August 04th 2025, Pitt County Schools Board of Education Meeting

001Good evening to everyone. I'd like to call this meeting to order. It is good to see you after such a long summer. Let the record reflect that we have seven board members present. Two excused pass Amy and Amanda. At this time, we'll call on work boards to take us into close session. The board will go into close session pursuant to general statute 143 uh 318 11 for the following purposes under subsection A1 to prevent the disclosure of privileged or confidential student information. GS 115 C-42 20 USC under subsection A1 to prevent the disclosure of privilege or confidential personnel information GS15C under subsection A3 to consult with our attorney to preserve attorney client privilege to consider and give instructions concerning a potential potential actual claim, administrative procedure or judicial action and under subsection A6 to consider

002the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment or initial employment, employment of a public officer or employee or a prospective public officer or employee. >> I second the motion and been moved and second. Are there any questions? At this time, let the vote go into close session. Good evening to everyone. We welcome you to our first meeting of this school calendar year. We apologize deeply from our board for our starting late on tonight. We had a lot of business to take care of and we appreciate really appreciate your patience. At this time we have recognize all all our board members. Seven of us are present. Two um Amanda and Amy have absent on tonight. At this time we have our pledge. Call the meeting for order. Kelly. Um >> all who are able, please

003stand with me for our pledge of allegiance. I pledge 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. Okay. Um I as we prepare for our moment of silence, I want to acknowledge the losses and the hurt um the grief and pain many people in our community have felt since we were last together. um we have experienced the loss of um of family members and friends and um students and so we certainly want to keep their families um in our school community and in our thoughts um during this moment of silence and I specifically want to recognize um uh Tracy Edward Linds who's our uh former District 1 representative here on the board um and

004her family um as we continue to honor, celebrate, and remember the life of um her daughter Hayden um that we were able to to celebrate her life together um earlier this month. So, we're continuing to keep the Lind family um in our thoughts and prayers. Um so, if everyone would please join me for a moment of silence. Thank you. >> Thank you, Amy. >> Kelly, >> I mean, Kelly got Amy on my mind. Uh, this time, are there any adjustments to our agenda? >> A motion we accept agenda? >> Second by Mary. Any questions? All in favor of setting our agenda. Let it be known. Motion carried. Spotlight on teaching and learning. Beth office. >> Good evening, Chair Trip, board members, Dr. Lacader, those in attendance tonight, and those watching online. We have a wonderful

005lineup of spotlights tonight. We're going to start with the bus rodeo. I'm gonna have Mr. Hutchinson come in. We are proud to recognize the achievements of our exceptional school bus drivers who recently participated in the DMV district 1 bus rodeo. This annual competition tests drivers in their precision, safety, and skill behind the wheel. Qualities that are essential to the safe transportation of our students each and every day. This year's event was hosted by Washington County Schools and DMV District 1 with valuable support from Bertie County Schools Transportation Department. Pit County Schools was proudly represented by three of our drivers who competed with professionalism and excellence. Please join me in congratulating these dedicated individuals for their commitment to safety, their impressive performance, and for representing Pit County Schools with pride at the 2025 DMV district 1

006Bus Rodeo. At this time, I invite Mr. Rich Hutchinson to present the school bus winners. Um this evening we actually have some special guests with us who are part of our transportation family. They are not picking schools employees but they are huge supporters of ours. So first I have Miss Yvon Lucas. She is the district one uh DMV trainer supervisor. So she supervises all of us in the east and northeast and make sure we have good high quality trainers getting our bus drivers set up to take care of our students. I have with us also Mr. Adrien Gray who has been part of the Pit County Schools family but he's moved on upward onward and now he takes care of us by training our bus drivers. You'll see them a lot of times based out

007of the Farmville or South Central bus lots. So they're here to help me pass out awards since they are the folks who actually make the rodeos happen both here in Pit County and for District 1. So thank you both for joining us. Uh, first person we would like to recognize is Miss Charmaine Wooten from Welcome Middle School. She was our third place finisher here in Pit County. [Applause] >> Um, this next person we're going to recognize is Mr. Joshua Brryley. He was our second place finisher here in Pit County. And then our first place finisher from Pit County was Mr. Trina Watson from EVA. >> All three of these drivers are on the bus every day taking care of our kids, making sure they get to and from school safely. Um, all three went and

008competed in the District 1 competition as Mrs. Hill first mentioned and we actually ended up winning district one competition. So, Mr. Joshua Riley actually came in first in the district. He went on to compete at the state where uh we didn't do quite as well. It was the first time we had gone to the state in quite a while. So we it was a learning experience for all of us I think. Don't you agree folks? >> Um he ended up placing 10th of 33 drivers. So we're hoping to have another good showing next year. here. We had 19 folks participate this year after a long hiatus. And so hopefully we get to see somebody from every school next year. Uh we'll probably be back out at the Farmville lot because that's our nice big space

009for us that we can do things in. And if you I think Mr. Trip has stuff for you. >> Yes. >> On behalf of this wonderful board that we have here in P County, we'd like to thank you for your service. I have a deep appreciation for bus drivers. that when I was a teenager, I did not realize what responsibility I had in my hand as a bus driver. But since then, I've learned that's an awesome awesome responsibility. You're carrying precious cargo up and down the road. That's all children. We appreciate what you do. >> Let's give them a hand. and admin as well. So if you'll come this way, Mr. Hans do one, two, three. Yes. >> This way. [Applause] Everyone in this room wishes we could clone those outstanding bus drivers. >> The

010International Thesbian Society, a program of the Educational Theater Association, honors student achievement in theater arts. In June, Jro High School's International The Thesbsian Society Troop 894 took its third trip to the International Thesbian Festival, a premier gathering of high school theater students from across the country. Stop right there. The festival celebrates excellence in theater through workshops, college auditions, professional development, and adjudicated performances. You guys don't come behind me. Come over here. They want to see your lovely faces. This year, Troop 894 brought 17 students to compete in seven events, including costume design, solo and du duet dance, and group and duet musical theater. The troop earned superior ratings, the highest possible in four events, while two of their performances received the coveted FSBY award for earning top scores in their categories. Additionally, their group musical

011number Mama Mia was awarded Critics's Choice, earning the exceptional honor of performing on the festival's main stage during the closing ceremonies. The trip marked an unforgettable achievement for these students and underscored their dedication to the art of theater. And to my knowledge, this is the very first time we have brought in the JH Rose Thesbian group. So, we are so honored to have you with us tonight. Congratulations to Miss Gioski and her magnificent thesians and Gracie Shrimp. Where's Gracie? Gracie is president of this wonderful group and has been to the international thesian competition three times. So we would love for you, my friend, to introduce your colleagues. >> Yes. Okay. So my name as before is Gracie Shrimp. These are my fellow performers. We have Cassie North, Railen Phillips, Arya Pike, Sarah Grace Coyle, and

012Eden Bass Knight. Um, so once again, I would just like to express just from the bottom of all of our hearts just our overwhelming sense of gratitude. We feel so blessed. So, not only did our group MMA Mia place first place in the whole entire country, I would just like to go back and reiterate what Critics's Choice is because we also got to perform there. So, there are 2,000 acts roughly that make it to the international level every single year. And so we were first place, but um also with Critics's Choice, there are only 10 groups that get to perform at the end in front of everybody at the closing ceremony. And we were one of them. And so we are so excited. Yes. And so that was in front of 5,000 people, the biggest

013like audience we've ever performed of. And so that was 5,000 of our peers, teachers. Um, we were introduced by Carly Hughes, which who's like really famous for Broadway, and oh, Stephen Schwarz. He was there, too. So, we got to perform in front of him. So, we're so blessed and grateful. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> A Pike. >> Oh, yes, ma'am. >> First of all, on behalf of the Pit County Board of Education, we're so proud of you. I was blessed to be there to to be with you all and take pictures and actually put you all on Facebook that night that evening I attended and you all was so awesome. Carol, you got it on so well. But we do we're so proud of you and offer is gonna help me so I

014won't mess your name up. Miss Pipe Congratulations. >> Cassie North. >> Congratulations. Railen Phillips. >> Phillips. >> Congratulations. >> Gracie Coyle. >> Gracie. >> Congratulations. >> Gracie Shrimp. >> Your name. >> Congratulations. >> And it's Grace Coyle. Excuse me. And Eden Bassite. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> We need to get a photo. So, if you'll turn around and face this way, face Mr. Hind, please. We will Squeeze in the middle. [Applause] It is my pleasure to introduce an exceptional young leader and 2024 graduate of North Pit High School. This is Walt Moore. Come on in, Walt. Oh, yes, ma'am. I'm sorry. There we go. Thank you, Carol. This past year, I'm turn the face this way. Walt served with distinction as the vice president of Future Farmers of America. His dedication to agriculture education

015and student leadership took center stage this summer when he welcomed more than 4,300 FFA members and guests to the Raleigh Convention Center for the annual state conf convention. Walt's year's service was marked by inspiring retiring addresses, the facilitation of dynamic workshops, and the coordination of career and leadership development events that will have a lasting impact on students across the state of North Carolina. Now a proud rising sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, Walt's continuing his passion for service and leadership as he studies health policy and management. Please join me in welcoming and celebrating one of Pit County's wonderful graduates from 2024, Mr. Walmore. [Applause] >> First of all, I want to uh I want to recognize Walt for several things. Well, you remember years ago as a freshman at North Pit High School, you came down

016in January and was part of the pig palace where we always recognize FFA excellence. And at that time, uh, Dr. Ler, Mr. chairman. I knew then that this young man was going to be in places >> and he's continuing to develop through his FFA skills and leadership to the place where he was made a there there's one president and five vice presidents on the state officer team. He made vice president of state FFA officer team. And I want to tell you this, I' I've done some research. There have been 556 past state FFA officers. There's never been one from Pig County until >> the other thing, it's hard to get to be a state FFA officer if you don't go to NC State. And he still got there and he went a child. So, I'm

017very proud. Now, turn around, let everybody else see you. I want y'all to notice one other thing about Walt. He's not wearing a blue corduroy jacket, which is the distinguishing characteristic of FFA. He's now wearing the blue and gold blazer of FFA alumni and is a proud number of the FFA alumni of the state of North Carolina and soon to be a pit county. So, let's give him another round of applause. We would be remiss if we didn't let you say at least a word or two at this time. Go ahead. >> Come right here. This way they can hear you on the live stream. >> Let me get out of you. Would >> Yes, sir. >> Uh, Miss Olers and Mr. Benji gave me a fantastic introduction already. I don't know how I can

018top that, but I'm Walt and I have to say it's an honor to come from Pit County and from the North River community. I'm a sophomore at UNCC and I actually changed majors. I'm no longer in health policy because of my work in FFA and with agricultural education. I've decided to pursue a career in human and organizational leadership development. I'm a member of the honors college as well as a Fred W. Morrison scholar. But I think most importantly, I'm a graduate of North High School. All of the skills that I've gained though developed by the FFA and though my tenure as a state vice president, they started at North Pitt. Like they said, we welcomed over 4,300 FFA members to the RCC this summer for state convention where I retired, but 4,300 is kind of

019a small number for North Carolina FFA. We're home to over 48,000 FFA members and we're the fifth largest state association in the national FFA organization. This year, all of our programming was themed around the word engage. At convention, we learned how we can engage with each other, engage with our passions, and engage with agriculture. and convention really got me thinking all of the opportunities I had to engage with our 48,000 FFA members throughout my year of service delivering those inspiring workshops and keynote addresses and remarks just like I'm giving right now. I learned the importance of conversation and how to make people feel special and the impact that that can have on other people. I've also started to think about the opportunities that Pit County gave me to engage with FFA and agriculture. I think

020of freshman sophomore year Walt standing up and public speaking for the very first time at the Pit County FFA alumni dinner three or four years ago. My adviser Volen told me to present the five paragraphs of the FFA creed and I I swore I had it. I knew I'd gotten it. Two paragraphs in, I forgot the entire thing. But I'll never forget the inspiring words of Mr. Benji and the rest of the alumni and how they've empowered me to continue on this pathway of of growth and of excellence. And I'm excited to see not only what FFA has for my future, but how Pit County FFA members will continue to engage with each other, with their passions, and with agriculture. >> Thank you. >> Photo should be in that picture. Come on. that you have.

021>> We have an an amazing group of graduates. Um, go change the world, Walt. He's impressive young man. >> Yes, he is. Tonight, we're also proud to spotlight the outstanding accomplishments of the journalism program at JHR Rose High School. Each year, the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association hosts a highly competitive statewide contest recognizing excellence in high school journalism. This year, JHRO High School's journalism students rose to the occasion, earning multiple honors for both their overall newspaper and individual submissions. Among their many accolades, four first place entries from Rose High will be featured in the Book of Firsts, a prestigious annual publication showcasing the best scholastic media work across the state. These achievements reflect not only the talent and dedication of our students, but also the strength of the program and the guidance of their outstanding

022advisor. We congratulate these students and staff for their creativity, their hard work, their commitment to journalism excellence. Rose High continues to make Pit County Schools very proud. At this time, I invite Ashley Hutchinson, English and journalism teacher, to recognize the students. >> Oops, I clicked the button. >> There we go. >> Sorry. >> All right. I'm really proud to introduce these students here tonight. Um, some of them are recent graduates and they've taken journalism for all four years of high school. So, we have three editors and chief who lead our student newspaper. We have a lot of student leaders and that's how we develop our newer journalism students with not just with my guidance but also with theirs. So, every one of the first place wins and all the way down to honorable mention and

023really every entry have been guided by these three. So, our first student that we'd like to recognize is Alan Hutchinson, editor-inchief this year for Rampant Lines. >> On behalf of K County Board of Education, we congratulate you and Dr. Lasser and you and your staff. >> Our second student. This is our She's actually very remarkable because this is our first junior editor-inchief. We've always had seniors before. So Maya Swagerty I'd like to recognize next is our first junior editor-in chief of Rampant Lines. >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> Our next student is one of our first place individual winners. He won a a first place award for a review on the show Adolescence on Netflix that you can see on the screen right now. And that is Jack Albritten. And he's our third editor-inchief from this

024year. >> Congratulations. And our next student actually was recognized as a first place winner last year. Uh students are able to enter up to three submissions into the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association contest. And this student won first place for every single one of his three submissions. So incredibly impressive. So Elliot Flinchbaw is our next student to recognize. >> Congratulations. And we also had two sections that won overall first place. And so the next several students are some of our section editors. So our sports section and our news section. Uh which are the I mean the news section is the first thing you see when you open the paper. Uh and then the sports section is our color page on the back. And you can see some of our nice work on our sports page

025up on the screen as well. Um, so Elliot actually won for a sports photo, a sports back page design which is on the screen and also for a features photo. So he's very diversified there. So Matthew Rushing is our next student and he is a sports editor for us and he will be back editing sports or entertainment next year. Our next student is also a sports editor, Campbell Rhodess. And we have another sports editor and that's Sarah Ruth Clark. >> Okay. And if you're wondering why we have so many editors, it's because we have a lot of students in our journalism program. So, we need a lot of student leaders and we're glad to be able to give them these opportunities. And so, now we're on to our news editors. So, our first news editor

026is Mary Carson Hennon. >> Our next news editor is Anna Porter. And another news editor, Addison Adler. Congratulations. >> And our last student is McGavoc Smith, who was a news editor this year and will be joining our team of editors and chief this upcoming school year. >> Thank you all. We are so proud of you. We would love to get a photo. So you'll turn and we're going to make two rows. Smaller friends in the front, gentlemen in the back. On the end, >> you can step up if you need to. [Applause] We are excited to recognize DH Connley High School student Seth Hartley during tonight's spotlight as well. Seth is a rising senior. He was one of only 44 high school students from across North Carolina selected to participate in the 2025 Electric Youth

027Tour in Washington DC. Chosen through a competitive essay contest, Seth joined more than 1,800 students from across the nation for this prestigious experience, which offers young leaders a unique opportunity to explore the nation's capital, network with their peers, and learn about the vital role of electric cooperatives and how they play such a significant difference in our communities. Would you like to share anything about your experience, Seth? Um, it was a great trip. Got to meet many, many people from all over the country as she's mentioned. >> It was wonderful. >> What's one thing that stood out to you? >> Um, getting to see all the monuments, >> getting to visit visit the capital. >> That was great. >> We are so proud of you. I think you also visit the national I mean Arlington National

028visited that Smithsonian and so I'm sure you got a lot of ideas and also by you going on that u visit you also are eligible for scholarships >> and uh we hope you good luck as a as a board and uh we're proud of you and appreciate you for doing that representing not only yourself but all of us at big county. Thank you very much. [Applause] >> Yes, let's get a photo with Principal War as well. Seth aspires to be a mechanical engineer. So, we are super excited about his future and can't wait to bring you back in a few years as one of our outstanding alum. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> At this time, we are so proud to spotlight two exceptional leaders in our division of educator effectiveness and leadership. Corey

029Atkins, Courtney Atkins, I apologize, teacher support coordinator, and Elizabeth Meyers, career pathway specialist. Both Courtney and Elizabeth have recently earned the prestigious Associate Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation, a globally recognized organization that sets the standard for excellence in professional coaching. This certification reflects their commitment to continuous growth, high quality leadership, and impactful coaching practices that directly support our educators across the district. Their achievement not only represents a personal milestone, but also enhances our district's capacity to foster teacher development, leadership, and innovation. To elaborate on this tremendous accomplishment, I invite the wonderful Dr. Tom Feller, director of school innovation and transformation. >> Thank you, Beth. Good evening, everyone. Thank you. Um really excited to honor these two ladies here. Um they have been working hard on this. Um ICF was founded back in

0301995 and it's a force in the world for personal transformation. That's part of their goal. Um ICF coaches are known as professional coaches who work with others to help them become the best versions of themselves. And um I cannot even quantify the number of teachers in this district who have personally said to me when I see them about the work that like they they name them, right? Um about how impactful they've been. um they help them become the best version of themselves because we know that better humans make better organizations, better humans make better teachers, better humans make better leaders and um it's often considered the gold standard of coaching certification and ICF designation represents the culmination of many hours of study and practice. Both Elizabeth and Courtney have been working for nearly three years

031on this um so it takes a long time. Specifically, they began the formal coaching journey in 2022 by completing a course with the Center for Co uh Creative Leadership, which is a global leadership development firm out of Greensboro. From there, they had to complete u multiple hours of one-on-one mentor coaching with an external coach. They had to provide evidence of having completed over 125 hours of coaching experience. They submitted audio recordings of coaching sessions for review and they had to pass a standardized certification exam. So, um, I've told people that ICF certification, we can kind of think of it as like national boards, um, but for coaches instead of teachers. So, just to demonstrate a little bit how prestigious this certification is, I'd like to share a couple numbers. Uh, in the spring of 2025,

032there were over 141,000 national board certified teachers in the United States. In the spring of 2025, same time period, there were fewer than 22,500 coaches certified and only 58,000 coaches certified worldwide. So, in other words, there are six times as many national certified teachers in the US as there are ICF coaches all across the world. Um, so this certification represents a significant milestone and acknowledgement of their skill. It's not hyperbole to say these ladies are at the pinnacle of performance when it comes to coaching ability and skill. I'm incredibly proud of the work they do on a day-to-day basis and I'm thankful for the dedication and service to the students and staff of Pit County Schools. They really are making a positive difference every day. So, congratulations. >> Good job. >> Would you like to

033say anything? >> I am a coach, not a speaker. >> Okay. All right. >> Thank you. >> Okay. How about you? >> No, I'm good. I appreciate that >> Courtney. >> Yes, sir. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much for your dedication on behalf of the board and on our superintendent. We're very proud of both of you and what you've accomplished. It's a great >> Thank you. You too. Thank you, ladies. >> Those two ladies make a tremendous impact across the district. I've had a chance to work with both of them and they are definitely beloved. Lastly, as we begin a new school year, we are launching a district-wide campaign called I love our schools. It is time for people to fall in love with public education again and in particular pit county schools. So,

034this campaign is about building pride, strengthening connections, celebrating the incredible people who make our school special. Our students, our staff, our families, and our community partners. On August the 25th, the first day of traditional school, we are inviting our students, our parents, our teachers, our community members, civic organizations, churches to show their love for Pit County schools. You can wear PCS swag. You can get a shirt made. You can get these made for $5. I love our schools. We want everyone to absolutely saturate social media that day. We want to see so much pride for public schools and again most importantly Pit County schools. So this campaign is not going to end the first day of school. It's going to be a mindset that we're going to carry into the entire school year and we

035still believe the best is yet to come. So this is going to be a very special year. We look forward to seeing everyone on social media. We don't we don't care if you're wearing t-shirts, just print out a sign that says, "We love our schools." So, we hope that you will join us in this campaign. Um, and for everyone that's watching tonight, thank you for believing in and loving Pit County Schools. Thank you, chair. >> Thank you, Beth. Uh, at this time, we have a public expression word. We we have uh two speakers and one will be representing a group and one an individual and first we'll have uh the one representing an individual and that's uh Trisha Warhoff. Good evening board members and everyone else in attendance. I'm Trisha Horha um north of the

036river. Um I am here tonight given the environment our students are walking back into um the first day of school. Because of the environment they're walking back into, I felt called to come and share a poem with the board tonight. It is titled First They Came by Pastor Martin Nemo. First they came for the communists and I did not speak up because I was not a communist. Then they came for the socialists and I did not speak up because I was not a socialist. And then they came for the trades unionists and I did not speak up because I was not a trades unionist. And then they came for the Jews and I did not speak up because I was not a Jew. And then they came for me and there was no one left

037to speak out for me. Our kids' rights are actively being taken from them right now, you guys, in front of our eyes. Every time a school board votes to rescend policies that protect our most vulnerable policing to not speak out. So, with that, I'd now like to take a moment of silence for every student that is being harmed when a school board votes and is not speaking out with that vote. We are in this together. You guys have a good evening. >> Thank you. [Music] Now we have our second speaker um representing a group Julie Anderson. Good evening. I just want to say hello to all the members of the board and our to also to our community. I stand before you today as a mother, a grandmother, and a member of Mom's for Liberty.

038As you know, the Supreme Court has released a decision in Mahmud versus Taylor, which will affect every school district in the country. The court held that when McGomery County, Maryland public schools refused to opt out of K through5 curriculum that their parents objected to it violated the First Amendment's free exercise clause. Justice Alo wrote that mandating our young children to engage in these materials presented as normative and celebratory uh substantially interfered with parents rights to raise their children according to their sincerely held beliefs. In effect, the schools crossed a constitutional line by conditioning a public education on acceptance of viewpoints conflicting with their famil family's faiths. And what does this mean for our district? First, the school should provide clear advanced notification to parents for any upcoming lessons covering the topic topics of gender identity,

039sexuality, or other related themes. Second, parents have the right to opt out. Their children without penalty or stigma from specific lessons that conflict with their religious convictions and district policies must be aligned. Third, children who opt out should not be given meaningful or should be given meaningful equivalent educational opportunities, ensuring they don't fall behind while respecting family beliefs. And fourth, teachers will need guidance to handle opt out sensitively and to implement alternative lessons professionally. This ruling doesn't ban these materials altogether, nor does it restrict academic freedom. Rather, it reinforces parental rights, which is what we're all we all want. I hope ensuring families can agree or disagree with specific con content presented to their younger children. I urge district to swiftly align its policies with this decision. Ensuring transparency, respect, and balance moving forward. Our

040hope is always that this can be handled at the most basic level. In many cases, all it takes is a few thoughtful conversations with a teacher or administrator to find a solution. And finally, we would like to note that it is our understanding that the Pit County School District has formulated an opt- out document. It is Moms for Liberty's proposal that the opt out form is provided prior to the 2526 school year so any parent or guardian can submit their intentions in a timely manner as well as the district providing if it hasn't already a completed list of any potential controversial books, ebooks, audio through the school's library and even classroom materials. As a result, we will be respectfully following all parents and guardians religious rights, parents rights, even if not faith-based. We look forward

041to a productive academic year with the students and staff, and I thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> At this time, we're going to our consent items. Board men minutes from June 30th. Confidential agenda items for June 30th. Close session. Personnel report. Mr. >> Chair. >> Yes. >> I move we approve. >> Is there a second? >> I second it. >> Second by Mary. Any questions? All in favor that have been on by the voters side. Motion carries. New business. We'll call Mr. Aaron Ericson. All right. Good evening. Um we have we have two items tonight um to go over as a group. Um the first item is the mask. Can't see it. Where is the mouse? There it is. Okay, thank you. Um the first item is our annual um review of

042what's called our rental schedule fee. So, as a reminder, um the district does rent out different areas of our campuses to um general public, private organizations, um things of that nature. And every year uh we go through with the board on the um prior to the start of the school year what our actual rates are going to be um for the different varying groups. Um so what I am seeking approval tonight is the for the 2526 school year. Um the rates that are listed in the different categories and um these are a slight increase over the past year. Um, just as a reminder, two years ago, um, we were around $347,000, um, in the red on rentals because we weren't covering the cost of our custodial or the utilities being used. And then last year,

043we were around 147,000 as well. So, we're 14748,000 um, in the red as well. So, we're trying to get back. We're not trying to make a profit, but we are trying to break even. Um so we would like to at least cover the cost of utilities and the cost of the uh custodial time or other supervisor time um for our staff. So um these are the increases um they're generally going from depending on the conversation they're mostly going up evenly across the board. The one the three exceptions will be Conley Rose and South Central. The reason for those being a little higher related to utility fees is we actually are in a different pay cycle pay structure with our utility provider. So we actually get charged more per kilowatt hour on those schools um because

044of the size and the demand at those sites. So we do take that into account with these fee rates. So um but that's kind of the um the overview of what we're looking at. And then there are some special condition fees related to other rooms if you need technician support for the theater lights and sound system um and things of that nature. Um onetime flat fees for exterior field use of just of $30 um if you don't need lights. So just things of of that nature. So um that's kind of what we're seeking permission to approve for use for the 25 26 school year, the rentals. So >> motion, >> Mr. Chair, >> I move we approve. I've got I've got discussion when you get second. >> Seconded him. >> Second by >> discussion. Um

045Erin, I think it would probably behoove the public to know. I know it would me. >> H how much uh participation from the public do we get uh in the past? What can we kind of expect every year? >> We actually see rentals as much as six to eight times a week. >> Is that right? >> Across the district. Um and that's be above and beyond our own personal use. So that's what's available around athletics, um school programs, you know, um theater programs, things of that nature, out clubs. This is outside entities. See a lot of interest from um nonprofits related to ECU that use our buildings. Um, so and we also see a lot related to outside entities in the summer that do camping camps for our students as well. So there's a lot

046of use. Our biggest singleuse category is the nonprofit category. >> Any other question? >> Thought you I thought you wasn't finished. motion to it's been moved by Benji, second by Mary. All in favor? >> Motion unanimously carried. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And um the other item we've talked about for a while, but I wanted to go over a little bit in detail tonight. Um we received about a year and a half ago um a million dollars from the county to be put towards CTE lab renovations and improvements. Um and we've talked with the program um kind of looking at where would this be put to the most most use the most benefit where are we lacking where there's a lot of student interest but we aren't providing that. And the number one area that

047that came up was a culinary lab for Aiden Griffin High School. Um, and so we met with the design team, met with the school staff, um, multiple partners, engineers. We've we put this product out on the street for bid and it came back on June 17th at a base bid on this um, with Waters Contracting for 1,27,000. Um, we had a million dollars including design fees. So, we went through the VE process with this company. Um, we we went ahead and we'll get to back to the co these final costs in a minute, but we went ahead and did our evaluation of the contractor um reviewing their state bid bond requirements, their performance bond requirement, the contractor license requirement and status with the state um which was active without any past um issues noted um

048their insurance coverage verification, their MBE or small business particip ation and then will the BB the better business bureau rating and accredit accreditation status and I will say that both the first and second biders were not accredited by the BBB. So, um, we did a reference check, um, with the design team and the people listed here. And I did want to draw your attention to, um, the Coastal Carolina Community College culinary renovation that was performed for $883,968, which is a very similar, if not nearly identical, project to the one we're seeking to contract with them for. and the con the comments from the com the company or the sorry the community colleges contact were very positive about the contractor and their experience through that project. Um so we are based on where we are um

049with the VE status and with the feedback from their references um we are seeking permission from the board to contract after VE with design fees for a total project cost of $957,87149 to waters contracting the actual contract amount would be $895,27 $7. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I move we approve. >> A second. >> Been moved by Benjes, second by Worth. Any questions? >> Just a comment. >> All in favor? >> Just a comment. >> Oh, okay. >> Uh, this million dollars came about again. It it doesn't it doesn't ever hurt to let the public know it came about again because of our county commissioners and their total support for career technical education and how vital career technical education is in the overall public education of our students of which I am very

050very excited that they see the the re not only the re relevance of it but they also see the critical need of it. Mhm. So, um I wholeheartedly support this. >> Ready to vote? All >> in favor? >> I had a comment. >> All right. Motion carry. >> Okay. >> Uh I think I think this is a great thing as well. Um, I just I wanted to make this publicly known that uh our last meeting I I advised that due to my background and what I do that I would not be voting yay or I would not be voting yay for a construction bid unless I was physically able to review uh recommendation letters and background stuff as well. I think that stuff as we talked about should be presented at work sessions with kind

051of like a portfolio for that contractor. and I was just giving a reason why my hand would not go up during the vote. >> Thank you, Aaron, for uh requesting the information on the bidding process that we the board had asked for. Thank you for getting all of that information to us. >> You've done outstanding in doing that and we look forward to continue to doing that as we continue to put things out on bid. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> First reading of policies in response to House Bill 959 and my husband attorney. >> Good evening board members. Um as you all are aware and as has been reported in the news our um general assembly with the signature of the governor has passed. Uh session law 2025-38 also known as house

052bill 959. Uh this bill has been described as a cell phone ban for public schools. Uh just to clarify, there is more going on in the legislation um including some things that will begin next school year uh around instruction on social media and mental health uh as well as adoption of a policy on internet safety. Uh but at present uh the board is also charged with adopting a policy um banning wireless communication devices. Uh you have until January 1st of next year to do this. However, um we are recommending that we move forward uh with implementation of a policy to have our school year be consistent. Um Miss English will share some more practically about how we are going to go about this, but for now I just want to give you some background and

053some history on uh Pit County schools and uh cell phones. So many years ago in the early 2000s, I was a student at DH Conley High School and at that time cell phones were a relatively new technology. Um, I had one. It stayed in my car. My mother wanted me to use it only to call her in the event of emergency. So, it mostly stayed off and it mostly stayed in my car. Um, and in fact, at that time, um, you were not allowed to have a cell phone in the building of a school. Um, I had a classmate who her phone was off. It was just happened to be in her hand and it was actually confiscated. So, um, I just mentioned this to say that historically this technology was somewhat taboo. Um, so,

054uh, prior to 2016, uh, we did have a policy on wireless communication devices that was addressed primarily in our code of student conduct. And I won't bother to read that to you. Presently, you have a policy uh that on the use of wireless communication or other devices. Uh, that policy has not been amended since August 1st of 2016. But at the core of this policy, we do not permit students to use cell phones on our campuses during instructional time. Um, we do however recognize that they are a means of communication between parents and students. Um, and as as noted, there is a prohibition in the policy. Um while we have this policy, there is an intent I think at this juncture from our general assembly to shake up what we are doing a little bit.

055Um because of course this is a battle for our staff uh often with students but to shake up what we have been doing. Um and so as as noted, we have asked that you uh go ahead and um adopt two pol two updates to policies. one specifically related to personal communication devices and then one clarifying because this bill does not have a personal limitation but a an adoption to our technology responsible use policy um to um and I will come back to this in just a minute sorry um to um give instruction that those devices are to be stowed away except as provided in the law which would be for the purpose of instruction. So if the teacher says take out your Chromebooks, it's time to use them. We're conveying our expectation there as well

056that that device will be put away, stowed unless unless instruction is given to take it out. So that is just bringing everything into very clear alignment with the mandate. Um just as some some things as I said, the general assembly is really wanting us to shake things up a bit. There has been a recognition um that youth use cell phones primarily to access social media. Um but um they are wanting us to look at our policies, practices and procedures. I'm going to ask Miss English to come forward and just give you the practical uh what what the what the changes to policies will do. >> Okay. So um what you're looking at is our current code of conduct uh on the unauthorized use of electronic or communication devices. And I'll read this so that everyone

057can hear it. Not because I usually read to you, but um no student shall have in sight have turned on or use any unauthorized personal communication or electronic device on school property during school hours without permission from a school official. These devices include but are not limited to cellular smartphones, tablets, scanners, laser pointers, radios, compact disc cassette players, camera, handheld video games, and video recording devices. So right now in our schools and in our code of conduct, this is a level one offense. So that means that it, you know, it is a very it's our that's the lowest level of offense. Um and confiscation is listed as an option. So typically what happens during the school day with our principles and teachers now is if a student has one of these devices out and it's

058causing a problem for instruction, they'll ask them to put it away. If the student doesn't comply or complies and then gets it back out, typically what ends up happening is that device is brought to the office for the student to pick up or the parent to come pick up at the end of the school day. So that is where our code of conduct is right now. We are not proposing any changes to our code of conduct um in response to House Bill 959. Okay. So we have spoken to several principles. Miss Hodson did a little focus group with a couple of principles who have already had this practice in place. Um, one principal does belltoell. So from the date from the minute you're the tardy bell rings and instruction begins until dismissal, those devices are

059to be put away. Um, another principal really focused more on put away, like out of sight, out of mind. If we don't know you have it, it's not a problem. And then the last principal that we talked to did a check-in checkout system where when the students um checked their Chromebook out from their teacher at the beginning of class, they turned their cell phone into the teacher and it stayed within the teacher's control during that time period so that the kids didn't have to worry about if someone was going to take it or it was under the teacher's control during the entire time it was checked into the teacher. So on July 18th, we met with the principles virtually to explain this so they could go ahead and start working with their administrative team and

060their leadership teams to decide how they wanted to address this new mandate. So the options that we proposed to our principles are, as you can see here, um for our K8 schools, um all schools serving students in grades K8 adopt a putaway or out of sight bell-to-bell restriction. For 68, we recommended the same thing. And then for 912, we gave a little bit more option that all schools serving students in grades 912 adopt a putaway from the beginning to end of class time. However, bell-to bell is an option. So, the principles can choose any of these for the time on school, but they can go more restrictive if they choose to depending on what they feel is best and their school leadership teams feel is best for their campus. This is um an an update

061on the school bus. Students may use the device accord and this is in the law correct. Okay. Students may use the device but volume must be low and headphones used. Drivers can limit the device use if safety is a concern. Okay. And down at the bottom you can see that there are options that principles can choose to use in addition to these things. Um a lock box or a magnetic pouch that's an option. Um and then exceptions are allowed for this if a student particular has um like a medical condition that requires them to have their cell phone to monitor that you know part of their medical condition. If there's communication needs so say we have a storm come in and practice has to be cancelled the administrator can tell the students go ahead and

062get your cell phones out and text your parents to let them know practice has been cancelled. Um and then administrator approved translations, safety plans or any assistive communication that students might need. So we propose these as options and each school will decide their their approach um to adhere to law and policy. So we are asking them to decide that approach. They're letting student services and senior leadership know how their school will approach that just so we can we know if we get contacts from parents or families. And then we will the we're asking the school administrators to clearly and consistently communicate the school approach to students, families, and parents to implement the cell phone free school environment starting on August 25th of the first day of school. Okay. >> Oh, 2025. Sorry, not 2026. 2025.

063Okay. Look, does our policy uphold what the policy that uh was sent from the legislature? I mean, when I look at that policy, it looks like I'm reading a policy from a different school system cuz when I go in the uh the buildings, I see cell phones everywhere. >> I hear you, sir. And I think that's why we want to shake it up in our policy. Are we shaking it up? >> Well, we we've asked the school administrators to revisit. >> But when they revisit, what do you mean revisit? >> They have to tell us which option they're going to use at their school level. Whether it's going to be bell-to bell, out of sight, out of mind, check in, check out. >> Let me add here, Mr. Let the thing I'm saying is this

064the what we have up there in our policy has not worked because we have some principles have they will turn uh the kids have to turn their phones in is when they walk into class and because cell phones if a kid's got a cell phone on they can get to it without that teacher seeing it. If somebody else is walking around in the room, they'll see it. I've seen it. You know, I I've been in classrooms and I've seen cell phones out. And I do think that uh kids, you know, they need their cell phone in case of danger or something. I'm not saying take it away permanently. Uh but going into that classroom, I just think it's important more so than what we have seen in the past. I our policy I don't believe

065is going to shake up anything. >> I I will just say we have clearly communicated yes to school administrators and I think they all understand. I will say in schools that had prior to the law done something to to take these measures to have cell phones turned off put away in bags for an entire school day or this the administrator who has them lock them they they get their Chromebook at home room and lock them up. They both report significant decreases in discipline >> and I agree with that. >> Yeah. And I think they have had a lot of success but they had a lot of communication and our expectation is that other administrators will be doing that at the start of this year. But what works for their school because what worked for one

066school in in the case of of the one that has the lock box. She said I thought about doing you know the turned off but that just doesn't work with my families. >> Yeah. So we have the lock box and then the other administrator says nope. Everybody has been committed to keeping them put away. We have really close monitoring of it and and honestly he has seen a significant decrease in discipline himself. So it depends on the school climate, the community and and what they think will work in their schools to establish this substantial decrease >> with you Jenna. >> So I've had a couple parents ask me about cellular smart watches. What about watch technology? So that is addressed in the policy and um the idea is that the watch would not be turned

067on and Carol just read for you exactly what's here because I want to make sure we say this accurately. Students at any grade level may wear smart watches throughout the school day, but when any features that require wireless connections to a smart the any features that require the connection to the smartphone need to be disabled. So, we're not using the watch to circumvent to text our friends. >> This would be the first year that this policy be in place, correct? So, we'll be able to tell at the end of the year how well this policy works. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. >> And just to clarify, if I may, that policy that was up there, was it the same policy we had last year? >> So, if I if I may. Yes, sir. Mr.

068Vice Chair, the first policy, if you go back to your original slide, this is the current policy that we have um as a district. I think you need to go back one more keep going for forward. Keep going. You're going the wrong way, I believe. Um it has the current policy now which is just our district policy uh discussing uh what happens with the cell phone and confiscation confiscation. >> At this time we now have the law saying that you cannot have you know the cell phone ban law. So what we're doing is we're tightening up the policy that's in alignment with what the law says that we have to do. >> And see that's what I was >> Yes sir. I I heard you. I was trying to jump in and say so our

069new policy now says principles you don't have a choice. >> You have to select one of those. If you go to the next slide, you have to pick one of these three options. Um let us know which option you've cho you've chosen. So what we've decided is here's the baseline for every school. This is the baseline for every school. You can go even more as a school and say we're going to have a lock box or a magnetic pouch to put it away, but every school and every principal will be expected to follow what Miss English um and our attorney has laid out for cell phones. >> I feel better. >> Yes, sir. So I guess where I should speak in when we talked about the code of conduct is our current code of conduct

070description is in in line with the mandate, >> right? >> So we don't this is our code of conduct and Emma's talking about Miss Hudson's talking about the policy update, right? >> So our the way we I had principles look at this, make sure we didn't need to revise it. So we're in line with this mandate already with our code of conduct. >> Are there other questions? No, there is because I I I play both sides of the fence on this one. >> Um 98% of what we do on a daily basis is through our cell phones and watches. What where where is the money going to come if the principal says I want lock boxes and magnetic pouches for everybody? So, what we would do is for um currently in Miss English's budget that

071we get from the state, uh there could be some funds left over from that or or principles could use their own school funds. So, as a district, that's why we've elected to have a base to say that it's out of sight, out of mind where that does not require funding because some schools, they don't need a lock box. It can be left in the book bag. It can just be put away. it could be put in a bin where students aren't accessing it. Um, it would be very expensive if we got lock boxes or pouches for every single class, but some schools do have that or have had that and they've utilized their state and state funds or their local funds to be able to do that. So, there are some options that principles will

072have if they want to want to do that. >> One more question. Have we had any cases where damage has been reported from confiscation? >> not to my knowledge. Not to our knowledge. >> Okay. Now, >> yes, sir. >> And I will do we even know in the last year number of phones that was confiscated. We haven't started the new year yet. >> We do not know that number sir. Um we we don't usually keep that statistic but we do know we don't know how many writeups there were and we can provide that information to the board if that is helpful. >> I would just say that this is a law and we we have to follow it. >> Um and uh you know we we've talked about liability and in retrieving phones and we've

073had those conversations. Um however we don't want as a district uh to make a larger issue of we know what can happen when we take students phones. We know exactly what what what can happen as parents. We know what can happen when we take a phone. So what we're trying to do is minimize the standard expectation is when you go into class that phone by law is not out. it's not visible and it's away and we're not causing challenges for principles or assistant principles or teachers u when it comes to cell phones. We're trying to make sure we have a standard way of addressing the issue. Now, if principles want to do the lock box or the yonder pouches pouches and it works with their school, they certainly can do that. >> Any other questions?

074And I would say this coming year, we'll see how well this works and if the principles need other tools to use, then I'm sure we'll find a way to get >> We'll see the the whole state will see how this works. >> I have a follow if I can real quick. >> It's all right. I'm sorry, B. I apologize, but I've I've been firsthand witness to this and this is why I want to ask it. Will each school release a statement or a policy letter to go home with the kids saying, "This is our policy at this school." Because I've seen Johnny A get his phone taken out, taken >> and Johnny B can walk around talking on it all day and nothing happens. >> So that's because I'm I'm very adamant about if my

075kid needs to reach me for any reason, he should be able to reach me for any reason. And if get his phones taken as soon as he gets it out of his bag. But Lucy over here can call her mom because she missed her lunch, then that's where the problem's going to be for me. >> I think English >> I will say we have very also very clearly communicated because I have heard this from many I've heard this from students like consistency and expectation >> even for high schoolers is what has been expressed as a desire. Um, and so that is something we have communicated to principles. This needs to be consistently enforced. This rule is consistent across your building. I will note the administrator who takes phones at the beginning of the day, they

076get locked, they get them at the end of the day when they return their Chromebook. She actually has a very robust and we've talked to them about this as well, a robust policy allowing students to go and call their parents from the office phone at any point in the day if there's something that they need to communicate. She does not cut their access off to that. She said the only reason she will do that is if the admin if the parent calls her and says my kid's calling me too much can you please ask them to to stop. That that is but that is that is they need to have alternative means in place to support students andor if there's a situation you know um where we just need a very brief duration communication home

077we can have staff you know there's 100 kids on a football team you may not want all of them to go call in the office. You may want them to just send the text to say, "Yeah, >> especially with coaches now saying, "Well, it's the student's responsibility to communicate. >> My kid's 12 years old." >> Yes. >> Right. >> When's he going to communicate if he doesn't have his phone? And I'm working till 5, but he don't have practice. And now he gets out at 3:40 and I have no way to get him. >> So, >> we were very clear in explaining that to principles. And on the second bullet, one of the things we're asking them to tell us when they tell us how they're handling this is how they're communicating. So how and

078when it will be communicated with parents, staff and students. >> Okay. Okay. Mr. Chair, it's interesting. Uh we all get phone calls on various and sunundry things and I get phone calls about cell phones at certain schools and I don't get phone calls about cell phones at other schools. And that's the reason why it really needs to be stressed that this is whatever they do, they need to make sure that they get the word out and get it consistent at the very beginning and don't take your foot off the celerator. >> All right. And I'm sure our superintendent will address this in the principal meetings that they be having that he'll address all concerns with the principles. Correct. >> Certainly do wishes. Absolutely. Thank you. >> So we would just ask and if any board

079member has questions about the policy between now and your September meeting, we would ask the policy come on for second reading on your September meeting date again with principles communicating at the beginning very clearly. This is what we're planning to do. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you Miss Emman update regarding the center for >> Thank you. Um, so also as part of state law, uh, we are required now by the state of North Carolina, uh, as all public school systems are in this state, to show videos produced by the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools to students in grades 6 through 12 within the first 5 days of this academic year. Uh the videos are to address at least these videos address at least likely warning signs indicating that a child may be a

080victim of abuse or neglect including age appropriate information on sexual abuse. Uh the videos do begin with content focused on grooming behavior and sexual offenses against students by school staff before being followed up with a PowerPoint uh displaying those warning signs. Um we they the videos were recently placed on the c center's YouTube page. Uh we are working uh to get information out to our families about these from schools. We have uh emails for principles to send. Parents of students in sixth grade will be afforded the opportunity to opt out of the screening of the videos. Students in grades 7 through 12, their parent or excuse me, they will have the opportunity to opt in. Parents in grades seven through 12 will be given the opportunity to opt out. The reason sixth grade gets an

081opt in and we have to have affirmative permission again as the Overton window of curriculum for sixth grade students does not traditionally include these topics. 7th through 12th. Um it is certainly part of of health and PE curriculums. Uh so that is that is our plan. We will be communicating this with families affording them the opportunity to watch these. Our staff will also receive a screening of a video that is designed for staff. Um, we will also afford families the opportunity to review facilitator guides and discussion questions in addition to the videos. And truly, if they wish to opt their children out, that is that is our principles are going to work with families for whatever reason. It may be that someone has something in their past and it's just too too upsetting. Whatever the

082reason may be, we are going to respect famil family's wishes. Um, I do just wish to note that public school staff are highly trained professionals. they undergo extensive background checks before they are hired. Of course, if there is not something in a background check that we do not know about and something arises later, um we address that very promptly in the district. Um our policies do address our expectations of staff and their own reporting obligations when this behavior is observed in schools. And um just to clarify our processes, yes, there is an immediate report. um our human resources department as well as law enforcement are involved in an investigation. If an allegation is substantiated, um while we normally don't say this as an attorney in an HR matter, the staff member is terminated. Um that's

083just we we really do not have any in between consequences for for this type of behavior. Uh and then um if the staff member is is certified or licensed by the state board of education um or they resign while an investigation is pending, we are required to report the matter to the state board which may take action against the individual's license. Uh I just note that our policies do mirror this. Uh and of course our staff are highly trained in reporting any concerns whether they arise outside of school or within a school building uh to administrators. Something that we take very seriously. Any questions? >> Thank you all. >> At this time, we'll go into our closing comments, starting with our wonderful superintendent, Dr. Steve Lass. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. And uh it was

084great to see and celebrate our staff and our students tonight. And it's just good to see everyone and to be back with uh our wonderful board members. I have missed everyone and I'm looking forward to a great year. Um, really quick, I'd like for uh our new staff to please stand. New to their roles sitting behind our chiefs. Chiefs, if you all will stand from Dr. James, Mr. Burns, if you all will stand. Um, if you'll wave your hand, uh, Dr. James is our new director of K12 instruction. And then we have, uh, Miss Keelin Jones, our new HR director. And then we have Dr. Monica J. Monica Jacobson, our new executive director of high schools. We have Dr. Robert Bats, who's our new executive director of middle schools. And we have Mr. Derek Burns,

085who is our executive director of elementary schools. And we're just so excited to um share them with everyone. And uh we did take a few of them from some other counties. So, we're excited. So, welcome aboard to all of them. Um the summers Oh, our summer has been very productive. Um, it's been quite busy, but it's also been emotional for our community. And I just want to acknowledge the loss that we've had. We lost three students this summer, including one who had recently graduated from JH Rose. And so, we ask that you keep those families in your hearts uh in your minds and prayer. As we know, grief does not have a timetable, but we stand with those families in remembrance of their children. Uh, particularly Miss Tracy Everett Lind, our former board member who

086lost her sweet daughter Hayden. Um, we also want to thank um our our uh senior staff and particularly our operations department as well for the work they've done to get our facilities up to par for the academic year. Um, as well as our senior staff who work really hard working with our principles, meeting with our principles, instructional coaches, um, and spending valuable time as we set the compass for the academic year. And we've got some really good momentum. We welcome back this week uh the faculty, staff and students at our early colleges um PCC and innovation. They are back. They are already starting work days and I believe the first day for those students are is Friday. Um yes, Friday. And so the academic year has has begun. So we wish them a wonderful year.

087And we're excited about our community support and rallying around our schools. Thank you, Miss Ofers, for our we love our schools campaign. um ensuring that the community knows what's happening happening in our schools and the excitement about our our public schools. Pit County Schools, we're a great school district and we look forward to that first day. Everyone holding their signs, dawning their shirts, letting people know how much you love all 39 of our schools and then some because the energy is going to be contagious. So, we're excited about that. Uh and finally, I'm honored to uh start again. Last year, this was a very different seat. Um, and so I appreciate the board and thank the board for giving me the opportunity to, uh, cycle through a year and start another year, uh, because I

088truly believe I'm working alongside the best board of education in North Carolina. And I feel blessed and fortunate, uh, that you all give me this opportunity and I have the opportunity to work with an amazing team because we still believe, which is our new thing this year, we still believe. So, thank you, Mr. Chair. This concludes my comments. >> Thank you, Superintendent. Uh we begin our board comments starting with uh Kelly and following Kelly comments, she's going to share a letter with us from our former board member uh Miss Tracy Vince. >> Um yeah, I'm glad to be back. Um I'm still kind of in summer mode, right? We still I know families and our students are still, you know, have a couple few more weeks that they're enjoying their summer and vacations and and

089time together, but um I know I'm really looking forward to get back in the routine and the structure um and how that is as wonderful as summer is and the freedom. It's good to have that structure um and that consistency um for our families and our students. um our our leaders, our um administrators, our teachers have been working so hard this summer to prepare. Um that's been evident on our social medias and and it's it's been evident tonight and seeing how our students are continuing to work during the summer at their summer conferences um our musical theater students and the work they've they've done. Um I know that there have been CTSO conferences across the country that we've had um students participating in. So there our our educational journey doesn't end during the summer. There's

090still a lot of work that's done that we get to celebrate. Um I want to welcome all of our new teachers that are on boarding. Um especially some of our international teachers that are coming. Um, I know uh for our Spanish immersion classes, we've our our families have really been um rallying around our teachers that are coming from some other countries and I know that um our HR staff is supporting them, but um we are we welcome all of these wonderful educators that are coming. Um I also want to say how grateful I am that the federal funding was released for our students. I know there were some points in time this summer we were trying to navigate and figure out what we're going to do to make sure our students and our educators have

091what they need. And so I'm really grateful that um that we are able to start the school year off strong with the things that we need for our students and for our educators. Um I really loved celebrating today our you know I was thinking as our bus drivers were here you our kids can't learn if they're not there and how vital they are. Um they're very they're very much the foundation for our schools. Um and I I noticed too, I don't know if you all noticed, but our our students just like I see our educators out in the community, our students are everywhere. Some of the students that were here tonight I've seen as camp counselors at my kids camps um doing robotics things, doing um musical theater things and um it's really lovely to

092see our students involved in the community. Um and then my kids who are younger getting to see these older students and how these extra um activities that they're involved with are so impactful in their educational journey. So um I just really love seeing our students all the time. Um so yeah, excited to get the year started. Um I am now going to read a letter um from Tracy Everlins, a former board member representing District 1. Hayden Lind, a student at South Central High School, lost her battle to cancer on July 11th at the age of 15. She was a former student at AG Cox Middle School and Rididgewood Elementary School. Hayden leaves behind an older brother, Coen, um ICS 2024 graduate, an identical twin sister, McKenzie, who's a rising junior at South Central High School,

093and her parents Tracy Ever Linds and Patrick Lind. The Lind family would like to express their gratitude to the community at large for all their support and gestures of kindness throughout the past few years. Cancer is the number one killer of our children. Hayden met other PCS students battling cancer through her journey. As a tribute to all of our students battling this cruel disease, the Lind family would like to issue a challenge for the high schools. Please consider either forming a Riley's Army Club or sponsoring and volunteering through Riley's Army, a nonprofit organization that helps support children battling cancer and their families in eastern North Carolina. Some such volunteer opportunities are the butterfly campaign at which the middle schools can also participate, the hearts of gold gala, the gold bow campaign, and the toy drive

094um in the toy drive collection. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, summertime is all always a good time to sort of reflect on the past year and look forward to the to the future year coming up. But it's also a time that a lot of people are busy, especially in the school system that a lot of our public doesn't understand are busy. I know Aaron right now this is probably your busiest time of the year and it's because you can get into the schools now and you don't have to wait until after school is out or whatever to uh fulfill your duties and responsibilities. and we continue to thank you for a job that's signing well done that you and your staff are doing and it's very very um critical I think to understand that to

095do your job better we still got to find ways and means in order for you to build upon your staff with uh people who are experts in the areas that they are because it is vital and important. Uh secondly, um you know, one of the things that Pit County Schools is very good at and that is teachers teaching teachers and we do that a lot. Experienced teachers, teaching the the the teachers that come in that maybe don't have the experience. But there's another um approach that we use in Pit County schools that I don't think a lot of people uh realize and that is we have a lot of our teachers that have been appointed by various and sunundry um institutions to be lead instructors for various uh inservice opportunities. One of those is the

096partnership that we have with the University of Mount Olive who has selected one of our own, Shelley Armor, to provide inservice opportunities for all the agriculture teachers east of I in some of the agricultural um instructional areas that we teach. And Shelley did a magnificent job this summer leading several teachers from other school districts. We are a leader and uh our institutions, partnering institutions understand and know that. One of the things I I think I've heard more about this summer than anything else is Benji Wendy going to take that school bus away that's got that uh banner on there about uh needing school bus drivers. And uh so uh I will just echo this. Uh we've got those school buses out there and those banners out there because we need school bus drivers and we

097need all that would be interested in coming. So please make sure that you check us out. We are a tremendous employer for school bus drivers. And then finally and not thank you not least. >> Okay Mary, >> thank you dear. Um I would like to first of all congratulate all of our um great scholars that were recognized this um evening and received presentations and to all staff members um that got special recognition. Um want to say welcome to all our new staff members. We're glad to have you. Thank you for choosing Pit County Schools and just know that we're looking forward to all the great work that you'll be doing here. Um, don't forget I'm gonna help Beth out this evening. Don't forget to get your t-shirt and Dr. Lasser, too. Uh, don't forget to

098get your t-shirt. I think you said only $5. What best way to get a t-shirt to support the school system. So, I'm sending a punch out for the t-shirts this afternoon because it would look good if we all just wearing them around in the community in the grocery stores, you know, just to be proud of our school system, Pit County Schools. So, I'm looking forward to getting my t-shirt. I'm gonna go ahead and let you know I don't like t-shirts, but I'm gonna wear your t-shirt. Okay. >> Um, I've had an opportunity this summer to visit over at South Greenville with Miss Cook. She had cookies with Miss Cook and get to meet the new principal. Um, also on tomorrow I'll be going over to Richwood because Miss Swan is going to be having um

099a evening where she'll be meeting and greetings where she'll be serving pop pop on over and chill with Miss Swan. Meet a meet a meet and greet with a sweet treat. So, I'll be traveling there tomorrow to visit uh Richwood. But I have to tell you all, I love my schools. I love all of them, but I have to always shout out my schools because they're the ones that have me here. I represent them, but just know I I also represent all students here at Pit County School. Again, special prayer to um our former board member in the loss of her daughter. I sit in her position actually when she had to um kind of like step out, she stepped out and you all chose to let me step in. So, thank you. I hope

100I I'm serving this position um as she was see fit. And the last thing I want to say, praying for all schools that you'll have a successful beginning and remember we still believe. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jeff. >> Thank you, Bishop. Try to keep mine short so we can get out of here. Uh as they said, welcome to all our new staff. Uh looking forward to seeing what y'all do and the good work y'all put out. Um, thoughts and prayers go out to all that have lost this summer, including a former board member. I I can't even fathom the I don't there's no words. Um, but just to know that we're we're thinking about you and praying for you every day. Um, congratulations to all the winners. I wanted to say thank you to

101Miss Trisha and Miss Anderson for speaking in the public forum. uh that is one of the only ways sometimes that we get to hear voices from different opinions and different walls of life and I look forward to it every board meeting. So I want to thank you for continuing to use your voices to stand up for what you believe in. Um I think it's a great way to start this year's board meeting. There was a lot of positive a lot of questions being asked and I I hope it continues to go that way. I've enjoyed my few months here and I'm looking forward to the next three years. Um, and the last thing I will say is we do love our schools and I am very, very, very grateful that is about to start back.

102I got three kids that are ready to go. So, I am grateful for Pit County Schools every day that we're in session. That concludes my statement. Thank you. >> All right. That was that was really good. It is good to be back. Um, and I do agree. I think there's so much talent in this room and so much heart and so much heart pay county schools. And I had the privilege over the weekend to support um a community back to school event. And so it was a combination of hearttocope, which is a local nonprofit and cap the side. So we served um over 400 children. um our hosta students with the leadership of Reed Pots. Um they brought 150 backpacks. There were booths. We had 250 bowls of ice cream with the superintendent. He met

103so many parents and children and had energy the entire time and every child that came through that room, he was getting hyped up about school. Um it was just it's such a beautiful event. We did over this year. Last year we did 50. This year a 100 sports physicals. So that means we picked up not only children's ability to play in our schools sports, but vision issues, um children who didn't know they had high blood pressure, children with scoliosis, um children with depression. And so it is so important that we have these opportunities in our community where we embrace children, get them excited, get them meeting our leadership, but then also create access to health. So I want to give a shout out to Contentia Health who has our clinic at Rose High School. for

104parents. Um, and we also had vaccinations for the first time at this event. But if your children still need vaccinations, sports physicals, um, or just in general, the Rose Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 to 4. And that's for staff, too. So, we want to make sure our staff know that they're also their health is also supported through that clinic. Um, this summer I've had the privilege of going to a couple Hunt Institute meetings where I get to meet legislators, county commissioners, city council people, people are out there fighting for our kids statewide. And I am just, we do have an amazing county and have people come and talk about their heart and what their heart is. As long as it's centered on what's best for all children, I get so excited to hear

105your voices. So, continue to come and support all children. And then the last thing I'll say is for anybody interested in joining or starting up PTO's, PTAs, academic councils, please talk to Beth Alers. We have PCS Engaged that should be kicking off pretty soon. We need parent engagement in our schools and that's a great way to do it. Um, our schools need lots of positive energy and we always welcome that. And I'm so glad that you mentioned our international educators. um they need supplies and so I've tried to donate some things and I just encourage if you have the opportunity there are wish lists and to try to support some of our international educators and setting up their households in their classrooms. Um and then again with Tracy I there aren't enough of words. I

106think Dr. Lasser you said that that grief is a journey and so for all of us we were sitting with you Tracy McKenzie Coen um your family, entire family. It was um it's a privilege to know you and to love you. >> Thank you. Where >> I wanted to mention the uh again the loss of the three students that we had in the county. Um I'm the pastor at Freedom Baptist Church and you know I have to conduct a lot of funerals and you can >> conduct the old you know the middle age but when you have to conduct a funeral for a child or a young person there's just something there that only the Lord can help you through >> you can't get over it by yourself. and uh Tracy uh I know it's

107tough for her and there will be a long time of memories uh good memories and but anyway we need to remember them after things happen like that not just short term but long term another thing I did want to mention is again I'm pastor at Freedom Baptist Church and Beth you need to hear this August the 9th that's this coming Saturday from 11 to 1, we're having a back to school bash at Freedom and we're giving away book bags, calculators, high school calculators, um, lunchboxes, um, all kinds of games that they would be able to participate in. A lot of school supplies, paper, pencils, and There even be a will be a Duncan booth there and the pastor's got to get in. >> What time? What time is it? >> 11 to 2. 11 to

1082. You come on out. >> Does it cost? >> I pay you. >> But all my grandkids, they've said, "Papa, if we can't hit you with that ball, we're going to run up there and hit But anyway, I just appreciate everyone coming out. >> That's it. >> Thank you. Not to keep you here any longer. I do want to apologize again. Thank you for being so patient with us tonight. We apologize that we took a little longer handling business that was important for our schools. But thank you for being patient with us, those that are here and those that have been viewing our meeting on tonight. Again, uh I do want to say that we will also be doing the same thing August the 19th at our life center there in Baleore. Uh we were

109scheduled to be at Welcome Middle School, but they're not complete with their gymnasium, so we had to move it. So August the 19th, we'll be at uh our life center there in Bale. I do want to say this before I close. Uh Dr. Lacader to Gretchen from child nutrition. I thank you for the hard work that your employees have been doing and the volunteers this summer and passing out all those meals in this hot weather. I saw Gretchen one day and I just knew that I was going to have to take Gretchen to the hospital. She was working hard. She was directly in traffic. She was out there in that heat. And I'm just amazed at how organized they were and how people from all over the county came to get this food. Uh it

110was amazing just to see it. They had one one I think Tuesday and Thursday then be the end of it on Thursday and I'm looking forward to seeing them. Uh just to know that the staff need to be appreciated >> for the hard work that they done outside in the heat uh this summer. It was really beautiful. That's all I have to say tonight. I know we're ready to go. Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion chairman. >> Second. Is there a second? >> Second. All in favor? Our motion is I mean our meeting is adjourned. >> Motion carried.