001Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And and No. >> All right, good after Good afternoon, everyone. It is Tuesday, December the 16th at little after 5:30, 5:47 to be exact, and we are calling this regular meeting of the Wake County Board of Education to order. I would like to welcome those of you all who are watching at home and those of you all here who are here in person. The Wake County Board of Education meetings are conducted for the purpose of carrying on the official business of the school system. The public is cordially invited to attend these meetings and to observe the board as it conducts its official business. Persons who willfully interrupt, disrupt, or cause disturbance at the official meeting may be directed to leave by the presiding officer. Members of the audience should show respect
002for the speakers by refraining from loud noises, comments, or disruptions. Disruptions by any persons or persons of the public will be subject to action in court in accordance with General Statute 143-318.17. So, we do have a quorum. Uh at this time, I'll ask everyone to stand as we recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. All right, so we have a quorum and at this point I will entertain a motion to amend our agenda for tonight. Mr. Chair, motion to amend the agenda. Okay, and we're amending the agenda to do what with that? To move HR to the consent agenda. All right. I mean to the consent.
003Perfect. >> Yeah. So we have a motion by Vice Chair Hershey to amend the agenda for tonight to add the HR recommendations. Is there a second? I second. Second from Dr. Job. All in favor of the amendment to the agenda, let it be known by the sound of I. I. Opposed? All right, so It's just the amendment. Correct. All right. Um So now that the amendment the agenda has been amended and approved, I will now entertain a motion to approve to adopt tonight's uh meeting agenda. Is there a motion to adopt the amended agenda? So moved. Motion by Ms. Edmonds. >> Second. Second from Vice Chair Hershey. All in favor of the adoption of tonight's amended agenda, let it be known by the sound of I. I. Any opposed? All right, so the agenda has
004been moved and adopted. Our first item recognition item tonight would be will come from our Chief of Staff, uh Dr. Thompson, Southern Area Superintendent uh for the naming of the Fuquay High School softball field, Dr. Thompson. Thank you, Chairperson Swanson, and good evening to you, Superintendent Taylor and members of the board. Good to see you all. I'm here this evening um to introduce the principal of Fuquay-Varina High School, Mr. Mike James. Mr. James will be sharing details regarding a request to name the softball field at Fuquay-Varina High School after a long time educator who served the Wake County Public School system at Fuquay-Varina High School um for uh as a teacher, department chair, and softball coach. Um after the recognition item, we will be requesting approval of this recommendation. Thank you all. Thank you. Welcome,
005Principal James. Thank you, Dr. Thompson, Superintendent Taylor, Chairperson Swanson, and board members. The Fuquay-Varina High School continues to celebrate our 50th year as an integrated school at Bengal Boulevard, highlighting significant people, events, and milestones that have contributed to the legacy of our school's community. It is a privilege to present to you this evening on behalf of the Fuquay-Varina High School Athletic Boosters Club, our request for your approval in naming the softball field at the Fuquay-Varina High School Deb Clark Field. A legendary and influential teacher and coach at Fuquay-Varina High School for 29 years. Deb Clark, who is with us this evening, along with her partner Jessica Monroe, former assistant coaches Kendra Yurick and Billy Tarpey, represents a significant legacy individual who has impacted over 5,000 students that she taught in the classroom and 400 student
006athletes that she coached on the softball diamond. Her accomplishments as a teacher and coach have never been matched in the history of our community school. Deservingly, Coach Clark was inducted into the Fuquay-Varina High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023. Coach Clark, first and foremost, is a physical education teacher. She was a valued and contributing member to the Fuquay-Varina High School Physical Education Department, was a department chairperson for a number of years. Longtime members of our Physical Education Department will tell you there was never a day and time that they did not feel supported by Coach Clark for their daily work. She was a valued member of our school's leadership team, and her work testified to her belief that student learning, accountability, and preparation for life came first. Coach Clark's legacy is the hallmark of
007consistency with excellence. When Coach Clark began her career in 1995, it was the final year for slow pitch softball. Beginning in 1996, the Wake County Public School system moved and made the transition to fast pitch softball, which in turn fast tracked her career and trajectory. As the head coach of Fuquay-Varina High School softball team, Coach Clark's statistics are as follows over her 29 years. wins to only 125 losses with a .760 winning percentage. Now, here's the most remarkable part. Her teams made the playoffs for 29 straight years of her career. 14 conference championships, five final four appearances, and one Eastern Region championship. Coach Clark was named conference coach of the year 12 times, Eastern Region coach of the year two times, and the Fuquay Varina High School Coach of the Year over all other coaches.
008Most importantly, Coach Clark's legacy lives on in the over 5,000 students that she taught, 400 ladies that she coached on the softball diamond, and 31 of those players went on to play at the collegiate level. Coach Clark was quoted, "I am glad I took this head coaching job and got the chance to build the softball program. The program has kept me, once a Bengal, always a Bengal, and I've never wanted to go anywhere else." Coach Clark has credited the rich tradition of the softball in the Fuquay Varina community with strong fan bases and parental support as the keys to success of our high school program. As the principal of the Fuquay Varina High School, I confirm that this request meets the requirements of the Wake County Public School Systems Board Policy 9300 for naming a
009school facility. Additionally, I would like to confirm that the Fuquay Varina High School Athletic Booster Club will work in tandem with our school systems facility staff to ensure any fiscal implications will be funded by a booster club from private donations. At this time, we are requesting the board's approval to name the softball field Deb Clark Field after a legacy individual, teacher, and coach, Deb Clark. I thank you for your consideration of our proposal and all that you do on behalf of our public schools. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Is there a motion to name the Fuquay Varina softball field the Coach Clark Field? Chair Swanson, as the representative of the Fuquay Varina High School, um I'm honored to be able to move that we rename the uh Fuquay Varina High School softball field to
010Deb Clark Field. There is a motion on the floor by Let me get it out. There is a I understand the excitement. It's like He was. There is a motion on the floor, almost said field, uh on the floor from Dr. Job, and it's been moved properly seconded by Vice Chair Hershey. Is there any discussion? Vice Chair Hershey. So, I I just could not be more happy for you. Um for everybody who doesn't know, I was on the Wake Forest Roseville at the time softball staff. And for 10 years when I coached at Wake Forest High School, Fuquay we we played numerous times against Fuquay, and I am proud that we have gave her a couple of the losses, while we took while we also were on the receiving end of uh some beatdowns. Um
011They were always uh an incredible program when I was there. We We knew that if we wanted to reach our goals, it would Fuquay was a team that was going to be in our way. And um I knew some of the girls who played for you, and and they loved being on your team, and they loved Fuquay, and you guys were great, and I I love this about this part of the job, to to see someone like you get recognized, and you had an amazing career, and really happy for you. Yes. Coach Clark, yes, thank you, and 29 years is a wonderful and long career, and I know your legacy will continue post those 29 years forever. Um and so I'm very grateful and honored that you chose to have your career here at Wake
012County Public Schools, and so this is a great honor, and thank you for the work that you've done and the work that you're going to continue to and we look forward to the vote. Is there any other discussions or questions? All right. There is a motion. All in favor of the motion, let it be known by the sign of I. I. Opposed? The eyes have it, and the Fuquay Varina softball field is now the Coach Deb Clark Field. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Coach Clark, the podium is yours if you'd like to make some remarks. The podium is yours. >> [laughter] >> Well, she she left out that she was one of my assistant coaches. She's still >> didn't You don't want to talk about that long ago. >> [laughter] >> So, yeah, it
013was quite some time ago, but um I just uh wanted to thank everybody that came with me. Um It's a team sport, so it takes [clears throat] a lot of It's just uh um nice to see you for sure. I appreciate that. Um all your comments. It's It just takes a vision. just I I had a chance to lead great kids. >> [laughter] >> If I could just take a minute to say one thing on her behalf. So, I I was an assistant coach for her um in the early years right after we went to fast pitch and she is a player-centered coach and knows how to push, but how to support at the same time and you can see her heart uh as she stands here right now. [laughter] So. Yeah, I just wanted
014to thank um Billy, he's my assistant down there. And Kendra, they've been with me for the last 10 12 years and um you know, I did a lot of this on my own when I was with her and when I was younger, but then it takes a a squad, a team. Most of the teams out there have several assistants and several coaches and so as I as the program grew and as you know, expectations grew, we I brought in some some key people and some key coaches that helped me keep the tradition alive and keep the legacy alive. So, just wanted to thank them. And one of my little players came here, too. So, and also my partner, Jess. Like she's so tired of watching black and orange and white and all the time. So,
015um I couldn't have done that. I was never at home, especially in the spring, so I want to thank her, too. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Chairwoman Swanson, Absolutely. Sure. And we'll see if someone from the communications team will help with that. Miss Clark, is that possible? Thank you in advance, Miss Clark. Thank you, Miss Clark. Yes. Yes, almost good. Thank you all very much. I really appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> And as we continue the celebrations, um we will turn to our first information item um from board member, I guess I can say district three board member emeritus, uh former board member, former board chair, Miss Roxie Cash, um who not only tells Dr. Ingwe to do, but she tells me to do the same as well. [laughter]
016So, uh Miss Cash. >> nobody listens to me. That's Um so, uh Chairwoman Swanson and Vice Chair Hershey, members of our school board, uh Superintendent Taylor, I really appreciate being here tonight. My name is Roxie Cash and um this is an honor to be in front of you tonight for this very purpose. Um Food security for children came much more to the forefront back in COVID days when I was on the school board. And I what I found during that time was that nonprofits became very crucial partners for us during that time to feed our families and to feed the children especially during the times that our schools were closed. So, a year ago, I was asked by E.K. Simmons, who I've known previously, we worked together at the pharmacy, and she asked me to
017come to an event for Four Children Partners. Well, I was intrigued to do that for a couple of reasons. Uh first, one, Paula DeLuca, our CNS director at that time, was involved in that and I respected her highly. Um, also, it was a partnership with the Wake County Public School System. And when I was on the board, it was That was sort of hard thing to get accomplished sometimes was to have a partnership. So, that impressed me. So, we had a partnership going. And For Children Partners was feeding children in our schools every day that other dollars were not feeding. And this was very important, and we needed to continue that. So, I went to the event, and I learned a lot. Um, and to share this nonprofit with you tonight, I would like to
018introduce my friend E.K. Simmons. Thank you. Thank you very much. Um, as she said, I'm E.K. Simmons. I started a nonprofit in 2022 called For Children Partners. It's a 501c3. The whole point of this nonprofit is to find a way to fill in the gap for the children that don't get free and reduced lunch in Wake County. Why did I choose Wake County? Well, I live here. I raised five children here. It's the 14th largest school system in the country. And it's the largest school system in North Carolina. So, why not? It's only 161,155 kids. Yeah, that's nothing, right? But, the idea was is that there are children that go to school every day, and there are children that go to school, and they're hungry, and they're hungry for no reason of their own. It's
019no fault of their own. They either forgot their lunch that day, mom and dad forgot to put money on their accounts. It could be for any reason, and they are in that gap of kids where they don't qualify for free and reduced lunch. So, I I thought, well, let's give this a little shot. We'll try this. We've been in existence for 3 years. Um, as Roxie mentioned, I had the opportunity to meet with Paula DeLuca. And the reason I got to meet with Paula DeLuca is because we actually tried to pilot this program in a school called um, East Garner Magnet Middle School because the principal was interested to let me try. But, I needed $300,000 to feed these all these kids. And I'm like, I don't know how I'm going to do this. Well,
020during that process of us coming up with this SOP, Paula DeLuca identified schools in our county for the CEP program. And the school that I was working with is now a CEP school. So, CEP is that community eligibility program. Great program. It's a fabulous program, federally funded by SNAP dollars. There are 44 schools in Wake County that are part of that program. So, then I had to go back and think, well, what am I going to do now because the school that I was going to pilot this wonderful program in now is a CPE school, and they don't need my money. They don't need the money from the nonprofit. So, I sat down with Paula DeLuca, and I said, Paula, what can I do? I want to try to figure out a way to help
021these kids. So, we came up with this district-wide Angel Fund idea. So, the idea behind the program is is that a lot of schools in Wake County don't have Angel Funds. But, there are children that needed money to be able to eat a meal. And if they go through the school three times in three consecutive days, on that fourth day, they get an alternative meal. Well, an alternative meal sounds great, but there's a lot of stigma that goes along with that alternative meal. Imagine you're going through a cafeteria line, and your favorite slice of pizza is in front of you, and all of a sudden, it's gotten taken away from you, and you just got fruits and vegetables. Well, that just is not in a good place for a child. So, the Angel Fund picks
022up that tab, and for every day after that until the child has money on their account, the Angel Fund will pay for that child's meal. We donate $35,000 to the school this year to CNS. We also also are a granter to one school so that they also can participate in this community eligibility program. It's Forest Pines Elementary School. That's another $44,000 that we've committed to the school system for this year to feed these kids. What I really am standing up here to say is I believe that every child in Wake County deserves a meal. They need to be fed breakfast and lunch. Children cannot learn on an empty stomach. They just can't. Statistics show that they improve 17% by having breakfast in their stomach when they show up at school. And they don't need honey
023buns. They don't need Nabs. They need a nutritious meal that's made by the school system. So, what if we could do something like universal breakfast and lunch for all of these wonderful kids? We're the 14th largest school system in the entire country. Don't you think that that would make such an impact on the nation to say, this school system figured out a way to take care of their own. We're a village. We should try to see if we can figure out how to take care of our village because these little ones, these kids are our future. And if we don't teach them well and teach them the best that we can today, they're not going to be able to do what we're going to need for them to do in 20 years. So, that's my
024passion. I could talk to y'all for hours about this nonprofit, but I want to take care of these kids. I want to figure out how to partner with anyone that's willing to partner with me to help me figure out a way to provide 161,155 kids this year a breakfast and a lunch every day that they walk in at school. Thank you for listening to me tonight. I y'all have Y'all have a very Merry Christmas. Thank you. And I'll just say um to Ms. Simmons and to Ms. Cash, thank you. And to Dr. Eng for extending the invitation to us. >> Uh Ms. Edmonds, Mr. Haggerty and I had the opportunity of attending um the gala that you all held, um which also benefited Wake County Public Schools. And so, very appreciative of your partnership. And
025hopefully tonight, some folks were inspired to see and to do more and to answer the call like you did to support this because this is something that we can achieve together. Um I know Ms. Cash and I have had a conversation. We have a plan that we're going to work to ensure that our kids can get some food. But we are grateful for your work. And Dr. Eng, I'll um recognize you if you have any comments since this is in your district. Um thank you so much. >> [clears throat] >> Um I received the invitation from Ms. Cash. And unfortunately, I was not able to attend, but I you know, because I couldn't attend, I wanted to make sure that um it was well represented. Um so, I'm glad that some of you all were
026able to attend. Um and uh this is just a such a great effort. And I applaud you for your um dedication. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you both for your work and your passion. See, even when you leave the school board, the call to support public education never goes away. So, Important important thing. Yes. Thank you from Ms. Cash. And we will turn to our next information item, which is Wake Up and Read. Um Dr. Shinica Moore Brown and or Ms. Smith will join us at the podium to talk about not only how we're going to get kids fed, but also address these literacy rates as well. So, welcome. They both go hand in hand. Thank you and good evening. Greetings. Oh. Greetings, board chair, vice chair,
027board members, and Superintendent Taylor. Uh my name is Dr. Shinica Moore Brown. I'm the proud senior director of K-12 Academic Enhancement. And I have with me Ms. >> [laughter] >> Marissa Smith, who's our family leadership and literacy liaison. And we're very excited today to be talking with you about Wake Up and Read. And so, we will get our presentation queued. So, I'm sure you know that Wake Up and Read, our mission is to ensure that every student has the right to literacy. Um we believe that every student needs to engage in opportunities and experiences that put books in their hands. We believe that every student should leave third grade reading at or above grade level. And we believe that literacy is a right and not a privilege. We believe that there are many measures that
028impact students' literacy achievement. Those measures not only include rich learning environments, but also health and wellness, both mental health, physical health, and social emotional health, and also the importance of family and community engagement. So, we are very excited to uh love on our schools. We have 27 partner schools and 18 um child development centers that we work with for 25-26. Um through that work, we have a book drive and distribution, today a reader, tomorrow a leader. Um we are putting five new books that are self-selected by our students and pre-K through third grade um in their hands during this book drive distribution program. Also, we have a multitude of community partners who work with us. Um and they have developed a support menu of resources that they also provide to these 27 schools to address
029the whole child and the 18 child development centers. We do have three action teams as a part of Wake Up and Read. Um action team one is school readiness. Um and we know that this is where we're talking about from the womb to kindergarten. Um we believe that that also impacts having access to quality early childhood education and child centers, and also helping with kindergarten registration preparation, and also putting toolkits in the hands of our families um and those who love on our students to make sure that they are ready and that families can be engaged. And lastly, um and then I'll turn it over to Marissa, action team two is learning opportunities. Um with learning opportunities, we provide training to families on the science of reading and also to our community partners. We also
030have a literacy through play curriculum. Um, and in addition, we provide books across Wake County to after-school programs and also you can find us in many other places including the Wash House laundromats, um, the Family Promise of Wake County and Raleigh Parks and Rec because as we know that not only is it the responsibility of Wake County public school system to educate our students, but it's also the responsibility of our community. I'm now going to turn it over to Marissa who will continue our presentation. Good evening, distinguished members of the board. Our, uh, Families as Partners Coalition brings together cross-sector partners through a collective impact structure. We work across disciplines, systems, and systems to create practices that ensure we are cultivating a community of young readers. The Families as Partners Action Team prioritizes learning from
031and partnering with our families about the resources and support they need to feel most, uh, prepared for their families' unique needs. Our goal is to ensure that caregivers feel equipped with the skills necessary to effectively fulfill their role as their child's first teacher. During the 24-25 school year, the Families as Partners Action Team members worked collaboratively to engage over 5,000 students working out in direct community initiatives and over 3,000 caregivers in literacy-focused programming. A few key initiatives of our Families as Partners Action Team are an electric newsletter that goes out monthly to increase awareness of reading strategies and resources, family engagement nights at our schools, community centers, child develop- and child development centers, a parent leader network which meets twice monthly, and educational text messages through our Parent Powered Text, uh, text messaging platform. Even
032when we can't be in a family's presence, we want to provide resources for them to grow their children's skills. Parent Powered is a family-centered engagement resource for families of children birth to birth to 12 12th grade. Parent Powered connects our families with tips and activities that support math, literacy, language, science, study skills, college and career readiness, [clears throat] and positive self and independence and strong attendance. Through these text messages text messaging platform, families are able to set up three children. These texts grow with their children and are available in 10 different languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Families can text WC to 70138 to join. Wake Up and Read also meets our families where they are, both literally and figuratively figuratively. We've developed a parent leader network that engages a dedicated cohort of
033families twice monthly in a gathering that we've affectionately coined Books, Brunch, and Belonging. These sessions occur in our office as well as virtually each month. We also do them upon request with our partner schools and community sites. This program brings families together to explore the science of reading and learn practical strategies that they can use at home to support their children's learning. Annually, Wake Up and Read hosts the Today a Reader, Tomorrow Leader School Book Drive and Distribution. You can see that our journey has evolved since 2012. Going from six schools to now 27 schools and 18 child care centers. We are embarking on that school, uh, I'm sorry. We are embarking on that book drive and distribution in early January. The drive will will run this year January 12th through February 20th. As you
034can see, we have impacted many many students and many schools throughout our time of facilitating the book drive. Last year, 13,859 Wake County students received over 62,000 books from our book distribution at our partner schools. We're off to a great start this year, already having approximately 11,000 new books at our office, ready to go out to students. The goal is to provide each student at our 27 partner schools with at least five new books. Books are an essential portion of our work, allowing us to engage and build trust in our community. However, the true power of the Wake Up and Read Coalition are the community agencies, families, and volunteers, as well as the commitment we all have to transformative shared learning, all in the name of our children being literate and prepared for success in
035school and life. We are always seeking volunteers to help us connect to our families, host drives, process books, and of course spread the word about Wake Up and Read. Thank you for your continued support. Thank you. And for the public, when is the last When can folks begin to donate books, and when is the last day they can donate books, and where can they take those books to if they are feeling so inclined to help support this most this this work? You can start immediately, and the drive runs through February 20th, but you can always donate books throughout the year. Um we have our office is on 18 Is it 1820 Capital Boulevard? So you can drop them there. You can drop them at a few sites throughout the community, like the Southeast Raleigh YMCA
036or Marbles Kids Museum or several of the Wake County Public Libraries. Great. Thank you. And We are excited that you all are going to launch our book drive today. Thank you. And if there's any additional information that you need in regards to Wake Up and Read, we ask that you reach out to Marissa or I, and you also have information in the orange folder that you have in front of you. Thank you, and we appreciate this opportunity. Thank you, Dr. Ieng. Hi. Yeah, thank you. Um I I think it's kind of serendipity that Ms. Cash is here as well, um because she actually connected me to a group of very um passionate folks um wanting to advocate for our children with dyslexia, and I'm really hoping that you guys can connect um and figure out
037a way that you guys can partner and and that because you know, some some parents don't even know when their child is having an issue with learning to read, and and and we just don't don't want them to get behind more and more as they get older. So I would love for you guys to connect. Thank you. Ms. Ms. I believe you were there this morning. Do you have some comments you'd like to share? Sure. Um I do I'm going to comment on it differently in my board member comments, but what I'll say this morning is it was my second time attending this particular event or training workshop. I forget how you frame it. Um and it it's always so inspiring, and I especially love seeing how the program has grown. Like that's that was
038the most, you know, um uplifting slide, you know, that I saw today in a pretty short amount of time in in my view. So the partnership with Marbles is incredible. I know there's many other partners, but I think I know Marbles is doing some early literacy work independent of Wake Up and Read. And so it really as is Wake County Public Libraries and other partners. So I just I enjoyed being there this morning. Um Commissioner Waters was there, and Dr. Taylor was able to be there and give her remarks. So just thank you for all of your work, and I look forward to making another donation before February 20th. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you all. Thank you. Have a great evening. You as well. Thank you. So we will now turn to
039or move to the public comments. Um students are not here, so we have no student speakers, but um uh only one person at only the person speaking at the podium will be able to stand. Again, all the attendees that are not speaking are to remain seated. Um concerns related to personal issues or student matter may be addressed through the applicable WCPSS personnel personnel, the grievance policy, or any applicable policy. Uh the board welcomes all points of views including criticism direct at directed at substantive ideas, actions, or procedures. However, the board public comment policy also requires that uh sorry. However, the board public comment policy also requires that order and decorum be maintained. In the interest of maintaining order and decorum, speakers are encouraged to address their comments to the Board of Education and must refrain
040from personal attacks and insults directed at board members, individual board members, staff, uh or the general public, excuse me. All commenters are asked to remember that children are of often times attending these meetings and to keep their comments substantive substantive and civil. Please remain at the podium during your time speaking. Any materials that you wish to share with the board can be handed to our board attorney, Mr. Malone, either before or after your comments. During the public comment, you may speak up to 3 minutes. Please note that the microphones are adjustable and when the green light at the podium illuminates, that will indicate that you have that your 3 minutes have begun. A yellow light will light up along with an audible tone to inform you that there is 30 seconds remaining in your time.
041When your time is up, you will see a red light and hear another audible tone. Uh when the time is up, the next speaker will be called to the podium. Speakers are asked to respect the time limit and not to speak no more than 3 minutes. Um we have no student speakers. Our first speaker is Joseph Deaton. >> [snorts] >> Oh, is this um Oh. Thank you. We'll get that um Dr. Moore Brown forgot her clicker. Okay. >> Thank you. In in previous meetings, I began reviewing a court file for an abuse lawsuit that was settled in 2023. Teachers in Durham did not report obvious grooming by one colleague. School officials violated NC statutes by not reporting to law enforcement after a girl was groped by this teacher and failing to notify NCDPI that he
042resigned after this ins- incident. Thus, there was neither a criminal nor DPI record when this offender applied for a job in Wake County. The hiring principal was so naive and negligent that she just accepted his story that he resigned to care for a sick relative. When she called the Durham principal, she did not ask and he did not tell that he had been forced to resign. Incredibly, he gave that teacher a positive review. Now, there was an 11-year-old Wake County student who had multiple health problems and had permission to go to the restroom whenever necessary. It was at multiple such times that this teacher struck right down the hall from the main office. What he did was too vile and disgusting to say out loud. There was pornographic graffiti and a foul mess left in
043the bathroom. The same principal who was so naive and negligent in hiring this predator blamed the girl for the mess, not stopping to think that this was totally out of character for the child and apparently unconscious that predators frequently threaten to kill their victims if they tell. Evidently, the principal was not adequately trained to know that. The principal allegedly squeezed the girl's wrist so hard that it was broken as one of her health problems was brittle bone syndrome. This shows why you don't do the investigation but call law enforcement with agents specially trained to interview child victims whenever you have reasonable suspicion that something is not right. Instead, the girl was suspended. She was then unable to return to school after the suspension and suffered terribly for a long time. Next time I will review
044how the situation was resolved more than a year later after another victim came forward. Thank you. Good evening. Our next speaker will be Sherry Body. Chair Swanson, Vice Chair Hershey, Dr. Taylor and the board, good evening. I'm here tonight because I am disappointed not simply by an incident involving my children, but by how that incident has been handled. When situations arise that involve student safety, parents reasonably expect three things: timely documentation, clear communication, and consistent accountability. Unfortunately, that has not been our experience. First, there was no incident report completed by the bus driver on the day of said event. We've learned that the report was written 28 days after the incident. That delay alone contributed to confusion, shifting explanations, and unnecessary stress for our family. Second, throughout this process, the focus has remained almost entirely
045on my daughter. While adult actions and procedural gaps have not been addressed with the same attention, the language attributed to my daughter has also changed over time. First, one word was cited, then later a different word. My daughter has consistently stated that no profanity was used. When details change in this way, it becomes difficult for parents to understand what actually occurred and why. There are also statements in the school's written response that raise questions. References were made to the bus returning to campus, implying that it had left school grounds. The bus never left campus. That distinction matters, particularly when it is used to explain or justify decisions affecting children and students. I also want to address supervision and communication. Initially, our daughter was told by an administrator that she was not riding any bus and
046needed to find her own transportation home with no effort made to contact parents or escort her and her brother to a supervised space. It was only later when the sixth grade vice principal noticed my daughter visibly in distress that someone stepped in, showed care, and ensured appropriate supervision. It's important to clarify that supervision described by the school came by the sixth grade vice principal. That was not the initial response. What troubles me most is the inconsistencies we have encountered that have come from adults. I want to be clear. I am not here to assign blame or question intent. I am here because systems matter and when systems fail, families feel the impact. As an involved parent with access to resources, time, and the confidence to advocate for my children, it makes me wonder what this
047would have felt like for parents who don't have the access to resources that I do. Thank you. And Ms. Body, before you leave, Mr. Strickland or um Dr. Robson will will connect with you. You have many staff that's going to hear to speak to you, so yes. Thank you. I was going to assign somebody. Dr. Taylor gave me the the note. Um our next speaker will be Jill McQuilla. And And Jill, if I mispronounced your last name, I'm so sorry. Please correct me at the podium. I'm Jill Maclier. Sorry. But you know what? I've only ever known two people who to get it right, and one of them was my husband, so that's okay. Uh Mr. Swanson, Dr. Taylor, members of the board, thank you so much for having me tonight. I am here as
048a concerned community member and also as a parent of a high schooler at Crossroads Flex High School. I prepared a statement tonight because on Wednesday, December 3rd, we received notice that Crossroads Flex would be moving to the Garner Community Center beginning for the 2026-2027 school year. My statement was prepared, ready to go, and ask questions of you. However, at 6:00, just 30 minutes ago, I received an email that notified all parents of Crossroads Flex students that our children would be going virtually. They would be attending school virtually beginning in January. That they would no longer be allowed to go back to their school. Part of the reason for this, based on what the email said, was because the fire marshal is precluding uh more than 45 students from being in the building. My questions for
049you, based on the limited information that I have at this time, is who made this decision? Um why were parents not notified if there has been communication with the fire marshal and we understood that this was going to happen, why were parents not notified of this before now? If there were conversation going on about this issue, why was it not discussed at the facilities meeting earlier today? If this were a question going on before the enrollment and before our students started high school and began to uh create friendships and have the stability that they need in high school, why didn't we know before enrollment started? I'm very concerned for the students at Crossroads Flex, particularly as our children already went through something virtual during COVID. And we saw how mental health was affected during COVID.
050Now to throw this on our students in the middle of the school year, it feels like we are going back to COVID. And this is not right. It is not fair to them. And we need your help. Look, we have very active parents. We would help you look for a facility for them. We would do whatever we could, but we need notice. And we need to know what you need from us to help our kids. So, that's where we are and I would love to ask these questions and I would love responses and love to know how we can all address this. And before you take your seat, Dr. Robinson, um we'll speak with you about those concerns. Thank you. And our final speaker for tonight is uh Richard Bridgers. Uh chair, vice chair, new
051member, congratulations. Hopefully you take this job seriously. Um after 9 months of asking for my son's complete disciplinary record, I finally got it and it revealed some pretty startling things that have made me actively cry. Um I want to start off with this. You cannot tell me how many hours of instructions my son has missed. You cannot tell me how many hours he spent locked in a room at Saluda Elementary School because you didn't document it. Um that's got to change, especially since you've been sued for that just a few months prior to these actions happening with my son. Now, roughly 2 years ago, um my son, at 6 years old, started talking about wanting to kill himself. And the reason he was doing that is because he was getting these ridiculous uh of his
052actions, like his teachers were accusing him of things that never happened. And the school was locking him in a room for hours. And I just I'm so angry, I forgot what I was going to say. But all this stuff that you can't tell me, what I can tell you based off the documentation I have is that you have not one, but two principals who have lied on official documentations. One of them is in charge of a school. I can show you where a vice principal who's no longer with the school lied on official documentation, is no longer with the school. I can show you where a vice principal lied to the freaking cops about his actions and child abuse, and he's still in charge of a school. Now, I'm hopeful that what you said in
053your meeting about changing student discipline is true. Um I don't think you're actually going to do anything about it because accountability is something that you're scared of, especially when it comes to leadership in the district. What happened to my son it's it's not isolated. It's happened to other students. I've talked to a lot of other families who have had their children locked in a room and it's not documented. They're not being told about it. It's only after their student comes home that anything's even done about it. And I've talked to multiple people and I've heard multiple definitions of what seclusion means. So, apparently, if you lock my child in a room and tell him he can't leave, you don't let him use the bathroom, it doesn't count as seclusion, because somebody else in that hallway
054has their door open. Now, I don't know I can't seem to find anyone who thinks this makes sense, except for the school district. And I don't know what needs to be fixed, and I I I honestly think it's going to take a radical change, and I I hopefully hopefully you have the stomach for that. Because as you can tell from the lady back there and the people who have spoken before me in the past months, this school has a real problem with changing their narratives when they're confronted with facts. It's happened to me multiple times. I've shown you in writing where things have happened to me, and the staff still called me a liar. It's unacceptable, and you ought to be embarrassed to yourselves. That concludes our public comment. We will now turn to the
055consent agenda. Is there a motion for the adoption of the consent agenda? Uh or chair, motion to adopt the consent agenda. There's a motion on the floor to adopt tonight's consent agenda from Mr. Vice Chair Hershey. Is there a second? Is there a second? Second. Second from Ms. Edmonds. All in favor of the adoption of the consent agenda, let it be known by the sign of I. I. Opposed, same sign. Nay. Like the record show that it's a 8-1. We will now move I'm sorry. Seven. Did I I'll do it. That's right. I'm trying to give Mr. Haggerty another vote. Thank you for catching that. A's 6-1 vote. 7-1. I can't do math. You see, I'm ready to get moving forward with this Christmas break. Sorry. Yes. Uh Yes. Um Now, where am I going
056to? Okay, I'll action item. So, our first action item is coming from the academics department. So, we will hear from Ms. Stone and or Dr. Hill to talk about our LETRS training. Welcome Ms. Stone. Good evening, Board Chair, Superintendent Taylor, and Board Members. Um we are here to request approval for the LETRS professional learning for newly hired teachers, administrators, and instructional support staff to Wake County Public Schools. This is the required training that teachers must have that is aligned with the science of reading. And so, that contract renewal is located for $60,712.50 plus applicable taxes. Correct. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the LETRS training? So moved. It's a motion from Ms. Gordon. Is there a second? Second. Seconded from Dr. Aing. Is there any discussion? All right, hearing none, ready for the
057vote. All in favor of the adoption of the LETRS training, let it be known by the sign of I. I. Opposed, same sign. Does the I's have it? The action has been adopted. >> Thank you all. Thank you. Uh we will now turn to our policy. Uh the first one is board policy 3225, um 40 Okay, it's uh let me look at this. Yes, 3225, 4312, and 7320. Technology Responsible Use for first reading. Um Welcome to the podium. Good evening. Good evening, Chair Swanson, Vice Chair Hershey, and members of the board. Uh tonight, I'm bringing two policies as action for the board approval of the first read with a request to waive second reading. Um and that is because of House Bill 959 they approved in July. Um just went through policy. We had one
058chance to kind of bring that to the policy committee. And we're bringing this before you now. That's why we're asking it and the law says they want a couple things to be in policy by January 1st, 2026. And I may have misspoke. That is policy 3525, 4312, the 7320 Technology Responsible Use. >> That's one of them. Correct. The other one is also part of that that same House Bill. So, we Okay. Got it. So, we >> But I'll go through I'll go through them separately. Thank you. Um first, I present policy 3225-4312 -7320 Technology Responsible Use with revisions discussed at the November 19th policy committee. Revisions in red, you'll see there's a whole lot of colors here. Um were recommended by the North Carolina School Boards Association. There are a couple items that were mandatory
059in there. Um and there was a bunch of them that were recommended. Most of them, importantly, uh reflect newly adopted statutory language concerning internet safety and the security of student personal information. Other revisions organized the policy, update technology terminology, and improve clarity. Blue text indicates revisions recommended by staff. These revisions align with existing district practices and digital literacy literacy goals. You'll also see um some of the blue items were highlighted in yellow. These revisions were requested and approved during the policy committee meeting. So, I'm going to give uh kind of a highlight of what we go through. On page one, we added a hyperlink to the text code of student conduct as requested by the board. On page three, item five, we start the sentence with staff instead of users as requested. At the top
060of page four, we have struck the NCSBA recommended language. And that was the portion discussing um videoing and releasing data on district devices. On page eight, section G, we removed the references to generative artificial intelligence and we replaced them with references to applicable technology guidelines. As we know, you've been working on an AI policy and we don't really want to have what should or shouldn't be done in more than one. So, we just rather re- leave the AI policy to its itself. Also on page eight, section H, we revived uh sorry, revised the description of disciplinary consequences to apply more broadly to um students and employees. On page nine, finally, we removed other resources listing at the bottom of the references because the policy no longer references generative artificial intelligence guidelines. So, tonight I request
061the board's approval of the first reading of policy 3225, 4312, 7320, technology responsible use with a waiver of second reading. Thank you. So, there is a motion, well, at this point I'll entertain a motion to approve board policy 3225-4312-7320, technology responsible use, waving of adoption of it, and to waive second reading. Uh Chair Swanson, I make that motion. I was going to use all of that language, but you've just stated the policy number um with the waiver of second reading, so I'll just make that motion. It's a motion from Ms. Edmonds. Is there a second? Second. Second. Second from Ms. Gordon. Is there any discussion? Ms. Caulfield. I just had a a quick question on page two. There's two different things on there. I just wanted to ask at the top of the page, um
062all student they crossed out all students must be trained by appropriate and then they changed the language to they'll receive digital literacy. Yeah, that whole section was moved down to section G under use agreements at the end of the document. Okay. >> And you're right, some things were changed and tweaked just a little bit, but but it was moved to the end. Mhm. Okay. And then why did we um remove the following paragraph? Was that transferred also and I just didn't see it? Cuz it it speaks about it being informed annually. Was that put somewhere else? All that is in section G now. Let me go down. There's an RMP that follows us too, which also discusses the parent parental or signatures at the end that are required. >> was scrolling and I didn't see
063it. Thank you for that clarification. Sure. Ms. Edmonds. I just wanted to um remind board members that, you know, we we are under the clock um to get this approved by January 1. And any policy can be revisited in policy committee if anyone feels this is too rushed, if you look at it more closely after tonight and feel like you want to bring it back. Um I'm certainly open to that as chair and that is within our purview as a board to revisit um any policy at any time. Dr. Joe. I just had a clarifying question uh the removal of generative artificial intelligence in G and yeah, I think G. Is that because technology was seen to encompass that? No. There's a separate policy the board has asked the staff to create on AI specifically
064and kind of like the code of conduct, we don't want to say how someone's going to be um if you do something wrong, you know, what's the punishment. We wanted to say that's code of conduct somewhere else. Similarly, when we deal with AI, we'd rather in this policy say it's all other things technology cuz today it's AI, tomorrow it could be something else. We'd rather let that like that to stand alone. Okay. Mhm. Thanks. All right, Ms. Ross. Um hi. I did want to um just share that I mean I'm in agreement for approving tonight or whatever, but I do think that we should come out I'm just concerned about a a little bit of language and I'm concerned about um the consequences behind it uh which was in uh B for rules used for
065technology. I know that we I believe that we're in agreement that we don't want students on social media um of course during class time or whatever, but I also want us to to live or think realistically as well of what's happening. I just want to make sure um our students going to be at punitive um consequences if they're found on a social media site on their own devices during the times that we've allotted um to be able to use their phones. I'm only asking because um I know these students ask me these questions off all the time. And so I just wanted to see what are the parameters and so I I mean I'll be in agreement tonight, but I do think that we need to I just or I just need clarity on what
066that really means or And I I mean this is all about getting compliance with state law, so we can discuss some times that works best to bring this back to flesh out some pieces, but I think right now we just need to be in compliance with all state laws regarding this policy. >> And Mr. Child, um that was specifically part of the general statute upgrade. So they were that was directly saying students cannot have access. So meaning we get it on our filters and then you have a cell phone policy or different things that try to protect people the other ways if you will they can get there unless it's teacher directed. Ms. Evans. Thank you. I just want to clarify and I did I watched the meeting again yesterday just to refresh my memory,
067but this is specific to district issued devices. That's correct. >> It this policy does not govern personal devices. So I'm what I will have some discussions about there are some thoughts perhaps if to be consistent across the board, perhaps the RMP or whatever policy we need to adjust address puts restrictions on all devices whether it's district device or whatnot or personal or district device. So those are can be some discussions that we can get to policy once we pass this and wave. Is there any other discussion? All right, hearing none. All in favor of the adoption of the motion, let it be known by the sound of I. I. Opposed, same sign. The eyes have it. Uh policy 3225-4312-7320 has been passed and we have waved second reading. Next policy is board policy 3620-4205 internet
068internet safety um on first reading. Thank you. Our second policy tonight, again 3326-4205. That's internet safety. Um it's also presented with the revisions discussed at the November 19th policy committee. Red text indicates revisions recommended by the North Carolina School Boards Association. As with our first policy, most revisions are directly from them. There were no changes that staff or um board had on that. So tonight I request board's approval of the first reading of policy 32-3326-4205 internet safety with a waiver of second reading. All right. So, there is a Is there a motion to adopt board policy 3226-40 5 internet safety uh to adopt it and to waive second reading? So, moved, Chairwoman Swanson. There is a motion by Ms. Edmonds and it's a second by Ms. Caulfield. Any discussion on the policy? All right. Hearing
069none, all in favor of the adoption of the policy, let it be known by the sound of aye. Aye. Opposed, same sign. The ayes have it. The policy has been adopted. We will now move to uh our employee ombudsman policy that will be presented by Dr. Robson and Attorney Rainey. Uh Dr. Robson, will we Do we need this one lifted up or Okay, perfect. Thank you. Chairwoman Swanson, Vice Chair Hershey, members of the board, and Superintendent Taylor. Today, I'm presenting board policy 7433 employee ombuds for your consideration and approval with the adoption of first reading and the waiver of second reading. The policy was developed and refined in collaboration with staff, legal counsel, and with the guidance and input of the board. It reflects the final edits discussed during the board work session earlier today
070and is aligned with our strategic priorities. At this time, I respectfully present board policy 7433 employee ombuds for your approval, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Is Dr. Robson, is there also a request to waive second reading with this one also? >> That is correct. Okay, with adoption of the first reading and waiver of second reading. All right. Did you incorporate that into your work session on We already did all that. Is there a motion on the floor to adopt the ombuds employee ombudsman policy? What was that number again? Policy 7433. 7433 with the wave of waiver of second reading. Chairwoman Swanson, um I'll be glad to make that motion, but I do have a question. A a technical question before I make that. So, let's do the motion first, get
071it adopted, then we can have that go through the the formalities according to Robert's Rules. So, there's a motion, is there a second? Seconded by Ms. Edmonds. Um Ms. Edmonds, I'm sorry, it was motioned by Ms. Edmonds, seconded by Ms. Rice. Ms. Edmonds, I'll recognize you for your question. It is a question about how this was presented on the agenda. So, it's not really discussion about the policy. In the um action agenda, just it says on recommendation for action/next steps, it says this item is presented for discussion and information. Does that need to be changed or parliamentary, can we just So, the motion was on the floor that we were just going to The motion drives what the discussion looks like. Is that correct, Attorney Malone? I mean, certainly the board can approve it as
072it appears on the agenda. That That the precis language wouldn't prohibit the board from making a motion to approve. >> That's my question. >> Correct. Okay. All right, thank you. All right. Is there any other discussion as relates to this policy? Attorney Rainey, did you have anything that you wanted to add to the policy? You needed me for anything in regards for for not being at the work session, but if you're all all up to speed on the on the changes and everything, nothing to add. Sounds great. All right. I don't think there's there any discussion. I'm seeing any hands. All right. All in favor of the adoption of the policy, let it be known by the sound of aye. Aye. Opposed, same sign. The ayes have it. The policy passes and we are now
073moving to board policy uh this one is the international exchange student policy, which is board policy uh 4100 the R&P international exchange students. Dr. Robson. Thank you, sir. At this time, I would also like to present uh proposed amendments to regulation code 4100 R&P international exchange students for consideration and approval. These amendments are intended to ensure appropriate support and administrative flexibility for international exchange students when extenuating circumstances arise. The proposed changes can be found under section C on the bottom of page two that extends to the top of page three. The board proposal proposed including language that states that late applications submitted after the the um July 31st deadline may be approved only at the superintendent's or designee's discretion for good cause. The language also includes the lack of awareness of the deadline is not
074considered good cause for a late application. These amendments were developed in collaboration with staff and legal counsel and reflect the input and guidance from the board. The changes do not alter the intent of the R&P, but rather ensure the regulation and procedural effectively support its implementation. At this time, I respectfully present R&P 4100 International Exchange Students with the amendment stated for approval, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you, Dr. Robson. Is there a motion to adopt the necessary changes that has been presented to us in board policy 4100? Chair Watson, I'll make that motion. All right, there is a motion on the floor to adopt the changes in the board policy 4100. Uh is there a second? Second. Second from Ms. Cofield. Is there any discussion? Ms. Uh Ms. Edmonds.
075Sorry, for clarity again, it was my understanding that we don't approve R&Ps, but we are in this case, is that correct? I'd defer to the uh Return to the light. >> though I believe I know the answer, but I want to be exact. >> [clears throat] >> Sometimes the board does approve the very first version of the R&P, and then from there the superintendent will amend it as necessary, but it's not uncommon for the board for a board to approve the first R&P. Okay, which I don't believe this is the first one. But I'm I'm I'm in no way objecting. I'm happy to make to to uphold the motion that I made. I support that. I support this these changes. I just um wanted that clarity. Thank you. I also just want to thank staff
076for you know, making these changes. I we've heard from families about how their circum- you know, some circumstances that are not uh in the not any fault of students who are, you know, participating in these in these international programs, trying to participate in our education system, and this language that was amended or that's been added to the policy actually gives those families a little bit more time to address those circumstances. So, thank you uh you know, to your team, I know to Dr. Hill and Mr. Cook before he retired, and um Delinda um Oh my gosh, I can't think of Delinda's last name. Um who's also retired um for bringing this in helping with the language, as well as Dr. Crane. So, I just want to thank staff for the work that they've done and
077the input that they you know, including the board's input with this. So, thank you. Um is there any other discussion before we vote? All right, hearing none, uh all in favor of the motion that has been on the floor, let it be known by the sign of I. I. Opposed, same sign. The eyes have it. The policy has been amend- adopted. We will >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Robson. All right, we will now turn to some additional information items uh with our superintendent comments. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and good evening to you all. Uh it is my honor this evening to highlight four outstanding leaders in our district who have been recognized for their exceptional service. I'd like to start with Dr. Mariah Walker, principal of Wake Young Women's Leadership Leadership Academy,
078who was named the 2026 North Central Regional Principal of the Year by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. So, I had the pleasure of joining her school community, her family members, uh several board members, uh and staff for yesterday's surprise announcement. Uh Dr. Walker serves students, families, and educators in Wake County for more than 20 years. At Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy, she has led with a strong focus on academic excellence, post-secondary access, and student leadership. Her leadership has helped create a school culture where students feel valued, supported, and confident in their potential. No- none of that comes as a surprise to those of us in Wake County, as Dr. Walker is our district's reigning principal of the year. On Monday, Dr. Walker shared that she is grateful for the opportunity to serve and
079to represent the strength of public education in North Carolina. She now advances to compete as a finalist for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. Uh the winner of the statewide title will be announced this spring, and I know it's going to be Dr. Walker. Uh next, I'd like to congratulate Deran Coe, our district's director of athletics, on receiving national recognition for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Deran is one of only 10 athletic administrators in the country selected for the 2025 Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award. This award honors long-term service, professional excellence, and meaningful contributions to interscholastic athletics at multiple levels. Deran will be formally honored as the 56th at the 56th National Athletic Directors Conference on Monday. He will serve He has served Wake County Public Schools in his
080current role for 13 years. Under his leadership the number of nationally certified athletic administrators in our district grew from 3 to 17. He has also helped launch the unified track and field program which brings together students with disabilities and student athletes at both the district and the state level. And he oversaw the implementation of three new sports, stunt, JV women's volleyball and women's flag football. Prior to his current role he held athletic leadership positions at Wake Forest, Roseville High School and Franklinton High School. Darren also coached men's and women's varsity soccer and is a member of the North Carolina High School Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame. Darren holds a master's degree in executive leadership and a principal's license and is a nationally certified master athletic administrator. That's new to me. I didn't even know that
081existed, Mr. Chair. This honor reflects his lasting impact on student athletes, schools and athletic programs throughout Wake County and beyond. Uh congratulations as well to Shashi Bulola, the Wake County Chief Technology Officer who has been named a finalist for the North Central CTO Digital Leader of the Year Award. This recognition highlights his leadership, innovation and commitment to using technology to better support students, staff and families. The regional winner will advance to compete at the state level for the state CTO Digital Leader of the Year Award. Shashi joined Wake County as the Chief Technology Officer in August 2023 bringing more than 20 years of experience in K-12 education and technology leadership. His experience includes serving as Chief Information Officer for Baltimore City Public Schools where he led major system launches, infrastructure upgrades and strengthening data security
082practices. During his tenure here, he helped oversee the successful launch of Infinite Campus, the new statewide student information system. His technology services team worked with transportation to create an online bus update system that alerts parents when a bus is going to be delayed. And he was instrumental in rolling out a major Oracle upgrade that included extensive infrastructure and security enhancements while playing a key role in implementing a new absence management system that streamlines streamline staff leave request and approvals. We appreciate Shashi's steady leadership as we modernize our system and strengthen the digital foundation that support teaching and learning and operations across our entire district. I would next like to recognize Maria Alejandra Marica Marico. Marico. Difficult with those names as well. A Spanish teacher at Wilburn Elementary School for representing both her school and our
083district on the international stage. Ms. Marico was invited to present at the 17th International Congress on education in Japan in November where she shared original research developed from her classroom experience at Wilburn. Her research examines how English only instructional environments can unintentionally impact Spanish-speaking students' confidence, language development and sense of identity. Drawing on real classroom examples, the study highlights the importance of valuing students' home languages to support belonging, academic growth and overall well-being. Because of the quality and relevance of her work, Ms. Marico was subsequently invited to present at the global conference on education in Dubai which she did virtually this past Sunday. So I'm proud of Ms. Marico for sharing the innovative work happening in our classrooms and for representing Wilburn Elementary and our district with her professionalism and her expertise. Finally, I'd like
084to note that our board heard an update on the current state of the Ligon Magnet Middle School renovation project at today's facilities committee meeting. Uh this initiative has drawn interest from many community members who want to make sure we honor the legacy of this historic school. I want to assure everyone that this is among our top objectives as we present options to the board. We also want to give the community ample opportunities to make their voices heard. In that spirit, uh we are going to hold an open community engagement event on January the 8th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and there will be additional meetings as well. Staff are working to identify identify suitable locations for the meetings which will which we will communicate and post on our website as soon as possible. Our staff
085will provide an update on the project status and next steps at the meeting followed by a period for the community give input on their priorities for this school project. Uh so again, we're working together. Um, I'm confident this project will be a testament to the legacy of John W. Ligon and a source of pride for our entire community. And with that, Mr. Chair, I yield back my time. Thank you, Superintendent Taylor. I will now turn to board member comments and we'll just go around the table starting with Ms. Cofield. Thank you. Um, today, can you hear? I think so. Today, Wake Up and Read hosted an event at Marbles Kids Museum, which focuses on literacy. I'd like to encourage our community, whether you're a parent, a grandparent, or a community member to reach out to
086your local schools and see how you can help with reading to our children and our literacy programs. We all can invest in education of our children and I promise you it'll be the most rewarding hour that you will have all week when you see our young children, our students light up when you arrive to read to them. And if you cannot volunteer, hopefully you will consider donating or providing some books for our annual book drive. During this holiday season, it would be a great time to consider donating some of the books to your local school. I also wanted to remind us that there are many people struggling this time of year and hopefully we can all find a way to reach out to someone in need in need and include them in our celebrations or
087to provide assistance, even if it's just checking in with them. I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year. And as we reflect during the holiday season all that we are grateful for, I want to thank our amazing teachers, our staff, and our community partners that get involved with our schools to invest in our children. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Dr. Ing. Good evening. Uh, I'll try to keep it short. Um, I wish to congratulate Coach Clark for her years of service to WCPSS and for the recognition that we uh, that she received today. Um, it is very clear that her impact has been far-reaching from all the lives that she touched. Um, and we are honored that we are able to name the softball
088field after her. Actually thinking about what she was talking about the the fast softballs, I actually have PTSD over that. Um, I wish to thank uh, Ms. Cash and Ms. Simmons for coming out tonight to speak on their efforts to raise money for the district Bright Angel Fund through Four Children Partners. Um, this is such a great mission and it is so needed for our students. Um, even though I was not able to come to the even evening to support the fundraiser on December 4th, I do hope that I'll be able to attend a future fundraiser um, next year. Um, as for the [clears throat] situation at Crossroads Flex, I I am sympathetic to the students and parents who are having to make drastic changes in their lives as a result of issues that were
089beyond our control. As a parent of an athlete, I know that their dedication to their sport can keep them away from time being engaged with their classmates. >> [clears throat] >> So to go to a virtual learning is further isolating them um, um, in in uh, times that really um, it's um, they they need each other even more. Um, and I agree with our speaker during public comment who talks about the less than ideal need to implement virtual learning. Um, this is kind of like going back to COVID. I agree with that. Um, I'm hoping that Dr. Taylor and the senior leadership team can help find a solution that will keep the Cross Crossroads Flex community together. Um, and if there's anything I can do that um, to help, just please let me know. Um,
090I want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and I just pray that everyone will have a safe holiday break. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Ing. And I think you beat me to the gun about speaking about Crossroads Flex because I was waiting for leadership to direct me on how we should respond. And so to those parents that have been emailing, we have been, at least I as the representative of that district has been in response and working with Superintendent as well as Mr. Enns to determine what a community meeting will look like. So I do want to say since you opened the opened it up and beat me to it that we are taking that very seriously, but I was waiting for the appropriate direction from staff to make that decision to to
091make those comments. Uh, Ms. Gordon. Thank you. Um, I first want to congratulate all of the newly national board certified teachers who recently earned their initial certification and those who have maintained their certification. The score reports were released last week and I can't wait to celebrate you in person when the district honors you. Um, I hope to bring the work that we do as national board certified teachers to the student achievement committee um, that I have the honor of chairing. Um, I do want to say as we head into the holiday season, I want to offer some gentle reminders for our educators specifically. Um, first of all, rest without guilt. Your well-being matters. Set boundaries. It's okay to step away and cut your emails off um, and unplug. Lean on your community. Um, you do
092not have to carry everything alone. And please honor your joy. Seek moments that restore you, even the small ones. Um, and I also have a few gentle reminders for our families and our students. Um, first one is prioritize rest and well-being. Learning includes caring for ourselves. Give grace to one another and to yourselves during this busy holiday season. Stay connected. Um, community and belongings, uh, belonging matters. And hold space for joy in all the ways, um, it shows up for you. Um, and so with that, have a wonderful, um, well-deserved break and happy holiday season. Thank you, Ms. Porter. Dr. Joe. I was honored to attend the Apex Friendship Middle School Blue Ribbon School Celebration last Friday. Previously a national award, the North Carolina Blue Ribbon School Award continues the tradition of recognizing schools for
093outstanding growth and achievement. Friendship was recognized as one of only three schools in the state for achievement in both academic excellence and closing the achievement gap. It was wonderful to hear students speak about their school, and it was wonderful to watch the band and cheerleading squad perform, and I look forward to coming to pep rallies in their gym in the future. I also want to recognize Ms. Aurelis Lugo at Herbert Akins Middle Road Middle School, who received the Voya Financial Unsung Hero Award and a $2,000 grant for her project celebrating inclusive art and expression from her students with disabilities. She is the only North Carolina teacher chosen for the award. You can see her showcase of student work next month at the Diamante Arts and Cultural Center in Raleigh. I wanted to take a second
094to thank the local businesses that this semester have done spirit nights and other fundraising events with our schools this, um, sorry, this semester. Including, but not limited to, in my district, Rose and Lee, Fratelli's Deli, Fresh Local Ice Cream, Mad Splatter, and Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream. I hope that families take advantage of these opportunities to support their schools and local businesses at the same time. I want to wish all of those who are celebrating Hanukkah this week, Hanukkah Sameach, and I hope that all of our, um, WCPSS families have a wonderful break and stay safe and warm. Start with Ms. Rice. Looks like my colleagues have dug into that wellness piece. I know you were smiling. I saw y'all. I said, "It's okay." No, wonderful season's greetings to the Wake County Board of Education
095staff, students, and community. Great things have continued to happen in District 4 since our last meeting. Carnage Magnet Middle School recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. I had the opportunity to reconnect with my former principal, teachers, and staff who made a lasting impact in my life while also meeting new educators who continued that legacy of excellence. It was truly meaningful to witness the past, present, and future of Carnage, um, coming together. Um, today's eight dimension of wellness focus is emotional wellness. And this will be my final wellness focus for the year, resuming again in March 2026. Uh, please remember to complete your wellness plan before entering the new year or make it a priority to complete to complete one in the new year. Over the past 2 years of serving on the board, I've had the
096honor of supporting and speaking directly with students about their mental well-being. I have gained valuable insight from students who are eager to learn, grow, and develop skills related to their overall well-being. Their mental health matters deeply to them, and it must continue to matter deeply to us. As we enter the holiday season, emotions come in waves. I also want to acknowledge that I, too, have experienced these waves through grief. Um, to the family, staff, and students who may be carrying grief or any form of sadness during this season, please know that you are not alone. Your feelings are valid and support is available. My emotional wellness tip for this week is this. When thoughts arise that bring sadness or cause you to lose hope, reject those thoughts of harm and embrace the possibility that help
097is all around you. Seek out a trusted adult, whether it's a teacher, counselor, colleague, or friend. Most importantly, access professional support when needed so you are not navigating challenges alone and can continue in the pursuit of happiness and wholeness. Here are a few simple ways you can all keep um and spread the holiday cheer. Lead with kindness. Smile. Um a smile, kind word, or note, thank you, Dr. Taylor, um of appreciation can go a long way. Check on one another, um especially those who may seem quiet or withdrawn. Practice gratitude by naming one positive moment each day, even in challenging times. Create space is Create a space of joy through music, shared meals, laughter, or meaningful traditions. And finally, give what you can, whether it is a time, encouragement, or support, remembering that small acts
098make a big impact. So, thank you, everyone, in your response in your respective roles for all that you do to support our students, staff, and families, and for helping to create a culture of care, compassion, and connection throughout our schools and community so that we all can do what? Have a positive and productive day. Thank you. Uh Ms. Edmonds. Thank you. I did enjoy the Wake Up and Read program this morning, um as I said with Dr. Taylor and Commissioner Waters. Um and Wake Up and Read is an essential partner for our district and they're their work supports reading proficiency. Um but I do have to say that as I sat there this morning, I couldn't help but have our budget concerns in the back of my mind. We intend to dive deeper with our
099community partners in 2026 to support our work under expected budget constraints. And I just think it's really important to acknowledge that some, if not many, of those community partners could also face serious budget challenges next year. We have no state budget. North Carolina is the only state in the country without one. Um we all know about the federal funding threats and the movement that is happening, the division of duties, or what however you want to classify it, um happening at the US Department of Education, and we don't fully know those impacts um of that shuffling and division. Um I just think it's important to say out loud that we can't volunteer our way to proficiency. We need those federal investments. We need those state investments. Um we need to hold those state and federal leaders
100accountable. And we need to advocate for those um critical dollars. So, I lift up the work of Wake Up and Read in particular. Um I'm thrilled that they were with us this evening and I, you know, the work that they do is critical, but my heart is heavy and my mind is often preoccupied um with whatever agenda I am I felt it in facilities conversation today, work session, talking about professional development. Um I am really concerned at what lies ahead for our ability to do more with less and to provide what our children, especially our most vulnerable children, to provide them with what they need and what our educators need to um help them be successful. More On a more positive note, um Middle Creek Elementary School, I was able to go on Friday um
101to a PALS performance. This was a um music perform musical performance by that that spotlighted children with different abilities and they don't um always get the um the opportunity to shine in this way. Um and it was really a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season and um I'm very grateful to the parent that invited me and for the great work that um that those parents and that school is doing with these kids. Um thank you to Chair Swanson and Dr. Taylor and the staff, um including Ms. Allen, for a great retreat. Um I know it was a ton of work and the upset of of us having to, you know, lose a day um was less than ideal, but but thank you for all the work that went into that. And then finally
102um I rolled off of the school health advisory committee known as the shack ever since I was sworn into office in 2022. I have been the board liaison to the shack. Um I did have a history with shack before that going way back to some work I did with safe safe routes to schools. Gosh 15 or more years ago and so um that's how I got involved as the board liaison was from that connection. But I served for 3 years. I was honored to do that. It's a great team and I'm excited that they will enjoy a new board liaison. It's time and I just thank you and and thank them for all that they do. Thank you and we'll hear from vice chair Rashid. Thank you chair Swanson. Before I get to my individual
103district comments, just to follow up on what Dr. Taylor was talking about with what we received during the facilities committee meeting regarding Ligon. I'm hoping that staff is going to put up the link to the website. It was on there during this conference. Oh, they put it up there. Oh, I didn't wasn't even watching the screen. I was too busy listening to them. And they didn't tell me. Yeah, good job guys. Um there's a lot up there a lot of information we received. If you scroll to the December 16th meeting and to watch the 27 minute video. Um and we ain't echo Dr. Taylor's remarks that we encourage feedback. Thank you staff for putting that up there twice. Third time. Put it up there as many times as they want tonight. Uh thank you principal
104Avery at Wiley Elementary School for hosting our BAC meeting yesterday. Also thank you to Dr. Moore Brown who we saw earlier today for laying the foundation for the advocacy work that we'll be doing over the next few BAC meetings. Um Man, all my comments got spoken about already. So I'm just going to close very quickly. At Douglas Elementary School we have a our long time music director is retiring and so I just like to I asked for and received us from the principal and from staff just a few words about her. So I will close on this. It is with great admiration and gratitude that we recognize Mrs. Susan Zalaski on the occasion of her retirement. A proud graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in music education, Miss Zalaski began her
105teaching career in Georgia before becoming a pillar of Douglas Elementary School where she has dedicated 23 years to nurturing and inspiring students. Throughout her esteemed career, Miss Zalaski has been honored as teacher of the year and has earned national board certification. Her commitment to the arts and her students is evident in every lesson, every performance and every life she's touched. As an active member of A+ Schools of North Carolina, she has furthered her impact beyond the classroom. Always striving to spark a love of music and create lasting memories for her students. Mrs. Mrs. Zalaski is a true life long learner and facilitator of learning whose passion for education and the arts will forever be a fixture in the Douglas community. As she embarks on this new chapter, we celebrate her remarkable legacy and thank her
106for her unwavering dedication to her students, colleagues and the power of music. We congratulate her and on a personal note, she is my son's music teacher of course and she has been very impactful and in his pursuit of music and invited him to bring his guitar in and play in front of class on multiple occasions and it's it's those little things in life those little moments that certainly as a parent I am so grateful for her as a teacher. It's something I will always remember and I know my son will always remember that. So we we will miss her very much in the Douglas community and I conclude my remarks with that. Thank you. And so I'll be brief. I just want to thank the the board for participating in our board retreat that we
107had last week um and looking forward to getting to the part two that was delayed scheduled and you know, I just want to give a great shout out to Miss Allen for coordinating everything solo at the moment. So thankful for her leadership on that and and thought partners as we made this retreat the best that we could in keeping our work focused on teaching and learning and so want going to thank all of the SLT members and area superintendents for the work that they did to you know, assist with this and you know, really giving us a deep dive into the school improvement plans and looking forward to connecting that work as we move forward. And so, we will move forward with the part two of our master board training with Ramona powers from the
108school board association and that date may tentatively be over sometime in July. We'll get with some dates, but just want to flag that early. But we'll we'll get those dates. I also want to thank doctors Alfred Keith, Robinson, and McMillan for presenting um the strategic plan the following day of the retreat at Adams Elementary School where we were we had some really great discussion about the data and where we are and how we can partner on on the work. So, I want to thank principal Elrod in her absence for securing food. Although she was supposed to be out, she made sure that the District 9 community members were fed and was well taken care of. And I also want to thank interim principal and former area superintendent Dr. Sexton for her leadership. For her leadership
109at Adams as she's stood in. I also had the opportunity this weekend to participate in the annual Cary Christmas parade. I was joined by every year I get to participate with some fellow Rotarians at the Cary High Interact Club as well as the Cary Kildaire Club. So, I enjoyed to see the the creativity that the students from Cary High presented. And this year it was a snowman theme. And so, very grateful to just you know, see the students take the great work that they do and be as creative as they can. And I also just want to you know, thank Ms. Haywood who is not only my board advisory chair, but she is the advisor for the Cary Interact Club and also put out a great challenge to some Rotarians across the Cary community to
110adopt some of the schools as we're talking about literacy rate. And so, I look forward to working with her as we get more of our Rotarians into the schools to really help close these academic gaps. And so, um I I'm excited about that work. And to the families of Crossroads Flex and Score Academy, I just want to you know, say that I'm in receipt of those emails and Dr. Taylor will be presenting a community date so families can engage and and really learn the process of how we've been there. And so, I do I I am very sympathetic to the situations that we have been presented in and I look forward to how we can resolve those. But I I do know that teaching and learning will take place and I hope that the principals
111at both of those schools deserve great great you know, support for the work that they've been doing. And so, very grateful for principal Nottingham's leadership and principal Hines. And so, these challenges are very unique and is looked forward to how we're going to resolve these as a community. And so, please be on the lookout for that community date whether it'll be in person or a virtual though that will be announced and shared with those families. And so, I believe those are all of my comments. And at this point I will entertain a motion for us to return back to close session. But our chair Motion to return to close session. >> There is a motion from the vice chair to return to close session. Is there a second? Second. Seconded from Ms. Gordon. Any discussion?
112Hearing none, all in favor of returning back to close session, let it be known by the sign of I. I. Opposed, same sign. The eyes have it. We are returning back to close session. Thank you all and have a great holiday season.