal's aware. So please consider supporting that fundraiser. Um, so this is a a season of of reflection, I think, as we're moving into the the holiday season and the craziness and and I just remember that last November board meeting, we were voting for Dr. Lacader to be our superintendent and it has been a wonderful year thinking about all of the things that we have accomplished this year that you have accomplished and how you are leading us. and I want to celebrate your year anniversary with us um as our official leader. Um I also want to celebrate other leaders in our district. Dr. Casey from Aiden Griffin, our Aiden Elementary School

098and Miss Rochester is AP um at Chicago, our teacher or principal of the year and assistant principal of the year celebrating them last month and the their leadership is um so special. Um it is one thing for us to see um here while we're in a board meeting all of the things that are being accomplished to say the words to you know know the titles. It is another thing to see see those things in the school buildings to go to a band concert to go to the art shows to go to a volleyball game and see um that that lady from Connley who she is nasty with those kills like they are we have some incredible students. Um, and I want to specifically say that it is one thing to see Miss Butler here. It

099is another thing to see her come and talk to parents of incoming kindergarteners who are about to send their babies to the Spanish immersion program and her excitement for the program and her um and her it it's you can see her excitement here, but it's another thing to be in there. So, um, for all of the things that our schools are doing and all the things we're accomplishing, we want our families to be walking with it with us through it. So, come out to those schools. Um, fill fill out the level two. Um, volunteer with us. Um, we but it is one thing to celebrate it here and it is so so much even more special to see it and to see the students accomplishing those things. Um, I feel like I have a lot

100to say today. Please, please, please, please fill out the strategic planning survey. Families, please, please, please. We've had over 400 people part of focus groups in the last few weeks. Um, we as a district want to move forward and we want to move forward together. Um, so when that comes out, Dr. Matkins, we are going to blast it to everybody in the county. We want your input. Um it was really special for us as a board to be part of those conversations to talk about what we dream for our district um from where we're sitting, but we want to know what you are dreaming too for your babies um and your big big kids um as educators. So please fill that out and be part of this process with us. And happy school psychologist week

101um because we couldn't do any of this without them. So, I have so much more, but we'll stop there. >> Thank you, Amanda. [laughter] >> Thank you. Um, so, of course, I want to echo everybody's congrats to all of the amazing accomplishments. Um, I love that we have this spotlight on teaching every meeting because there's just so many wonderful things happening and especially to Reagan. I know she's not here anymore, but wow, what an honor. Um, and I hope she just really soaks up that that opportunity. Um, but I did want to bring something up because November is a month of reflection and it is the start of for a lot of us of the holiday season. Uh, this is a month when families and friends will gather to share a good meal and it's

102also a month when many begin to budget and plan for their Christmas and Hanukkah gifts. Um, but I just want to remind everyone that on November 1st, the struggles of the average working family got a lot worse uh when the government stopped paying for a crucial service, which is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Uh, this program actually serves one in eight Americans and is a major piece of the uh the nation's social safety net. Um, contrary to some of the discourses that have been circulating since this news came out, um, SNAP re uh, recipients are not able-bodied adults who simply choose not to work. Rather, the reason millions of Americans rely on this service is because they hold low-wage jobs, often several of them, with unstable hours. They lack benefits like paid sick

103leave, making it harder to cover essential costs, including child care. Uh without SNAP assistance, many hard-working families, many of whom are your friends, neighbors, and classmates will go hungry. Uh many will have to choose between Christmas presents and a full belly. Today, um there is talk that perhaps uh half of that funding will come back. It's unclear, but the point of this is that I ask everyone here in this room as you get ready for the holidays and feel that excitement, um, please consider supporting our local food banks, canned food drives, soup kitchens, and other community services to ensure that our PCS students and their families do not go hungry because no family, no child uh, should go hungry uh, this holiday season. Um, we're a community and when the worst happens, we all have

104to rely on each other because that's really all that we have. Um, and that's the end of my comments short tonight. >> Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, it's been a good month. I got a wonderful telephone call a couple of weeks ago from a young man. I told him that I would I would do a shout out for him tonight. And uh his name is Jackson Southern. And if you don't know Jackson Southern, you need to get to know him. He is the president of the SGAA of Chicago School. And he has so much leadership ability from the gift of Gab and just being able to communicate his thoughts in a very very mature and easygoing way all the way to actually having tremendous leadership skills. One day that young man

105just may be governor and he gave me a call and he asked me if I would uh go to Chicago school and take part in a in a tour of the facilities there and the and the uh curriculum there. And I said, I'd be glad to. And we got there and and I'm gonna tell you something. Dr. Hayes had everything laid out so well. Uh Dr. Ler and and uh Miss Roster who just became assistant principal of the year and all that faculty and staff just surrounded them with so much love and affection. And you know that was reciprocal and they had love and affection for us. And when I got there, it was wonderful to see the mayor of Greenville was there, PJ, and uh the U manager of our soil and water conservation

106service in P County was there. P another PJ, there's two PJs in Pan. Both of them are wonderful. And um also it was good to see Julie Anderson there with Moms for Liberty. She she was there and we had a wonderful time and I see another parent that was there. Yep. And we just had a wonderful time being able to visit. When they got through, man, when they got through, I I'm going to tell you, Dr. Hayes says, "I got one more surprise for you, Mr. Forest." I said, "What is that?" She took me to the historical um shelf that they have there right there at the front of the school and she showed me that 6768 FFA jacket from the now deceased Randy Dixon. That was Vicky Dixon's um husband that they have placed

107in there for the historical part of Chicago school. >> Wonderful time. >> Thank you. >> Um Again, I want to mention about the young people that we lost. And you know, one one thing that I would say about that, at least there were some traffic changes made as a result of that that um you know, I'm glad someone looked at it and said, "What can we do to prevent this?" I hate for it to be after the fact, but from what I understand, and it makes sense. There's no more left turns there. you have to turn right. Um so, um I'm glad that that took place. I also went to Aiden Elementary and they had their fall festival and I mean there was one big crowd there and they were outside and I always tell

108principles and the staff this is a good way you can get volunteers to sign up while they're coming to an event like that when they're walking in the door. get them to sign up because every time you get a parent to come out to the school for an activity, they feel more comfortable and because many of them are intimidated a lot about coming out to the school. You got to make them feel like this is home. These folks care about my kids and my children. And uh so that was really nice. I also went to the Aiden Rotary where some other visitors were there also where they honored Dr. Casey will be in principal the uh year. And um one thing that I would like to see and to talk to you about as well

109as uh continuing to focus on this and I would say public speaking in regards to kids even when they're uh in the earlier grades. They're standing up in front of that uh classroom. They speak with force. They know what they're saying. And I just think that's something that we need to look at as a system because I witnessed another school in regards to that. And it was fourth, fifth, and sixth and it was outside the county or not a county school. And those kids, they every one of them from early grades right on up. They got up there, their public speaking was on target. And I think our kids would benefit from that even when they're going to interview for a job >> um in in showing their um assurance of themselves. And uh I

110just think that's something we need to work on as a system. And congratulations to everyone who uh got the awards and also that strategic planning uh that we were involved in last week. I think that group is doing a wonderful job. >> Thank you. >> Go ahead if you want to. >> Thank you board members for such kind words on tonight. I'm not going to go back through all that you've said on tonight, but we do want to continue to keep these families uh in our prayers. We'll highlight three schools north of the river. Um, principal um Sarah Ambrose from the Stokes Elementary School um hosted a hocus focus title one event. Uh the rain did not keep any of the families away. Uh they had over 150 people to attend. Uh families picked up

111instructor materials and lots of candy. Also at BETHL school with principal Ashley Bale, uh the school is uh partnering with the town of Bethl, the commissioners and the Bethl mayor to expose students to local government opportunities and highlight the wonderful students at Bethl. Each month, Bethl school students say the pledge of allegiance to open a town hall meeting in August, which I was there, a student held had the opportunity to be the mayor for the day. Uh this is the beginning of a growing partnership with the town of Bethl and also from the bail boy school. Dedra Ingram B's PTO has a new executive board led by two fathers. Good to see the men get involved in the schools. The president is Antonio Newton and the vice president is Marcus Goodwin. Uh they are building

112connections between Belo and the community. They have also started a leadership club for fifth grade boys called the gentleman's code uh where our students are learning leadership skills. Again, thank you all for coming on tonight. Uh at this time we ask for a motion to adjourn. >> So moved by Mary, second by Jess. Any questions? Anybody want to stay? All in favor raise your right hand. >> Motion carries. Our meeting is adjourned.