001All right. Good evening everyone. It is Tuesday the 17th of February and it is 5:40. So we're going to call the regular meeting of the Wake County Board of Education to order. I want to welcome those of you all who are at home and those of you all who are here in person. The Wake County Board of Education meetings are are conducted for the purpose of carrying out the official business of the Wake County Public School System. The public is cordially invited to attend the meeting and to absor absorb observe, excuse me, the public the board, excuse me, the board meetings is the public is invited to attend I'm just going to reread that sentence. The public is cordally invited to attend board meetings to observe the p the board as it conducts its official
002business. Any persons who willfully interrupt, disrupt or cause any disturbance at the official meeting may be directed to leave by the presiding office officer. Uh members of the audience should show respect for the speakers by refraining from loud comments or disruptions disruptions by any persons of the public. Uh will be subject to any I cannot read tonight. Excuse me. Disruptions by any persons or person uh at the public meeting will be subject to action in ordinance with general statute 143-318.17. We have a quorum. We actually have seven uh uh eight of the nine board members are here with Miss Rice joining us virtually. Um at this point we'll all stand and recite the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands.
003One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Thank you everyone. So before we get started, uh we will need a motion to approve tonight's meeting agenda. Is there a motion? Vice Chair Hershey. >> Motion to approve the meeting agenda. >> There is a motion from the vice chair to approve the agenda. >> Second by um Mr. Heggerty. Uh we will log into assembly so folks in the public can see. We'll um our votes will be public on the screens. Uh so yes, Miss Allen, whenever you are ready, you can open up the voting for us. >> It's open. >> Okay. results. >> All right. So, it looks as if the tonight's meeting agenda has been approved unanimously. All right. So, uh we will now move to a recognition item
004and I will recognize Dr. Janine Perry Campbell to recognize tonight's information item. Dr. Campbell, welcome. Good evening, Chairman Swanson, Vice Chair Hershey, board members, Dr. Taylor, and everyone here tonight. It is an honor to share highlights of our district's Black History celebrations. I'm joined by special guests tonight, Mason and Addison Wright from Hunter Magnet Middle Elementary School. Morgan Oliver, a senior at Garner Magnet High School, our Voices of Victory Falcony and Staff Choir, accompanied by Dr. Will Chavis and our distinguished alumni from Garner Consolidated and it was a colored school. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are sharing 50 stories of excellence. This year, student and educator engagement has partnered with academic advancement to launch legacy, emotion, beats, dance, history, and joy. We will be reaching more than 700 third graders from across our
005district. Our third annual Black History program will take place February 26th and is themed Dare to Dream: Inspiring the Future of Holding the Legacy. The event will showcase student talent and honor alumni through the premiere of our many documentary, A Hidden History, a legacy project honoring Garner Consolidated School. This year marks the 90th anniversary of that school. Um, it was established in its current space in 1936. Its history began in the late 1800s when newly emancipated Allan Hayward taught children in homes and churches. A Rosenwall school was followed in 1919 and in 1936 a permanent campus was built serving generations until integration in 1968. We invite you to learn more at our Black History program. And for now, please enjoy a brief glimpse into their stories. Anyway, okay. Hi, my name is Claudia Jordan. I
006grew up in actually on Lake Wheeler Road, but back then it was Route 10, Box 253. and I attended Garner Consolidated, currently retired from the city and county of Denver. I was a um judge there for Denver County Court. I was a judge for 20 years. I was a public defender uh and I had my own practice for seven years. So, I had a I think outstanding legal career and I think I owe a lot of that to my first teachers at Garden Consolidated. So when we arrived at Ghana, this trained uh set of potential, then we were there for education. We already were trained. So we needed to be educated and boy did we get educated. The teachers, the staff, the cafeteria workers, the janitors all poured into us. And they did so because
007we came from backgrounds similar to each other. and they understood what was facing us as we went out into the world. When we left Ghana, we were prepared. Good even good evening. I am Mason Wright. I am in the third grade at Hunter Magnet Elementary School. Black History Month began as Negro History Week launched in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. North Carolina was one of the three states to implement this history week and this year marks 100 years. This year is special because we are celebrating 50 years of Black History Month being recognized across the United States. In 1976, President Gerald Ford encouraged people to honor the achievements, culture, and con and contributions of black Americans. Since then, schools and communities have learned, reflected, and celebrated black excellence during the month of February. Also,
008in 1976, Wake County schools consolidated with Raleigh City Schools to to form that the Wake County Public School System that we know today. When our system merged, it created one community focused on giving all students opportunities to grow and succeed together. Good e good evening. I'm Addison Wright and I and I am in kindergarten >> at Hunter Elementary School with my big brother Mason Wright. >> Black History Month is a time when we learn about black heroes, >> Leaders, I mean, that's correct. heroes and leaders. Leader and everyday people who helped >> and every day who who black pe every day people who helped our communities just like me. >> This year I Yeah, this year. This year I am inspired by >> by >> my community >> by my community's other >> elders >>
009elder elders >> like the alumni from >> like the alumi from Garner >> school >> and I strive to honor >> I try strive >> strive to honor their to honor their legacy. >> Good evening everyone. >> My name is Morgan Oliver. I am a senior at Garner Magna High School and I stand before you guys today representing the Garner Black Student Union. This is an organization dedicated to the excellence, community, and student voice. As we know, February is the month our nation comes together to pay tribute to black leaders who shaped our history. But at Garner, we believe that history is a call to action. Today, I'm here to speak about the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., not just as a figure of the past, but as a guiding light for
010our schools today. When we talk about Dr. King's dream, many of us immediately think of his important sermons of unity, justice, and equality. But for me, Dr. King's dream is more than a speech we remember once a year in our classrooms. This speech is a goal. It is a responsibility. And most importantly, it's the reminder of the progress that is possible when ordinary people decide to do something extraordinary together. Dr. King dreamed of a world where people are judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. He dreamed of a world where people cannot be limited by their zip code, by their background, or their last name. To me, the dream he envisioned means pursuing the belief that every person matters and continue to pursue this belief even when
011it becomes inconvenient or uncomfortable. One thing that is apparent in Dr. King's dream is that he knew he could have not achieved it by himself. His dreams would have never moved by their own and we know that the people moved him. But this brings us to one of the most important reasons my Garner Black Student Union was created and this is to build community and unite students such as myself. We know this mission does not begin with just ballot boxes or government buildings. It starts closer to home in our schools, our churches, and in conversations many of us will have during and after this event. We know this task can seem very overwhelming and it certainly is. But Dr. King showed us that unity is not built all at once. It is a step by
012step, relationship by relationship. And we have every effort to understand one another. And we focus on just these steps alone because many of us will never lead mass marches or speak to thousands of people. But we also know that every student, teacher, and administrator in this district can has the power to lead with compassion. And every person in this room has the opportunity to contribute something meaningful, whether through policy, mentorship, or simply ensuring that every student feels that they belong. As we continue to honor Dr. King today, let us move beyond just the tribute and push forward for renewed commitment. Let us ask ourselves, what is a world shaped by Dr. King's dream truly look like? And what are we willing to do to push it forward? Are we creating bridges to the future or
013walls to halt its progress? and are we willing to do the work and simply not just remember King's words. In the end, this speech is not just a speech I was tasked with giving today. It's a reminder that we all have a shared goal and that real change begins with ordinary individuals just like you and me. Just like Dr. King's dream did not fade when he stepped off of Lincoln Memorial, it lives on with the choices that we make every single day. And if we continue to listen to his message and act upon it, then his dream does not remain just in the past. It becomes a part of our future. Thank you. You got to have a keyboard. Heat. Heat. Heat. A presence. Heat. Heat. Jesus. Well, thank you Dr. Campbell and to this
014great ensemble of singers here. Thank you all. And to the Garner Consolidated class alumni here, thank you all for continuing the the legacy um that was bestowed upon you all and and for this young students. Thank you for being here to continue that legacy. And so it is it is important that you know we just don't celebrate Black History Month during one month but black history is American history and American history is black history and the two go hand in hand and so grateful for the contribution that you all have made and continue to make and and for bringing that history to us and so um very honored and I think if if any of the is that all I wonder was any of the alum speaking or is >> good evening to everyone. My
015name is Jesse Hson. >> Keep that last name in your heart for a moment. Dr. Taylor and to the rest of the staff. I greet you in honor of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Ghana Consolidated Alumni Association. What Mrs. Dr. Camel gave you was just a snidbit of what Ghana history is like. So I'm here tonight to ask you I think that a letter preceded us on our behalf of what we was asking is that the building D of the Ghana Consolidated High School grounds be preserved for historical purposes. And let me tell you it will be did upright. I'm not here to say like some think that you shouldn't rem do get away with the school is there but I'm like this we can't move forward standing still. So you can
016remove all of the rest that you would like, but we would still like for that building to be there. Not only for just the beginning that she gave you, but once we look into all that took place, and I think it kind of hit me when I was doing research for this and I looked up Dr. Alan Haywood's name and I saw that Dr. Haywood's name. She was married to a Mrs. Janetta Hinton. Janetta Hinton, which hit my heart when I saw that almost I almost did a James Brown. Woo. Can't hand that. But I did. What I had to do was collect myself at that moment, get back on track and come before you and let let you know that we appreciate everything that you're doing and what you have did and what you're
017going to do, but we're still looking at that building for that research so that we can bring the history from that little shack with possibility my family was in being taught all the way to the Rosen Wall School all the way to Garner Consolidated High School and all the way to East Ghana Middle School. All that history need to come forth and be presented. So 10 years from now, students going through Ghana Consolidated Middle School will be able to go back. They got to here, we only had pictures on the wall. But guess what they going to have? They can pull up any class, 26, 27, 28, or 29, and look into that class and say, "My daughter was here. My son was here, my niece was here, my uncle was here, my cousin was
018here, look what he did when he was here, look what she did when she was here." They'll be able to pull all that up. So that means that the history from the origin of Ghana can last forever because you can always add to the computer every year. each year after each year. And I would like to say no spinaches on the walls like you see them over there now. Like you see like this. We have plenty more like that. They would look mighty nice around the inside of that building. And that maroon and gold. Don't that maroon and gold look good over here? It looks good on the wall. Thank you so very much. And I appreciate your time. Thank you. Thank you all for being here. And without objection, I will we'll take a
0195m minute recess so they can reconfigure the room so we can get going with our public comments. All right. So, we will resume our meeting and this time we will uh move to our public comments of our of our agenda. Um now we will move to the public comments. Students will be heard first following speakers commenting on items on tonight's agenda. Then we will hear from speakers commenting on other topics. Only one per only person only the person speaking at the podium will be able to stand. Again, all attendees that are not speaking are to remain seated. Concerns related to personnel or student matters may be addressed through the applicable WCPSS personnel. The grievance policy and other applicable policies. The bo the board welcomes all points of views including criticism directed at substantive ideas, actions
020or procedures. However, the board's public comment policy also requires that order and decorum must be maintained in the interest of maintaining order and decorum. Uh speakers are encouraged to address their concerns to the board of education and must refrain from personal attacks and insults directed at the board. Individual board members, staff or members of the general public. All commenters are also asked to remember that children are oft time often attending these meetings and to keep their comments substantive and civil. Please remain at the podium during the time of your speaking time. Any materials that you wish to share, you may hand those to the board of uh attorney or before or after your comments. Uh during the public comment, you may speak up to three minutes and please note that the microphones are adjustable. The
021green light will begin uh to show that your three minutes have begun. You will see a yellow light indicating with an audible tone. And when there are 30 seconds remaining of your time, when you uh when your speaking time is up, you will see a red light and hear another audible tone. When your time is up, the next speaker will be called to the podium. Speakers are asked to remain to respect the time limit and speak no more than 3 minutes. Um so at this point I believe the speakers list is there. So speakers when you come if you will start if you will state your name. Um and so we'll start with our first off agenda student speaker. Welcome. Good evening members of the board. My name is Anelie Joseph and I'm currently a
022senior at Green Level High School in Kerry, North Carolina and serve as a co-president of our school's DECA chapter. I wanted to quickly take this opportunity to communicate the importance of supporting career and technical student organizations such as the Distributive Education Clubs of America, also known as DECA, as well as share some of my experience having been a part of this club for three years and on the board for two. Starting off with some background, DECA is an organization targeted towards preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for college and careers. They do so by focusing on six main career categories involving business management and administration, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality and tourism, marketing, and personal financial literacy. With three levels of competition, including the district, state, and international conferences, students can expand beyond their school to network with
023a variety of different competitors and professionals. But DECA isn't just a club for people solely interested in solely these categories. It expands to those interested in all sorts of career fields, too, such as healthcare, which I wish to pursue, and others such as engineering, education, arts, communication, or literally any field. This is because DECA also focuses on something else. Soft skills. Skills such as communication, public speaking, leadership, time management, problem solving, creative thinking, and so much more, which apply to all careers beyond just business and finance. At Green Level, our chapter focuses on helping our members develop these golf ski soft skills by conducting workshops in preparation for competitions, hosting mock competitions, arranging social events in partnership with other schools, and organizing networking dinners with professionals from all sorts of career fields. Through this, we
024ensure that all members can get the most out of their experience with DECA, regardless of what their future career path may look like. Expanding beyond green level, our chapter creates a social impact on our community, too. Competitive groups in our chapter have teamed up with small businesses to help them implement marketing campaigns, reduce their employee turnover, improve customer service approaches, and increase brand awareness. Furthermore, we've had groups work alongside charity organizations such as the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Autism Center of Apex to raise awareness about diseases and disabilities, as well as raise over $2,000 in monetary donations and 1,600 plus inind donations, respectively. Proving again how our DECA chapter's reach and impact aren't limited to just the school, but our community, too. To bring that further into perspective, that was all in just two years.
025Thus, I request that you please consider supporting these CTSO organizations. And your support on bills and funding is what helps our chapters and others across the area provide more students with these educational opportunities and expand our impact on our community such as small businesses and charity organizations. Once again, thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. And that is your time. Thank you. All right, we hear from our next speaker. >> Good evening. My name is Kelly Wood. I am a Ligan alumni and I'm here tonight as representative of the Ligan PTA board um to speak to you all and I just want to thank you for your service and thank you for being here this evening. Um the John uh W. Ligan PTA officially endorses option three. Um build a new school
026on the existing ball fields as the best path forward. Understanding that the historical and cultural preservation of the school's history and legacy must be protected. This plan remembers, upholds, and honors our past and and builds for our future, ensuring that Wiggen Mag Middle School remains a pillar of excellence in our community for years to come. For 73 years, Ligan has stood for excellence, perseverance, and dedication. To honor that legacy, we must ensure that the structure itself can sustain the demands of the current educational needs and the school's growth. This is the best way for Lianigan to live up to its legacy today. Through assessments of the current thorough instruct uh assessments of the current structure demonstrate that even with substantial investment in renovations, the building can no longer meet the needs of future generations of
027students. For this reason, the PTA officially endorses option three, build new school on existing ball fields as the best path forward. Building a new structure honors the school's history, protects magnet programming, and secures the future of our students and staff. We chose Ligan not only for the rich history of the school, but also the unique opportunities afforded by Ligan's flag flagship magnet programming. Our organization advocates for option three based on the following key factors. One, history, legacy, and cultural preservation through intentional design. In 1953, Wigan opened as the first historically black high school in Raleigh. The school was named after a notable pillar of the community, John W. Ligan, a wellrespected educator, preacher, businessman, and community leader. We envision a facility that reflects and honors the past of those who started the journey, the present
028of those who continued the journey, and the future of those who have yet to discover. In our eyes, option 3 provides all of this and more by allowing the architects to purposely integrate Lilligan history into the very fabric of the new school rather than a compromised renovation or an expensive and inadequate mobile campus facilities. Two, prioritizing student stability, zero displacement, and safety. The most critical advantage of option three is that that it would allow students to remain in the existing school building during construction. While we understand that new construction could present some unforeseen challenges, we feel that the benefits of building a new school that meets all codes and ADA compliances will better suit students in regards to stability and safety. Third, fiscal responsibility and respect for taxpayers. We oppose option two, rebuild on site,
029which acts as an overuse of taxpayer funds over budget at approximately 147 million. Option two cost millions more than option three, including 26 million for a temporary mobile campus, yet um yet yields a comparable new facility. Spending an additional 26 million to build on the exact same footprint is a misuse of public resources. In conclusion, we urge the Wake County Board of Education to reject the excessive costs of option two and educational compromises of option one and instead vote for option three. This plan strikes the necessary balance between remembering, upholding, and honoring our past and building for our future, ensuring that Ligon Magnet School Middle School remains a pillar. >> Thank you. >> Right. Our next speaker. Good evening. My name is Amanda Warren. I live in Willow Springs and I have two sons in
030Wake County Public Schools. I've come tonight to implore you to continue to recognize the EBS AU class as separate from the EBS class. I met several families who share similar stories to ours of how the two programs are different. Both of my sons EBS AU teachers have taught in both settings and confirm that they are structured and taught differently. The special education department is consistently telling parents that EBS and EBS AU are the same thing, but that does not match the experience of anyone that I know. Please increase the number of AU classrooms in the elementary schools. Please do not do away with this designation. This is the story of my 9-year-old autistic son. He has been in five types of classrooms at six schools. He's currently in the third grade. He was first in
031the highly structured preschool class, then in CCK, then in ECS, and finally we pulled him and homeschooled him for a while. After being in so many settings and looking at all our options, we felt hopeless. Can you imagine what it's like to not feel like there's a place where your child can learn and thrive. When he showed us that he desperately wanted to go to school like his brother, our awesome base school helped make that happen. This is when Miles started in an EBS classroom. It was a nice school, but it was immediately clear that they were not prepared for a child like Miles. They were shocked that Miles needed to be walked into class every day and that he needed to be within arms reach of an adult at all times. They did academic
032work with him, but there were no lessons and few social opportunities. They didn't have a calm down area, adaptive seating, or items to provide sensory breaks. They simply were not prepared to meet the needs of a child with moderate autism who requires a lot of sensory input and tends to alope because of their lack of comfort. They had Miles leave 2 hours early every day. This is the only program where he has ever needed a modified schedule. That school helped us finally get placed in an EBS AU class. We were placed at Morrisville Elementary, which is 40 minutes from our home. I was desperate for this no matter how far I had to drive. And it was worth it. The new classroom had a separate calm down space, had a trampoline and a chest full
033of sensory toys. They discovered he did better if he stood up and so they got the appropriate desk. He went on his first field trip and made tremendous social progress. As he moved to third grade, we were placed in an EBS AU2 class at Woods Creek. It too has been amazing for us. Miles has grown academically and is eating lunch and interacting with his peers. This has meant so much to him. Please make them available to students like him. Thank you. >> Our next speaker and Miss Warren um Miss Allred is going to meet with you after she's on her way to meet with you. Sorry. Welcome Mr. Deon. Joseph Deon. In in several hundred sexual abuse trials of school employees, almost always bystanders testified that they had observed suspicious grooming behaviors but did not
034say anything. They did not see actual abuse. So they worried about wrongly accusing someone more than protecting children. They feared conflict with their colleagues and retaliation from principles. The record shows that those fears were justified, indicating a serious problem with school culture. When abuse is finally exposed, it's obviously too late because it already happened. Policy 4240 requires appearance reporting appearance of impropriety but doesn't say what that means. The big thing that is missing from your policy is a list of specific grooming behaviors that must be prohibited and require reporting. You cannot anticipate all that are possible, but listing the common ones will give the people a clear idea the types of things they must report. For example, tutoring a student oneonone behind closed doors is not currently prohibited, but it should be because many criminal
035cases started with that. Then if it is observed, the principal must ask the teacher what part of that being prohibited did he not understand. Tutoring must be done in an open area such as the library. The teacher would probably apologize immediately and hopefully that would be the end of it. You may have saved a teacher's career by enforcing boundaries, not to mention heading off a potential statutory crime and another lawsuit. The Title 9 investigators should still make a preliminary inquiry to find out what else he's been doing, hopefully turning up nothing. A description of any violations should be placed in the personnel file. So there's documentation in case it continues. A preliminary inquiry need not be made public or reported to law enforcement if only a minor violation so you're not ruining someone's reputation. Protecting
036children must be the top priority above concerns about adults. Thank you. >> All right. And our next speaker is Miss Smith. Welcome. >> My name is Jessica Smith. I'm here tonight to talk about students in our districts with disabilities, including my seven-year-old daughter, Jameson, who is autistic. Um, diverse needs require diverse options. We know that one sizefits-all does not work in education. Jameson is in the EBSAU program at Woods Creek Elementary. This is she's been in Wake County for five years since she was three. This is her fifth school in 5 years that she's been to. Um being in EBSAU is the very first time that she's ever felt like fundamentally emotionally safe. And it's where she's really starting to like progress and thrive. And we're just seeing a lot of changes in her communications
037growing. And if we're not meeting kids most basic fundamental needs of them feeling safe and secure and accepted and included and understood, then they're not able to learn. Um so we true equity means maintaining a full continuum of services from inclusion support in general education classrooms to specialized instruction in smaller structured environments. Every child can learn in the so every child can learn in the least restrictive environment. Although the least restrictive environment does not mean full inclusion at all costs. It means a placement where your child can make meaningful progress with appropriate supports. Um, I understand the financial pressures facing our district, but our obligation to these students must take precedent over budget restrictions in order to maintain a continuum of placements and supports. We need more options, not less. For children like Jameson, the
038public school environment can be really overwhelming. She can't predict anything. Nothing is there. It's sensory overload, loud classrooms, constant transitions. She has anxiety and shutdowns and it will lead to burnout. Without specialized supports like structured classroom options, progress will stall or stop completely. But with the right supports, growth is entirely possible. Like I said, I've seen it firsthand. When she receives her structured instruction and sensory accommodations and feels fundamentally safe, she builds confidence and she communicates more and she engages and she's able to show her teachers what she knows and what she's learning. The difference between the right support and the wrong support is not small. It's life-changing. It's success for her is not just academic. It's increased independence, self-regulation, and the ability to participate meaningfully in school and just in her life in general.
039So, students receiving services, special education services, deserve a system that recognizes their differences and responds with a range of options, not limitations. When we invest in diverse special education services, we're not just helping one group. We're just we're all better for it. And we're strengthening our entire district. Inclusive, well supported schools benefit everyone. So, I urge you to prior prioritize funding for the EBS AU classrooms to ensure we're upholding our commitment to every child's success. Thank you. >> Thank you. And Miss Smith, Miss Albert is going to meet with you as well. Thank you. All right. So, we'll now hear from our next speaker. Um, >> hello. I'm Judith Bulock and I want to start out again, as I did last time, by thanking you all for your public service. It's amazing. I'm in awe
040of all of you. Um, I'm actually just here for less than three minutes to remind you that I sent y'all a couple of letters. Um, on the 20th of January, I spoke here. And the reason I spoke was because I'm advocating the elimination of the practice of prek suspension, which seems awfully relevant, especially as I remind you all that prek suspension is disproportionately imposed on young black males. Uh, it's not fair and it's not right. And everybody seems to agree on that. Everybody, but no one seems to be willing to take any steps to eliminate the practice and it does need to be eliminated. Um, I initially wrote a letter on November 4th, 2025 to the board about this and then I followed up after I publicly spoke on January 20th and I had trouble
041staying within three minutes. Um, I followed up with a letter to you all and that letter was dated 22nd January. And in that letter I said, I request that the board direct principles to refrain from implo imposing um suspensions on all children enrolled in the Wake County prek programs. That is my request and I'm just waiting to hear a response from you all. Maybe not tonight, but just that you'll take it under advisement and help me figure out where I need to go next. As I said before, I'm I'm thinking about going legislatively to address it, but I'd like to be able to accurately say that I've been before the board and that the board gave me this kind of input one way or the other on what you all were going to do. Again,
042thank you for your public service. You're really doing God's work here. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right, we'll hear from our next speaker, Mr. Brides. It looks like Mr. Hinton spoke already. So, Mr. Brides, uh, Richard Brides. Um, according to my son's disciplinary record, on November 6th, 2023, he damaged school property. What actually happened is another child threw a chair at him. But you wouldn't know that because the school failed to transfer that information from a narrative sheet into ECATs. The shadow document isn't readily available to parents. And in my son's case, it seems like the school failed to transfer any pertinent information that made them look bad to his disciplinary record. They also failed to track how much time my son spent away from instruction. Even though it's clearly a box, marks that
043information right here. In my son's record, you'll also find two entries on October 11th, 2024, listing him as receiving a full day of inschool suspension. There's two entries because the schools changed their narrative after I had the audacity to question why a school leader would ruffle my child's hair when he was clearly in a bad mood. I can literally show you where they changed his information. I can literally show you information that says he's not suspended or anything. These are just two of the more than 20 ludicrous items that I asked to be removed from my son's disciplinary record in December. The principal declined send me to due process. We had a meeting scheduled. For whatever reason, you told them to cancel that that meeting. They passed it off to the superintendent. I updated my
044request on January 8th of this year. Now, because it's changed hand so many times, I don't know if we're dealing with board policy 4700, subsection H, subsection one, or subsection 2. But either way, I should have received either a decision on that request, a hearing on that request, or a request for more time to process the information. It's been more than a month, and the only thing I've received is acknowledgement of that receipt. I've been dealing with y'all for a year now, and this is just another situation where the system is operating in defiance of board policy rather than within its confines. And I'm tired of it. I'm sick of it. I'll be sitting right over there for the rest of the night with these documents in hand. If any of you would like to
045see what's actually happening in your schools and not what they're telling you is happening in your schools, I can show you. And before I before I leave, I do want to comment on Crossroads Flex. I'm a former firefighter and our training manuals are littered with examples of the dangers of overcrowding and failure to have proper safety fire safety protocols in place. And you guys are operating a school at almost double capacity without proper improperly zoned without proper fire safety standards. I don't think you understand the unimaginable danger you put your students and staff in. Now, I know you guys don't like to fire leaders, but if there was ever a moment in this school's history to make sure somebody retired, this is probably it. Thank you. That concludes public comments. Um, we will now move
046to the consent agenda. Board members, please make sure that you are signed into assembly to cast your vote. And I will pause um so board members can cast their vote. Is there a motion to approve tonight's consent agenda? >> It's a motion by the vice chair. It's been seconded by Mr. Heggerty. Any discussion? Hearing none. Um Miss Allen, is the the votes are now open. One more time. Perfect. Thank you, Miss Allen. And tonight's consent agenda. Sorry. >> It passes uh 7, sorry, 8 to 1 tonight. >> Excuse me. >> 71. I'm sorry. 71. I picked up the wrong glasses, so I cannot see too well tonight. So, that's a me thing. Thank you. Um, all right. So now with that being taken care of, we will now turn to I believe it's Dr. Crane
047for our action items. If I can get my tabs open. Yes, Dr. Crane will present uh board policy 7210, staff involvement and decision-making for first reading. Welcome Dr. Matillo and Dr. Crane. Thank you, Chair Swanson. Tonight, I'm bringing policy 7210, staff involvement for decision-making, for first reading. The board considered this policy at the February 3rd policy committee meeting. We had a robust discussion at the time, mostly focused on clarifying that staff involvement in decision-m should be provided as an opportunity to staff and principles should not require staff to provide input. In the draft, you have the black text is from the schoolboard association's model policy with the blue being the text showing original staff changes. The policy committee meeting was held virtually during the in uh due to inclement weather. And during that meeting, the
048committee added text in the second paragraph shown in purple to clarify appropriate involvement, specifically timely, meaningful, and clearly communicated opportunities for input, and to also provide um examples of opportunities such as invitations to participate in committees, surveys, meetings, or advisory groups. Staff added some additional language that you will see highlighted in yellow just to create a second sentence that includes this language. Um and then the language in purple is what the policy committee agreed to add to move forward for first read this evening. After policy committee, there was some additional reflection and staff was asked um how we might make it even more clear that staff involvement in decision-m should be provided as an opportunity and not as a requirement. So the highlighted additions you see in the first paragraph are staff revisions that attempt
049to incorporate this additional feedback that we received. You'll see phrases such as offer or afforded opportunities. Um and you will also find a statement that explicitly says um employees will not be required to participate. So um tonight I'm requesting the board's approval of the first reading of policy 7210 staff involvement in decisionmaking and if adopted it would replace um policies in the old manual 3040 and 4040 for sightbased management. Thank you. >> Mr. Chair, I move that we adopt 7210 on first reading. >> There's a motion by Miss Edmonds to adopt policy 7210 on first reading. Is there a second? >> Seconded by Dr. Ing. Any discussion, Miss Evans? just to thank everyone um on in in our virtual meeting for the discussion and um I appreciated um you know the the suggestions made by
050board members and then also thank you for this additional staff work to bring it to us tonight. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Any other comments? >> So I'll just echo what Miss um Edmonds shared and also just wanted to thank um Dr. Hill at the school boards association because I've reached out to her cuz I still had some concerns. So grateful that she was able to talk me through and you know again policy is our work and what we do and ensuring that every staff understands um how to interpret policy and and holding folks accountable to that. So thank you for those changes that were brought forth so it's not a punitive thing um but it's an opportunity for staff to participate the way they see fit. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. >> Any
051other All right. Hearing none. All in favor of the vote, Miss Allen, if you would open up the voting, which is already been open. All right. >> All right. All right. So, the policy passes uh 7 71. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, we will now turn to the information item of our agenda. We'll start with our uh superintendent comments. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, and good evening to everyone. Uh, I have plenty of good news to share with you, including several recognitions for our outstanding teachers. Uh, I'll start by congratulating this year's recipients of the Diane Kent Parker Firstyear Teacher of the Year Award, which honors four exceptional educators in their very first year in the classroom. And so, do recognize that they are currently firstear teachers. I had the privilege
052earlier today of surprising each of these winners uh with the big announcement at their schools. At the elementary level, we recognize Jonathan Park of Hunter Magnet Elementary, who whose colleagues say brings an energy and instructional clarity that makes students feel both challenged and supported. Our middle school honore is Lisa Brooks of Centennial Campus Magnet Middle, who is described as the teacher who builds strong relationships while creating a classroom culture rooted in high expectations. In the high school level, Kelly Power of Milberg Magnet High School has already distinguished herself through thoughtful planning, strong content knowledge, and a commitment to helping students see themselves as capable learners. Uh, in the area of special education, Takora Smith of Hollik Springs Elementary was praised for being a pillar of consistency, collaboration, and compassion. In her very first year, her
053principal shared that she is the kind of educator every school dreams of. One who leads with love, grows with grace, and shows up for her students every single day. What unites all four of these educators is not just talent, but a willingness to continuously improve in service of their students. Their work reminds us uh that the future of education in Wake County is in very capable hands. So again, congratulations to each of these outstanding firstear teachers and thank you for the impact you already making in your school communities. I tell you, Mr. Chair, this was uh one of the highlights of my day being able to go out and see uh these firstear teachers, and it certainly reminds me of what it was like when I was a first year teacher. Uh next, I'd like
054to recognize the 20 semi-finalists for the 2526 teacher of the year, uh who were announced last week. Uh these educators represent the best and brightest from across the district. They were recognized by their principles and peers for the outstanding work they do in the classroom each day. 10 finalists will be named in April and the teacher of the year will be named May 20th. Uh you can find these this year's semifinalists on our website. Uh if a teacher at your child's school received this honor, please send a note to congratulate them. Uh, congratulations are also in order for the 162 Wake County educators who achieved national board certification in December. Widely recognized as the gold standard in teaching. Also want to recognize that 356 teachers who successfully renew their certification through the rigorous maintenance of
055certification process. Together these educators demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to reflection, continuous improvement, and instructional excellence. More than 3,250 teachers have earned national board certification while working in our district, placing Wake County among the national leaders. Uh I will say board that uh uh my understanding is that we had the most uh nationally certified board uh national board certified teachers of any district in the nation. And so while this says among the leaders, I do think we are the top. uh the process requires deep analysis of teaching practice, student outcomes and professional impact. We remain committed to supporting teachers at every stage of this journey because high teaching standards directly support student success. Uh we are grateful for the expertise and leadership these educators bring to our classrooms every single day. I'd next like to highlight
056a um a special celebration called Legacy in Motion, which will take place February 23rd through 25th at East Gunnar Magnet Middle School. It will commemorate both Black History Month and the 50th anniversary of our school district. More than 725 third graders from eight elementary schools will participate in this experience designed to connect history, culture, and joy in a meaningful way. Students will sing Lift Every Voice and Sing, enjoy step and dance performances, and participate in African-American drum circle rooted in calling response traditions. Through storytelling by Judy Allen Dodson, students will learn about North Carolina tennis pioneers, including Irvin Holmes, a legging high school graduate who integrated ACC athletics and became the first African-American captain of an ACC varsity team. Holmes later became the first black graduate of NC State's College of Engineering and was inducted
057into the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame, a powerful example of perseverance and leadership for our students. Uh, each participating school and teacher will receive a copy of Mrs. Dodson's book, and every student will receive a donated book from Wake Up and Read, reinforcing our commitment to literacy and to helping every child see themselves reflected in history. Finally, we just celebrated the bus driver appreciation week last week uh when students, staff, and families from across the district let our drivers know just how loved and valued they truly are. I'd like to share the video about just one of our many outstanding drivers to Kendra Lucas of Woods Creek Elementary in Apex. She recently received an employee excellence award for her dedication to her students. Uh, so take a look at the video to learn more
058about why she considers her bus a mobile classroom. >> Are y'all guys excited for the snow this weekend again? >> Oh no, y'all wanted to snow again. >> We just had snow. >> Um, when I first started, I didn't know what I wanted to do. Um, I found my career with becoming a school bus driver. I think I create a safe and familiar space for our children. I love to drop them off in a positive mindset for the day. I set the tone for their day and I love to take them home in a greater mood. I run my mobile classroom with a little sass and a big heart. >> For me, when I step in the bus, I feel very calm and comforting. And each time I like get on and off the bus,
059I greet Mr. Kendra and she greets me back. So, it's like a very nice moment. She actually greets almost every single one of us when we get on the bus and she wishes us all a nice day when we get off and that makes me feel comfortable. >> Bye. Have a good day. You want to hop off? Have a good day. Second and third. >> Miss Lucas goes above and beyond. Um she is such a gem. her student actually goes to our school and so definitely she's a parent but she is a bus driver for Wake County which I love. Um but her smile just radiates. She goes above and beyond to for what she does every single day and we are just so appreciative that she is a Woods Creek bus driver. Um cuz
060we couldn't do it without her. The one thing that I love about the bus is while we have students that are in specific classrooms, all the classrooms get to come to one and you really get to see the the livelihood of um a child. And so I definitely love um the bus system and I think that any student that wants to get on the bus, give them that opportunity to get on the bus um because you never know what new friends you're going to make. >> We love our bus drivers. >> Have a good day. >> Mr. Chair, that con concludes my comments. >> Thank you, Dr. Taylor. And we'll start in the virtual space with Miss Rice. Oh, there we go. Good afternoon, everybody. Thank you so much, Chair Swans. Uh, good evening, District
0614 family, staff, and community partners. First, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Principal Morgan of Rogers Lane Elementary School for graciously hosting our February District 4 BAC meeting. your leadership and hospitality are deeply appreciated and we are grateful for your commitment to engaging families and community stakeholders. Um, I also want to extend my sincerest apologies to our district 4 families who felt torn between attending the BAC meeting and the Lake Middle School renovation project meeting. Our families should never have to choose between two important opportunities for engagement within our district. I have strong confidence that Dr. Taylor and our district staff will work diligently um to ensure scheduling conflicts of this nature do not occur again. Your voice matters and your presence is valued in every space where decisions are made
062that impact our students. A special thank you to Dr. Janine Perry Campbell for leading our Black History programming for the third time this year. Your dedication to ensuring that history is honored, elevated, and used as a bridge to progress is truly commendable. As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded that understanding our past strengthens our ability to move forward with purpose and unity. I remain excited about how we continue advancing Wake County for the school systems vision, which is students will be prepared to reach their full potential and lead productive lives in a complex and changing world. So, February also brings important awareness moments, American um heart month, national hot breakfast month, early voting through February 28th, and then of course our um election on um March 3rd. These reminders highlight how civic engagement,
063health awareness, and access to nutrition um all intersect with student success and community well-being. So, of course, tonight our wellness tip centers around intellectual wellness, the practice of engaging in critical thinking, lifelong learning, and informed decision making that positively impacts our community. From multiple perspectives is where I'll come tonight. Here are two key intellectual wellness commitments. The first one is commit to informed decisionmaking. So as a board perspective, we must thoroughly um review data, policy implications, and community feedback before making decisions that shape our schools. Staff leadership's perspective should be leading leaders should foster environments where researchbased practices guide instruction and operational decisions. And then from our staff um at the school-based level, I would love for you to continue your professional learning and remain open to innovative strategies that enhance student achievement. And for
064our amazing students at Wake County Schools, ask questions, think critically, and engage in learning beyond memorization. And for our families that help our students stay informed about our school policies, the curriculum changes, and civic matters that influence your child's educational journey. And so the second tip is about modeling lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a board, we want to continue to demonstrate transparency and encourage community dialogue. As leaders across the district, create space for collaboration and intellectual growth among staff like we did tonight with passing our policy. And staff stay encouraged about curiosity and independent thought in students and our students. Take ownership in your learning and understand your role as future leaders. And families, don't forget to participate in school meetings, vote, and engage in community conversations. When we arm ourselves with knowledge, we
065make healthier decisions academically, civically, and personally. Intellectual wellness strengthens our ability to advocate for equity, good health, and well-being for all. Together, let us continue empowering education and elevating our communities through informed actions. Why? So that we can continue to have positive and productive days. I yield to you, chair. >> Thank you. Um, Miss Rice, we'll start with Dr. Job on this side. >> A little lonely down here. Um, I was honored to attend the Town of Apex's teacher of the year celebration last Tuesday. During this first of what will hopefully be an annual event, Apex hosted a dinner for all 20 schools teachers of the year teacher of teachers of the year winners and their principles. And then the town council made a proclamation honoring the contribution of our public school educators, honoring the
066sorry the contribution our public school educators make to the town and our children. Each teacher of the year winner was presented with a certificate and a framed copy of the proclamation from the town. and it was wonderful to meet the teachers and hear about the enthusiasm they have for their schools and their students. I also want to extend my appreciation to Felton Grove High School and Woods Creek Elementary School for hosting tours for me and for Rex Road Elementary for inviting me to your PTA meeting. I really enjoy attending PTA meetings and hearing about the community. So, I ask all the PTA leaders out there in my district to please reach out if I can attend yours. Thank you to Holly Grove Elementary School for hosting my first board advisory committee meeting. And thank you
067especially to Mr. David Neer um from the finance office who came to talk about the budget. We got a lot of good feedback about how his presentation clarified how our schools are funded and the issues we are facing. Then we talked about advocating to the legislature for passing a budget that provides for our students. Speaking of advocacy, um on the 7th I joined teachers from Mills Park Elementary School and Hortons Creek Elementary School for the February 7th demonstration they held up in Marsville. If you recall, the 7th was exceptionally cold. It was 30° out with 35 mph winds which made the which provided a windchill in the teens. I stood with the teachers as they held up signs that said, "Honk if you love your school and pass the budget for about 45 minutes until
068I couldn't handle the cold anymore cuz my face was frozen." But they stood out there for 3 hours to send a strong message to the community. It's an inc it's incredible how dedicated these educators are as they fight for fully funded schools. They'll be out there again on March 7th and they'd love to see more of the community there. Today during the work session, we heard from two principles of Restart Schools about how dedicated resources to help students reach their potential like instructional coaches, tutors, fully funded school meals, and more can make a huge difference in the lives of our kids. So, while I'm grateful for the proclamation from Apex and the recognition of excellent teachers that have been described tonight, true support from our public schools is only shown through the resources a community
069is willing to put into them. We are now more than 230 days without a budget. And just as everything is more expensive for us, it's more expensive for our schools. And we're operating off of a 224 finance sheet. Currently, the state of North Carolina spends about $12,300 on every dollar on every student, which is 44th in the nation and $21,000 less than the state investing the most in public education. But the most important statistic is that we are 50th well actually 51st behind Washington DC for n for in the nation for percentage of revenue spent on public education. That means we're making a choice to invest as little as possible in public ed. Our teachers are making the effort. We're seeing that all over all we are seeing that all the time. They're making the
070effort in and out of the classroom and we need to do the same. We're right in the middle of a primary election and there are stark differences among the candidates support for public education. I encourage everyone to do your research and go out and vote for representatives that will support our schools and go Tar Hills. That's it. >> Thank you, Miss Cfield. >> Thank you. Um going to continue the conversation a little bit with the cold. Um, but while it may not have been through Wake County, I think it's important to highlight some of the community efforts that we have in engagement. Um, because it's these events that keep us together. And it is also about our children. Last weekend, I attended Wake Forest Police Department Polar Plunge. And let me just say, I don't
071think that these plungers knew what they were stepping in for and the date that was coming. Um they uh to add to that, the wind was whipping through while they were waiting and having technical difficulties and before they were even able to get into the plunge. Um but they raised for the Special Olympics of North Carolina, they raised $7,300 so far. I mention it because they're still accepting donations for the cause. So if you could visit either their Facebook or their web page, they do have a link um for the Polar Plunge through the Wake Forest Police Department. We have confirmed for our next board advisory for district 1, Monday, March 9th at Zebulun Elementary School. Again, third times a charge, a charm. And I do believe that if we are going to have to
072cancel for snow again, we need to talk to Mr. Groundhog. Um, our following and last board advisory will be on April 27th, and that will be at Noose River Middle School. And that is it for my comments. >> Thank you, Miss Coughfield. Miss Edmonds. Thank you. Um, so I thank you Dr. Job for mentioning the Apex Town Council event last week. It really was special for the one of our municipalities to lift up and celebrate our teachers in that way. Um, Dr. Joe represents most of Apex, but I do have West Lake schools um, and middle the Middle Creek schools. So, it was fun to be with you all over in Apex and um, thank you to the town council there. So today I uh attended the fourth grade symphony with some of our leadership
073um and Miss Rice um was with me as well and it it's just you know a reminder of how important the arts are and how grateful I am to the partnership um or for the partnership with the North Carolina Symphony. It was a lot of fun. The kids were very engaged. In fact, at one point, the conductor, as he's conducting, had to turn around and stop, well, not stop, but try to discourage the children from clapping so loud that you couldn't hear the instrument. So, um, it was a lot of fun. And then my last item is that, uh, my BAC will be also on March 9th at 5:30 at Holly Springs Elementary School. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. Um, Mr. Hagerty. >> Thank you, Chair Swanson. So, a couple things. Um, one
074of the things we heard tonight in public comment was about information that is included in student records, particularly disciplinary records. And um I know some of you have sat on disciplinary hearings uh panels with me and you may have seen this come back before and Dr. Taylor, I wanted to um ensure that it had in fact actually gotten back up to you because we have seen I believe there's been uh a transfer to a new system for student records that we've seen from the old legacy system we had used. And what I have seen as a board member is that sometimes to kind of echo some of the comments we've heard, some of the information that should be included in those records does not seem to be included in the new forms and we've raised
075this concern with staff and staff has said that um you know they will bring those condition they will bring those um that concern back to you. But my my question that we don't need an answer to tonight, but is about just training specifically for new principles and administrators who might be put into a situation where they haven't had to fill out records before or maybe haven't had to fill out these records in the new system just to ensure that everything is getting entered accurately. Um, in the particular case that we had, um, the absence of the information was not, um, a deciding factor in our resolution, but it had the potential to be. And again, going through all of the files and the evidence that was submitted for the hearing, the information we needed to
076know was part of the record. So, all board members had access to all of the information that they needed. However, it wasn't captured on this new form. So, I did want to raise that as a concern to you. Now, the other thing is that some conversations are difficult to have and I know that, you know, oftenimes people can come to us with concerns and they might not get a public response. And there can be lots of different reasons for that. Um, sometimes it's conflict avoidance, sometimes it's a matter of an individual's privacy. You know, in a case of a student record, you know, one side can disclose information that might be protected, but the school system can't always protect can't present the counterpoint or the other side because again there are priv there are federal
077laws protecting student and employee privacy. With regards to this proposal for prek suspension, I do want to speak to that publicly because I believe from my time on this board, this board will do what is required by the law. And so what I'm going to say next, I don't speak to from this perspective as a board member, but rather I want to speak tonight as a parent because we've heard some very compelling, some very well-reasoned and persuasive arguments for this suspension policy, the this proposal to ban prek suspension. But I want to give the other side of other the other side of the argument because specifically we do have parents in this district who are afraid to have their children in certain public school classes not out of fear or bias or prejudice but because
078of actual physical harm that has been done to their children. Now, even at the prek level, this is something, you know, outside of prek. In my legal career, I'm sorry, outside of WCPSS preK, I've become aware of many instances where prek children have engaged in acts of violence against other children. These can be as simple as ripping clothes and shirts, breaking eyeglasses to, you know, breaking skin with bites, scratches, stabbing with pencils. And I understand that behavior is complex and please don't misunderstand me. I think we recognize and need to understand when there is an important physical or mental condition in play. If the conduct, you know, if if the conduct is from a child that has a diagnosis, we need to understand and respect that diagnosis and approach how we educate and and govern
079that child. Is there evidence that conduct was the manifestation of a recognized condition? Yes, in those cases, there should not be a punishment. But what I will tell you is that I still believe as a parent that we need discipline for intentional physical harm committed against other students. I just believe this as a parent, as a parent whose own children have experienced this violence. As an advocate for families who've experienced this violence, I can tell you stories of a prek child who was poisoned by another student who came in and brought rat poison and gave it to other children, telling them it was candy. I can I can give examples of, you know, students, pre-K students who repeatedly stabbed other students with a pencil and attempted to stab students with scissors. These were not students
080that had any, you know, diagnosis of a mental condition. There was not any evidence of any manifestation of a recognized condition. This was violence committed against other students. And as much as we need to afford every possible educational opportunity to all students, I believe as a parent, well, I believe as a school board member, we have we are entrusted by parents to ensure a safe physical environment. And so the idea of a complete ban on a suspension even at the prek level to me goes too far. Again, I can understand and I I understand the arguments about not disciplining a child for a condition that is a manifestation of a recognized um condition. But we have violence that even today is committed against, you know, ch by children against other children that should not be
081tolerated. And if this is one tool in our in our toolbox to help protect all of those other children, I don't want to see that go away. I believe it should be used prudently and as a me method measure of last resort. But I I do not support a prek ban. And again, if if we are legally required to I know that this board will do what is legally required. But as a parent and as someone entrusted with protecting, you know, protecting all children, I have real reservations about a complete ban of this procedure. Thank you, >> Vice Chair. >> Thank you, Chair Swanson. I will be brief as I know our board attorney is trying to get out of here. Um, I want to just two items. I want to thank the special education
082teachers and staff members who I met with last night to talk about their concerns uh as it relates to special education and the ask for um doing all we can do to uh support and improve what we do in our schools as it relates to special education. And I want to just bring up since we had an action item on involvement in decision-m uh board policy 7210 that uh you know these staff members and I don't know when the information will go out or if it's gone out already but not aware of really kind of what steps are being taken and I'm not sure that they know how to or a what the process is for them to be able to give feedback. And there is some frustration there from staff members in our schools
083to uh really be able to to learn what's going on, the the improvements we are looking to make, but also to provide that feedback uh to senior level staff. So, I wanted to pass that along. And then lastly, I just wanted to thank everyone who presented tonight for Black History Month. It was powerful and moving. I I really appreciate it. Um and I will briefly just say that uh to stand with my colleagues, staff, our uh school, our students, our families that black history is indeed American history. Uh we must continue to build bridges as uh the young man eloquently talked about in his speech in public um sorry in the action item tonight. and that despite the challenges we face as a school board when it comes to stuff like not having the budget
084uh to quote and you know may Jesse Jackson rest in power to quote him uh we must keep hope alive that we can do better always um as a school system and we will get through this and I yield back chair Swanson. >> Thank you. Um so I will start by saying happy Luna New Year um this week and last week and I've had the opportunity to participate in some of the celebrations that took place in Western Wake uh that was hosted by Representative Yaloo uh Kerry Town Council member Bella Wong and Apex Town Council member uh Sumu. So thankful for their leadership and partnership and um also wanted to thank um Miss Joyce from Dillard Drive Elementary School for inviting me. Miss Edmonds, I was uh reading to some kindergarters on I think it
085was yesterday. Yesterday I wanted to thank Dr. Sykes and Miss Joyce um for allowing me to read two books with the students. Uh my freight is my fresh fade and I believe I can and I learned from the students. Number one, they were telling me all this teeth that they were losing and if I was losing my teeth and I told them I'm at the age now where if I lose teeth, they don't grow back. Um, and I don't want to empower enrich my dentist and you know, they were giving me some of the the traits that they believe that they could do. And so, um, very excited and engaging and it's just a great reminder of why we do what we do. Um, and I will say they were engaged in all both of
086the books. Um, and wish I could have read some more to them. So, always grateful for that. Um last week I could not be in Apex which I have a small piece in my district um because I attended score scoremy's midyear and so always grateful for you know the work that happens at score academy and the the stories um and you know hearing those students overcome what they've overcome and pushing forward to do the great work that they're doing and so very grateful for the partnership. Commissioner Mile uh joined me over there. In fact he beat me there. Um but always grateful to see our commissioners um you know partnering with us. Um and I'll also say um you know that as we celebrate today thinking about a fellow Aggie um uh the late great
087uh Jesse Jackson who I saw some reportings that from the media that saying that they didn't understand his connection to North Carolina given the fact that he grew up in uh South Carolina. Well, Reverend Jackson was a proud Aggie. Uh, transferred to ENT in 1961 and and in addition to that, he was on the football team and SGA president. And so, I've had the honor. Um, yes. Uh, Dr. Taylor was a member of Omega Sci-Fi. Um, so I I'll thought you was going to include that in your comments. Um, but I had the opportunity of meeting Reverend Jackson many times when he came on ed's campus and one that stood out in particular was a march to the polls probably about 12 years ago in 2014 for the mid uh during that midterm election um
088uh you always talked about the importance of voting and civic engagement and also to that point of building bridges and so um I know it's a major loss to not just the world to the world but to the Aggie community as well because he and his son are our beloved Aggies. So, um understand that the work continues and we all we are because of the shoulders that we stand on. And so, um we have much work that needs to be done and that can be done and together we can create that that human race the the the to to achieve all the great things that needs to be achieved. And then finally, uh, the superintendent and I met with, uh, Representative Pere and had some really great discussions. And so, just thankful for her partnership
089and, uh, you know, reaching out and hearing from us when we have concerns as the new session is getting ready to continue. And so, um, grateful for that those relationships and partnerships as we continue to move and and do what is best for public education across uh, the state. So um with that I think that will conclude my remarks and before we can adjourn I need to request for a motion to approve the HR recommendations um and administrative transfers. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Perfect. So we have a motion from uh from Vice Chair Hershey's. The motion has been seconded from um by Miss Edmonds. Miss Allen, I do have a procedural question because we've already it's not on the agenda. Will that just need to be a Oh, it is. Okay. I >>
090It's open. >> I I All right. So, voting for that is open. >> Recommendations for administrative appointment. >> Perfect. Thank you, Miss Allen. >> Perfect. Sorry, we're utilizing new features and so um you'll see that there's we've been utilizing this voting procedure um that is through assembly. So this is a way for us being transparent and walking through um our our vote. So >> yes, it's showing you now. So with that >> vote. >> All right. So the >> Yes, it's showing up here as well. The motion passes uh unanimously with a vote of 6. because Dr. Ing Dr. ing is not present. So is it >> sorry se clearly I cannot count nor see today. So this is what class participation is about seeing who's paying attention at the we hours of the evening.
091So it is a the vote passes unanimously with the with Dr. uh not being present. So with that being done, uh, at this point there is no other business of the Wake County Board of Education. I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> There is a motion by um, Dr. Job to adjurnn. Is there a second? >> Second by Miss Atmunds. Any discussion? All right. Hearing none, >> the online voting is now open. Yeah, it didn't pop up though cuz I was Miss Cer, are you a yes? >> I don't think it went. >> You can just say, >> are you a yes, Miss C? She can record it for you. >> Yes, she just hit record. >> So, we are returning information, >> right? >> As soon as we And then there's food at
092dinner. All right. So the mo the the vote is 2 three four 70 for adjournment. We are ajourned. Have a great evening everyone.