001You Ready for it? >> Yeah. Okay. [Music] >> All right. Good afternoon or good evening. It's Tuesday, September 16th at 5:30 p.m. We are calling the regular meeting of the Wake County Board of Education to order. I want to welcome those of you who are watching at home or those of you who are here in person. The Wake County Board of Education meetings are conducted for the purpose of carrying out the official business of the school system. The public is cordally invited to attend the meetings uh meetings to observe observe the board and conduct its official business. Persons who willfully interrupt, disrupt or cause any disturbance at the official meeting may be directed to leave by the presiding officer. Members of the audience should show respect for speech speakers by refraining from loud comments and/or
002any disruptions. Disrupt disruptions by any person or persons of a public meeting will be subject to action in court in or in accordance excuse me to general statute 143-318.17. We have a quorum. Our chair is out due to uh professional obligations. And so at this point I would ask that everyone stand as we recite the pledge. 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. >> Thank you. So, at this point, I will look to uh Miss Rice for a amendment to our meeting agenda. Um, vice chair, I'd like to make a motion to add an action item to the meeting agenda to approve the 2025 Wake County Public School Constitution Week proclamation. >> Is there
003There is a motion on the floor by Miss Rice to make the action item. Make the WCPSS constitutional week action item. There has been a second by Mr. Hershey. All in favor say I. >> I. opposed. The eyes have it. The motion pass. So now at this point, we will recognize, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. I >> I would also like to make um a motion to approve the amended um meeting agenda. >> Motion by Miss board member Rice to approve the meeting agenda, which has been properly seconded by Mr. Hershey. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. The eyes have it. It passes unanimously. Thank you for catching that cuz I caught myself getting ready to go right into the next item. So we will now kick it off to Mr.
004Cook, our assistant superintendent of academics. >> Good evening, Vice Chair Swanson, Superintendent Taylor, and board members. as we've done now for the past couple of years. Thank you once again for the opportunity this evening to highlight what I think we can all agree is a critically important topic, perhaps now more than any time in recent memory, given yet another example of the senseless and hateful political violence that occurred again in our country just last week. The United States Constitution is truly foundational to just about every aspect of our daily lives as citizens of the United States and to the work as educators and leaders that we do in the Wake County Public School System. As you may know, in 2004, Congress enacted legislation recognizing September 17th each year as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. This
005day is intended to commemorate the September 17th, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. Each educational institution that receives federal funds is required to provide educational programming about the US Constitution for its students. Though there is no mandate on the use of particular curricula, lesson plans, or activities, each year, the Wake County Public School System provides instructional resources that can be used by teachers and schools across the district in support of and in alignment to the legislation. in recognition of this pivotal event in American history and its critical importance to our work as educators in helping our students reach their full potential and lead productive lives. Tonight, we are requesting approval and signing of the 2025 Wake County Public School System Constitution Week proclamation, which I'll read at this time for the record. Whereas September
00617th, 2025 marks the 238th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. And whereas the Constitution of the United States is the cornerstone of our nation's republic and embodies the foundational principles of liberty, justice, and equality that have guided our nation since its inception. And whereas North Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies and was represented by three signers of the Constitution being William Blunt, Richard Dob Spate, and Hugh Williamson. And whereas in 2004, the United States Congress enacted public law 108-447, recognizing September 17th as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, while also requiring that educational institutions that receive federal funding hold educational programs on September 17th to celebrate the Constitution. And whereas public law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the
007president of the United States of America designating September 17th to the 23rd as Constitution Week. And whereas the observance of Constitution Week serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of our founding document, encouraging citizens across the nation to reflect upon the values enshrined within it and the responsibilities they entail. And whereas the Wake County Public School System recognizes the importance of educating our students about the Constitution's role in shaping our society and fostering an understanding of their civic duties and rights. Therefore, the Wake County Public School System does hereby proclaim September 17th to the 23rd, 2025 as Constitution Week across the district. We encourage all members of our community, educators, students, and families to engage in activities that promote the study and appreciation of our nation's constitution. Thank you for your support. And
008Vice Chair Swanson, at this time, I'll turn it over to you for board consideration and action. >> Thank you, Mr. Cook. Is there a motion to adopt the 2025 WCPSS Constitutional Week proclamation? >> So move second. I have a motion from Miss Rice, seconded by Miss Cawfield. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. It passes unanimously. Thank you, Mr. Cook. >> All right. So, we will now turn to the public comment portion of our board uh board meeting agenda. Uh students will be heard first following by speakers commenting on items from tonight's agenda and then speakers commenting on other topics. Only the person speaking at the podium will be able to stand. All attendees that are not speaking are to remain seated. Concerns related to personnel issues and/or student matters may
009be addressed through the applicable WCPSS personnel, the grievance policy and/or other applicable policies. The board welcomes all viewpoints including crit criticisms uh directed at substantive ideas, actions or procedures. However, the board's board's 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 from personal attacks andor insults at the board, individual board members, staff, members of the general public. All comments commenters are asked to remember that children are often in the meetings and to keep their comments substantive and civil. Please remain at the podium during this during your speaking time. Any materials that you wish to provide to the board should be handed to our board attorney, Mr. Malone, either before or
010after the after your comments. During public comments, you may speak up to three minutes. Please note that the microphones are adjustable. When you begin, the green light at the podium will illuminate showing that you're you have three your three minutes have begun, followed by a yellow light with an audible tone when there's 30 seconds remaining in your time. When you when your 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 respect the time limit and speak no more than your three minutes. Our first speaker will be Katherine Msus to but it came down to there were innoc Okay. Good afternoon members of the board and Dr. Taylor. My name is Katherine Missy
011and I would like to share what the arts, specifically dance, have meant in my life. I always love dance. Movement has always been a way of expressing myself. But growing up, I was not fortunate enough to afford studio training. For me, public school dance was not just an option. It was my only option. And because of that, the opportunities I have found through public school arts has shaped the person standing in front of you today. One of my most defining moments came in 8th grade with my teacher, Miss Cummings. She encouraged me to audition for a higher placement and brought in dance instead of simply taking the default freshman class. I remember thinking there was no way I'd make it. However, I auditioned and when I was placed in dance too, it was a shock
012to me. It was the first time I truly felt like I had a future in dance. The one push of encouragement completely shifted the way I saw myself, not just as a student, but as an artist. Now, four years later, I am a senior in the highest dance level you can take as a class. I am on both the brought and dance team and caps crew which is our hiphop team where I serve as the captain and I am an artistic director for one of our many shows and I serve on the executive leadership board and next year because of the foundations laid through public school arts experience. I plan to attend UNCC Greensboro as a dance major. I share this not to list accomplishments but to show what access to the arts can do
013for a student who otherwise would would not have had the chance. Public school dance didn't just give me technique or performance opportunities. It gave me confidence, leadership skills, and a vision for my future. I stand here today as a product of public school arts. Without it, I wouldn't be where I am, and I'm wouldn't be dreaming of where I'm heading. That's the power of arts and that is why it is so important to invest in it. And a special thanks to Dr. Taylor and the board members for having me today. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker will be Noah Wells. >> Hello. Hello. My name is Noah Wells. I am 10 years old and I am a fifth grade student at Parks Elementary. I am here today to talk about how music is
014important in my life. I remember during one track out when I discovered a website called the rhythm randomizer. I was fascinated by what I could do with the music there. Music allows me to be creative and enjoy myself when I have bad days. My teacher, Miss Deery, gives us structure to learn but allows us freedom to to explore. When I listen to music, it inspires me and sparks my imagination. Playing music on the other hand makes me feel like I am a symphony itself and I feel more positive as learn more. It gives me the ability to focus and solve problems and I use that ability in other subjects like math for example. I believe that music is the key to unlocking my potential and that the arts themselves can unlock the potential of anyone.
015I like being part of the Parkside chorus and being able to perform with them. It gives me a sense of belonging and makes it easier to connect with others and make friends. So, I encourage you to explore and support the arts like music or theater to benefit yourself and your community. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker will be Katherine Fields. Hello, members of the board. This week is International Arts Week and today I'm here to tell you the impact arts has had on me as a student. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Kate Fields and I'm a senior at Brottton High School. I've been involved in the dance program for my entire Brontton for my entire high school experience. What makes
016that so special to me is that before I came to Brontton, I had no prior experience in dance. No clubs, no lessons, no formal training at all. With a little push from my mom, I tried out for dance 2 my freshman year and it completely changed my life. Since then, I've grown in ways I could have never imagined. Today, I'm not only a member of the dance company team and dance team, but also a part of the leadership team and executive board. What started as something brand new has become one of my biggest passions. This program has taught me so much more than just steps and choreography. Through dance, I've learned discipline, hard work, teamwork, creativity, and even how to tell a story without using words. It has given me confidence, a voice, and a
017community of people who inspire me to push myself every day. One of the things I love most about this program is that it welcomes everyone, no matter your background or experience. The arts at broughten have create The arts at broughten create a place where students can grow, express themselves, and discover talents they may not have ever known they had. Each year, more and more students join because of the positive experiences we have. That's why I believe so strongly in the importance of arts in schools. They give students opportunities they may not have outside of public education. They allow us to connect in ways academics alone can't. And they prepare us not only just for performances, but for life. For example, dance has taught me how to collaborate with others, adapt quickly when things don't go
018as planned, and step into leadership roles I know I'll carry with me long after high school. For me, having access to dance at school opened a door I didn't even know was there. and I'll carry the lessons, the friendships, and the passion I've found here long after graduation. That's the true impact of arts and why they matter so much. Dr. Taylor and members of the board and everyone here today, thank you for giving me the chance to share my story and for supporting programs that make a difference in students lives. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker will be Non Raval. Good evening, Dr. Taylor and members of the board. My name is Nevon Rval and I'm an eighth grader at Carnage Magnet Middle School. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you tonight.
019I'm here to propose the launch of Model United Nations and Youth and Government Clubs in Wake County middle schools. You might wonder why does this matter? This program builds essential skills such as public speaking, debate, research, writing, leadership t and teamwork. Model UN teaches students about global issues and diplomacy while youth and government helps us understand democracy, lawmaking, and civic responsibility here in the United States. Both programs empower students to speak up, collaborate, and lead with confidence. Many of our high schools, including Enlow, Leville Road, and Green Hope, already have successful model UN clubs, and Wake County supports youth in government at the high school level. But opportunities for middle school students are very limited. If we start earlier, we will prepare stronger, more confident leaders by the time they reach high school. The benefits
020are proven. Research shows that students in debate and civic programs demonstrate stronger communication, teamwork, and analytical skills compared to their peers. A University of Virginia and Harvard study even found that debate students improve their English language and art skills by the equivalent of 68% of a full school year's growth. Programs like model UN and youth in government not only align with Wake County's global learning and civic education mission as highlights in the W uh education report, but also prepares for college careers and future leadership roles. Here's my proposal. Begin with pilot clubs for model UN and youth and government at Carnage Magnet Middle School. I'm willing to help lead this effort alongside my principal, teachers, and parents. From there, expand to other Wake County middle schools while building partnerships where high school model UN students
021and youth and government students mentor the middle schoolers. And lastly, within two years, host the first Wake County middle school model UN conference and youth and government mock legislature. To make this possible, I ask for your support in approving the creation of these clubs at the middle school level. We would need faculty adviserss and small startup resources and would we would also need the support from my school principal and teachers. Together we can prepare Wake County to become confident leaders, global thinkers, and civic-minded problem solvers of tomorrow. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you. Thank you. Our next student speaker, our last student speaker is Ali Aliyah Dunston. Is Leah in the room? >> Um, hello. My name is Aaliyah Dunston. I'm 16 years old. And for the topic I would like
022to address today is the public view of Southeast. Um, many of the students and teachers feel as if the location of Southeast being predominantly in a black area leads to any negative situation to be magnified, disregarding all of the good Southeast has to offer. Southeast offers a great academic opportunity such as the international bachelorette program which I myself am in am as well as great careermies which includes the engineering and biomedical sciences. Our school also has an amazing arts department with opportunities in dance, theater, band, and visual arts. Along with that are the amount of caring teachers that are present at Southeast who engage with the students and care about their students success. Some being Mr. Hensley, Miss Watson, Mr. Wiggraph, and Miss Meyers. Although with all of the good happening at Southeast, only 30%
023of it is shown, which is highly upsetting because we are much more than the area. I believe and many of my peers at Southeast believe that instead of focusing on the bad of our school show the good. Every school has bad situations every year, but because ours are amplified on the news, students from other schools are beginning to think it is okay to misbehave while being at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School events. Because of how the school is portrayed to the public, Southeast has so much to offer students in many areas, and that is what needs to be highlighted and showcased to the public. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Betsy Graves. Good evening, Dr. Taylor and esteemed members of the board. Um, I know many of
024you, so it's wonderful to see you again. Um, my name is Betsy Graves, as he said, and I'm the proud dance director at Broton High School. and earlier you got to hear from two of beautiful students that I get to teach. And perhaps more meaningfully though for tonight, I am also a product of public school arts education. I have had the distinct pleasure to be part of Wake County arts for the past 30 years. From a brighteyed kindergartenner to a no, I've not been teaching for 30 years to a dance one freshman student to a student teacher and now for the last 13 years a dance director. I stand here not only as an educator but as a living proof of the power of arts in that hold in shaping futures. Tonight I am honored
025to speak in celebration of what we have have a proclamation for the national arts and education week. A moment to recognize uni uplift and advocate for the essential role that arts play in our schools and the lives of our students across our county's 200 plus schools. The arts are thriving and not by accident, but because we have chosen to make a space for creativity, connection, and self-exression in our schools. In our dance studios, theaters, music rooms, art, and art studios, something extraordinary is happening. Students are learning to think critically, express deeply, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. The arts create a space, a space for ideas to breathe, for emotions to find voice, and for students to present who they truly are. These programs bring together young people who might never otherwise interact,
026forming bonds that transcend backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs. I have seen students who struggle in traditional classroom settings find their voice on stage and their confidence in movement. I've seen a dancer step into leadership, a painter find their purpose, a musician discover their resilience, and an actor find their character. Through the arts, students are not only learning technique, they are learning empathy, courage, and the value of authenticity. These are not just artistic lessons. As we all know, these are life lessons. None of this would be possible though without the passionate, dedicated, and highly skilled arts educators across our county. These teachers, many of whom are professional artists themselves, show up every day to inspire, challenge, and nurture students. Their classrooms are often the safe haven students need and their influence extends far beyond the final curtain
027call or gallery show. As we look to the future, I urge you all and all of the administrators, educators, and community members to continue investing in these programs not as extras, but as essentials. The arts do not exist on the edge of education. They are central in developing thoughtful, compassionate, resilient and whole human beings which all of you already know. Thank you for your continued support. We see it and we feel it and for believing in the power of arts to transform lives because I am one of the many living testaments that it works. >> Thank you. Our next speaker will be Amy Churi and forgive me if I mispronounce your very close. >> Thank you. And should I hand over my materials now or after I speak? >> Great. Okay. Good evening, Dr. Taylor
028and members of the board. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I am here on behalf of the Southernland community to discuss our petition, which I just handed over, regarding the community's inclusion in a 2026 2027 school reassignment proposal. If the current proposal is approved, Southerntherland's base school assignments would change from White Oak Elementary in Mills Park Middle to Turner Creek Elementary and Salem Middle, reflected not only school assignment changes, but school calendar changes as well. I am not sure if you're aware that Southerntherland was actually previously assigned to Turner Creek and Salem Middle School. When White Oak Elementary opened, the neighborhood was reassigned to White Oak with a traditional calendar. However, Salem was still assigned as the base middle school. This caused a calendar misalignment between elementary and middle school assignments and the
029board later approved the committee's request to assign Mills Park Middle as our base school, which we are very grateful for. If the current reassignment proposal is approved as is, Southern would once again be assigned to Turner Creek and Salem Middle with a year-round calendar. I have firsthand experience with the year-round calendar as my oldest attended a year-round elementary school and we really enjoyed it at the time. While there are some advantages to the schedule, it does introduce significant logistical challenges for households with multiple children. I will have a minimum of 5 years of calendar misalignments between my children if they attend a year- round middle school. Many other families will experience similar schedule challenges and we ask the board to please consider and minimize base school calendar reassignments where possible. We would also like to
030acknowledge and thank the board and the office of school assignment for the generous stability proposal. While it will indeed help some individual households, we ask you to consider stability in school and calendar assignments for Southerntherland as a whole. Due to the small school enrollment size of our community, the proximity of Southerntherland relative to White Oak and Mills Park, our location on the school assignment maps, and our community's history of prior school assignments, we ask you to please consider whether including Southerntherland in the school reassignment proposal is necessary in achieving its goals. We respectfully request that Southernland be allowed to remain at White Oak Elementary and Mills Park Middle for our base school assignments if possible. And we thank you very much for your time and consideration tonight. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Maggie
031five. Is Maggie here? Okay. Uh we will now hear from Jen Smith. Okay. Hello guys. U my name is Jen Smith. I am a product of North Carolina public schools. My children have attended Wake County Public Schools and I'm here to speak up in support of Wake County staff during this troubling time as I have seen and heard calls unfortunately to DOC's employees who do not grieve the same as others who are deeply mourning the loss of an influencer whose morals and ideals they aligned with. I wish to speak on the importance of protecting our community members from those troubling attacks that do nothing to help us address the reality of the devastation gun violence regularly causes to people of all ages and all places in the United States. As a parent who first sat
032through a lockdown drill as a volunteer in my child's kindergarten class, I will always remember the feeling of absolute grief that we as a society are forcing our children to live with the threats of gun violence in schools, movie theaters, churches, concerts, and in their homes. With each school shooting, it becomes easier to forget names. Unfortunately, because we forget those hurt, terrorized, or killed because there are so many. Imagine my surprise to hear some people focus on only one school shooting when two occurred on the same day. I looked for voices to also speak up for the children in Colorado. However, that was not the story that has been shared by those who could actually make a change in policies and laws, etc. I do not know anyone who does not want an end to
033gun violence. Doxing people who put up an influencer's own quotes while ignoring another school shooting happened within minutes of the first one seems disingenuous to me. It seems political in nature, especially given how quiet the same voices have been to other school shootings. We ask and expect staff to lay down their lives for our children. So to then threaten them if they do not mourn an influencer's death the same as they have mourned teachers and students who were shot in school shootings begs the question of whose lives are ranked more important and who decides that. In case anyone is confused about the school shootings I'm referencing, on September 10th, there were two school shootings that I'm aware of. Both occurred within minutes of each other. Going on the timelines provided by authorities, the first shooting
034happened at 12:23 local time at Utah Valley University when an influencer, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed. Reports say the shooter was a 22-year-old man um who was a fan of another influencer. Very soon after that shooting, there was one at Evergreen High School, which is 20 miles away from Colon. The Evergreen shooting started just before 12:30 local time and involved a 16-year-old male shooter who was fascinated with mass shootings and neo-Nazi views for his online profile. Two students were wounded and the shooter committed suicide. Also, for perspective, the day after those tragic shootings, multiple historically black colleges and universities received threats of violence. Our students and staff deserve to feel safe at school. We as a society need to come together to end the violence in our school. doxing and threatening people who do
035not mourn the same is counterintuitive as to actually working together to protect our students and staff. And in closing, um, as long as the Constitution is applicable, um, from the First Amendment, I'm going to shorten it because I'm about to run out of time, is that we should, um, not prohibit, uh, the free exercise of religion or the freedom of speech. And therefore, I ask you to support our staff and their First Amendment rights. Thank you. Our next speaker is John Hinsley. Hello. I'm a longtime listener, first- time speaker. I want to thank you guys for modeling the very best in democracy by embracing this public comment period. Um, you guys do that every day and I really appreciate it. Makes it easier. I'm a history teacher at Southeast Raleigh High School. Over the last
036decade, political polarization and partisanship have become an unwelcome part of our American experience. Last week's tragedy in Utah and in Colorado make it clear that this polarization is toxic. This partisanship is deadly. We could all benefit from tools designed to increase empathy and respect from techniques that encourage people to find common ground and come together in consensus. These tools and techniques do exist. Right down the road at NC State, there are professors like Dr. Paula Makavoy or Dr. Christy Bird in the College of Education who have devoted their careers to developing and practicing classroom activities that support a deliberative, respectful version of democracy. For example, there's a model known as a structured academic controversy where students express their opinions on a controversial issue in a moderated way and then practice how to see the issue
037from multiple sides, learning how to walk a mile in someone else's shoes and developing empathy and understanding for those with different views. I wanted to use my time today to encourage the board, if they had not already done so, to reach out to the NC State College of Education and find ways to incorporate these ideas into our high school social studies classrooms. All too often, teachers go out of their way to avoid controversial issue discussion in their classes. This results in a student who never encounters contentious issues in the classroom. But upon graduation, that same student is thrust into our hyperpartisan world with no experience and no tools to help them understand points of view different from their own. There are respectful, empathetic, nonpartisan ways to handle controversial issues. Let's use those techniques in our
038classrooms and give our students the experiences they need to become fully engaged citizens. Thank you very much. Our next speaker is McKenna Roberts. Good evening, members of the school board. I'm so grateful to be here tonight. My name is McKenna Roberts. I am an NCATE grad. I am um a public school teacher of nine years and I am the parent of a soon-to-be Wake County student. And I say soon to be because despite moving here over a month ago to start uh a new career as a public school teacher in the area, my son has not yet started school. So I'm here to speak to you about um concerns with board policy 41 4100, which addresses admission to Wake County Public School System. Uh, I will admit that Wake County is does not deserve all
039credit for the delay in my son's education. However, our situation is been complicated by administrative processes um to being enrolled in Wake County Public Schools. These complications will lead to my son missing over 152 hours of instruction. Um, according to Wake County's school improvement priorities, meaningful learning every day, eliminating gaps, and well supportive, wellsupported staff are listed as the top three priorities. And I want to challenge the board to consider that these priorities are not um mutually exclusive. They are intertwined. Data should be used data should not be used to understand people. People should be used to understand data. How can a child have meaningful learning every day if they are not enrolled in school? How can we eliminate gaps if the enrollment process for some students is more complicated than the enrollment process for
040others? My son has special needs, which makes his enrollment process three to four times longer than a neurotypical student. How can teachers feel supported when clerical and administrative processes are tossing new enrollments into their class a month into school after rules and procedures have already been reinforced? And how can my son feel supported and ready to perform academically when he already struggles with these sort of transitions and it has been delayed? I pray that my situation is unique that I'm the only one experiencing this. However, just this evening, I in conversation, I feel that I am not alone in some of these delays and um challenges. These administrative issues are affecting far too many families in Wake County public schools. I urge the board to reinvestigate requirements for pro app proving doicile in Wake County
041as the required utility statements usually do not come 3 to four weeks until someone has been living in an area. encouraged the board to consider provisions and exemptions to allow for IEPs to be reviewed to find suit suitable school placements before directing them to their locally zoned school which may not be the appropriate placement in some cases. These delays have caused um caused my son not to be enrolled in school has caused my husband to lose his job that he was spent to start because we do not have um child care or place for him to be. So, thank you, >> Miss Roberts. Before you leave, um staff is going to work with you. Um they may be Miss Alred is coming around right there to see you to help you with your situation. Thank
042you. >> Our next speaker is B uh Burgla Goodman. >> Good evening, Dr. Taylor and members of the board. I am Burgula Pam Gamin and I'm here on behalf of the Southerntherland community located in West Curry. Tonight, my fellow neighbors and myself are here to discuss Suthertland's petition which was recently submitted in response to next year's proposed school reassignment. As our petition mentioned, Sutherland has a small enrollment size to its current base schools. We believe that our student population has a limited footprint on White Oak Elementary and Mills Park Middle overcrowding issues or trigger an enrollment encampment enrollment encampment. With that being said, approximately 25 students in our community currently attend White Oak Elementary, which represents approximately 3% of its total enrollment. In addition, approximately 20 students currently attend Mills Park Middle, which is approximately
0431% of the school's population. Looking upon the proposed resoning map, Southerntherland's current base schools, White Oak Elementary and Mills Park Middle are the closest schools to our subdivision. White Oak Elementary is approximately 2.2 mi away, and Mills Park Middle is approximately 2.7 mi away. They are both equally a six-minute drive from Southerntherland. This proposed reassignment would would almost double our commute time via school bus or carpool. Turner Creek Elementary is approximately 3.9 miles, a 10-minute drive, and Salem Middle is approximately 5 miles, a 12minut drive from Sutherland. This is assuming optimal driving conditions and minimal traffic, which is often not the case within the West Kerry Apex area. Furthermore, as you can see from the proposed resoning map, Southerntherland is on the border of the suggested reassignments. Our neighboring communities directly across the road on
044Green Level Church Road will be assigned to White Oak Elementary and Wills Park Middle as school transportation are assigned to service those students in their communities. In our view, it is it would be pragmatic and efficient for Southerntherland to remain with its current base schools. We respectfully request that these factors are highly considered when voting on the proposed school reassignment for the settling community. We thank you for your time and consideration. >> Sorry, our next speaker is Amanda Paloney. Is Amanda in the room? Okay, we will move now to Elizabeth Harrison. Um, good afternoon board. Thank you'all for your time today. Um, my name is Elizabeth Harrison and I am the product of Wake County Public Schools way back in the day. And now I am a proud public school mom as well um, of
045two children, soon to be three. And I echo the concerns already stated here tonight about um just worry about our teachers and our staff with the current climate. Today I'm going to read the remarks of a friend who couldn't be here tonight. Um her name is Kristen White and she is also a fellow public school mom of two children at Hunter Elementary School. She writes,"I grew up as the child of a public school teacher and I saw firsthand how much of herself my mom poured into her work. Underpaid and overworked, but she brought the calling home and it is woven into our family narrative. Now I am the parent and I am seeing the other side of the narrative. How Wake County Public Schools has provided an excellent foundation of personal and academic growth for
046my two elementary school age children. The academic, social, and emotional growth they have experienced at their magnet school is unparalleled. It shows not just in the curriculum and electives, but in their passion of every teacher, every staff member and parent in our school community. It fills me with pride for our school system to see that the la for the last three years, my children's teachers were once Wake County Public School System students themselves and came back to teach in the same system and sometimes even the same school that shaped them. That full circle story speaks volumes. Thank you to the incredible teachers and staff for the heart you put into our children every day. I urge our community and our board and I know you do to continue supporting them so that they may keep
047making this impact for all of our children. Thank you. Our next speaker is Human Hous. Hello everyone. My name is Human. I'm here on behalf of the Southerntherland community or more specifically the 25 or so elementary school kids who go to White Oak Elementary with regards to the proposed reassignment away from White Oak to Turner Creek Elementary in 2627. First, I want to thank you for this opportunity to speak here tonight. Um, I also want to thank you for the thoughtful and very transparent process by which uh this reassignment has been completed. Um we understand that it's a complex issue um and a lot of work has gone into it uh by you. So thank you for that. Um I also want to thank you for the stability clause. So this stability clause allows uh
048my son who's a first grader at White Oak and his younger sister who's a rising kindergarter to stay at White Oak and we are truly grateful for that. Um, however, the transportation requirements are presenting a hardship for many families in our community and uh to be more specific about my individual case and um it's not um restricted to me. Um my work requires me to travel a lot and my wife she works in healthcare and she has rotating shifts. So very often the grandparents drop off or pick up the kids at the bus stop. Now we are put in a position where we have to defi we have to decide whether to keep those kids for stability purposes at their school or send them to a different school because of the transportation or the lack
049thereof. Um and this transportation issue is not a unique issue to me or to my family. It's an issue for our whole community. There are also some unique challenges about our community. It's a small but very diverse community. Uh most of the parents come from a very uh diverse background. Um most of them are immigrants with ties abroad and uh switching to a yearround calendar some challenges for everybody to be able to travel abroad and maintain those cultural connections for the kids. Um more importantly, our community is as I said uh at the beginning only about 25 students. So, it's a small enrollment number to make an impact on the enrollment overall enrollment numbers at White Oak Elementary. Um, on the new proposed map for Turner Creek, uh, the, uh, Turner Creek Elementary, the Sutterland
050community, it's actually the closest community to White Oak. So, from a proximity standpoint, it only makes sense for Southernland to stay with White Oak. In summary, I respectfully ask the board to reconsider the resignment of Southernland community away from White Oak. Our proximity, our unique family needs, and the small enrollment size make a strong case for allowing us to remain at White Oak Elementary. Thank you very much. >> Our next speaker is Kim Dimmery. Good evening, Vice Chair Swanson, Superintendent Taylor, and members of the board. I am Kim Demery, music teacher at Parkside Elementary. Thank you for the opportunity to speak about the importance of arts education in our schools. Perfect timing. As you know, it is National Arts and Education Week, and I'm here to celebrate the vital role that arts play in student
051success, personal growth, and academic achievement. Thank you for recognizing that music, theater, dance, visual arts are essential and a part of our core curriculum. You recently took action to affirm the essential role of the arts play in student success. I appreciate your endorsement of the strategic arts framework plan and recognition of National Arts in Education Week. I am proud to work in a school district that continues to support arts education in such a special and informed way. I could speak at length about how the data shows that students are engaged in the arts perform better academically, have better attendance, and are more likely to graduate. This is not news to you. So, I realize I'm preaching to the choir. Did I mention I have an elementary choir of 70 talented students? No. Well, one of
052my fifth grade students shared earlier how music and becoming part of chorus has positively impacted him. Another story that comes to mind is another one of my students who had a physical challenge. They endured several surgeries while continuing to excel, honing their singing voice, participating in pieces of gold, choir competitions, and performances in elementary through high school. This student had access to music and theater and was able to take hold of what they loved. Through their involvement in the arts, they found a sense of joy and belong belonging. They recently graduated from college with a double major in music and theater. A student's education is complete when the arts are included. My process is to teach the language of music and plant the seeds of joy and creativity in students. As a music teacher, I
053deliver instruction that encourages students to engage in the four C's. You know what they are. These are essential education experiences where students can establish their own voice, be part of something bigger than themselves. The arts are for every student because it it broadens their global perspective and cultural understanding of the world. As we celebrate Arts and Education Week, I want to thank you educators, community partners who ensure that the arts remain strong in Wake County. I'm grateful every day that I get to walk into my music room to teach and work with students. I get to witness the joy, aha moments. It reminds me why this work matters. Arts thrive. Our students grow in their full potential. When our students succeed, our entire community thrives. What starts here changes everything. Our next speaker is Elaine
054Allen. >> I'm Eileen Allen. >> Sorry. Thank you for the correction. I began teaching in 1968 uh in Milford, Delaware uh in a middle school that had been a segregated underperforming school with classes from first to 10th grade. April of 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. This little rural town erupted in violent protest, reigniting racial tensions of 1954. Leaders from both sides of the racial divide came together to find a way to save the town and to rescue children from their despair and violence. Their goals were to bring all children to grade level in reading and math to build community as another goal. To do this, the first two hours of school were dedicated to teaching reading and math. Uh the classes were homogeneously grouped with on skills level. Uh those with the greatest
055need had the smallest student toteer ratio. From librarian to principal, everyone taught those two hours. The rest of the day was uh heterogene heterogeneously grouped. Um the laser focus on teaching every individual student to be proficient in reading and math. Uh students learned students do learn what they are taught. These students learn to read and to calculate. The byproduct was hope. Parents and students who saw a hopeless future or a repeat of the violent past had hope. From these kids, community was built. Dr. King warned, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish to or perish together as fools." Milford came together, pouring their energies into getting every student to grade level, resulting in uniting the community. I taught in Milford for only two years before my Air Force husband and I returned
056to Texas. But Milford's success is not unique. Marva Collins took Chicago inner city kids from illiterates to scholars. Collins had high expectations for the students and emphasized a strong foundation in phonics, reading, writing, math, the classics, including the arts. Students do learn what they are taught and there are those that need special attention in the those that are not on grade level. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Diane Shadler. >> Me right. I couldn't hear you over the cling. >> Yes, you're the next speaker. >> Sorry. You might want to wait until the coffin guy down. >> Thank you. You can start your speech. Okay. Hello everyone. I'm here at a parent asking you to terminate the contract of Mr. Agrees of Dual Aid on behalf of a parent who child is actually in
057his class but is too afraid of speak due to being due to being harassed and threatening the last time she spoke out. Mr. Abdul Aiz and not fit to be a teacher at Mel Brook High School. Never mind the department chair. First, let's go over some of your own policies. According to your own board policy 70 7300, all school employees shall demonstrate integrity, respect, and commitment to the truth through attitudes, behavior, and communication with others. from the code of ethics for North Carolina educator policy. 0602 personal conduct. The edgar shall serve as a positive role model for students, parents and the community because the educator is entrusted with a care of education of small children and adolescents. The edgar demonrate demonstrate a high standard of person character and conduct. Now let's hear what Mr. Abdul's
058post AB's posted. Let's get some fast straight first. It was on his personal page, but it were a public post. Therefore, it could be seen by anyone. And in fact, it had been shared already by four people when the screenshot were first taken. He wrote, "Black people saying RIP for a bigot white supremist at thinking supremacy. A crazy talk. This dude would live to talk about you and yours. What did he say about black women again? Let his ass ri out of here. Never mind. He got his facts wrong. We'll talk about that later. But these winning words of his failed to meet your own standards. He did not show integrity or respect. He is not a positive role model for the students. He has shown a severe lack of character. He can mean and
059get others online and use cool language. He wanted people to see his post or he would have made it private. He calls into question the integrity of the education at Melbrook High and Wake County in general. I will close by saying that this is not the only incident on Mr. Abdul Aiz inappropriateness. Many introduces of inappropriate materials and comments have been brought to Maybook High School administration that have been ignored. This is the last straw. It is time for you to cut your losses and find someone better suited to teach our children. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Renee Seagull. Good evening. As we start, please know that I am acutely aware there are children in the room and I will try to speak as obliquely as I can. So, one of the side
060effects of doing what I do um advocating for our public schools is that sometimes people send me things. So a year or ago, somebody sent me a recording of a Moms for Liberty training where one of the law firms that rep is funded by the same billionaires that fund Moms for Liberty offered free legal services to any child of a Moms for Liberty member who is chastised or punished at school for using hate speech against their fellow students or against teachers. Because after all, she said, hate speech is still speech. In 2022, of course, we saw that a candidate who thought she deserved a seat at your table and who was enthusiastically supported by Moms for Liberty and other right-wing groups here in Wake County, had a long record of calling for the state to
061end the lives of people she didn't like. She called for violence over and over and over again, dozens of times in public, and she still thought she deserved a seat at this table. Clearly, she believed that she was free to make her First Amendment rights. Last year, the Moms for Liberty tried to dox a teacher and request that they be fired for having worn a skirt at a public school during a spirit week. and the community rightly came out and said, "No, that's not the thing we're going to do. We're not doxing teachers and we're not punishing them just because you don't like them." To be honest, we're facing such a situation again. And I just want to remind this board, I know that we're not going to change the minds of the folks that
062are demanding that teachers be fired and who are eagerly sending teachers personal information to accounts such as libs of Tik Tok, an account that's known to ferment violence against schools in specific. But I would remind this board, you are not under no obligation to take the feigned outrage of the Moms for Liberty seriously. the people who will stand up here and perform shock and outrage. That people were insufficiently reverent of a bigot who himself traded in hate speech consistently. You don't have to do it. Our teachers have first amendment rights and they should not be fired for the words that they speak outside of school. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Dominique Williams. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. As a mother and a survivor, I want to respond to the statement made
063by Miss Cfield uh that we should not blame guns when discussing school safety concerns. The reality is firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Each year, more than 4,300 children and teens are killed by guns, and more than 17,000 are injured. While many Americans blame our high gun violence rate on things like mental health and violent video games, what sets our country apart is the easy access to guns by almost anyone, almost anywhere, and without sufficient safeguards. In most school shootings, the gun comes from the home of a parent or close relative, underscoring an urgent need for gun safety measures like secure storage to keep firearms out of hands of children and those who should not have access to them. When gun violence is the number one
064killer of kids and teens in our country, we have a responsibility not only to do everything we can to prevent it, but also to confront the gun culture that fuels this crisis. An estimated 4.6 6 million children in the US live in homes with at least one gun that is loaded and unlocked. And because the vast majority of school shooters under the age of 18 acquire guns from home, secure storage isn't just a precaution. It's essential to prevent gun violence in schools. And comprehensive strat strategies to protect our schools from gun violence should include mental health support and crisis response to effectively protect our students and educators. But ultimately they must center around gun safety measures. When a gun is present in the moment of crisis, whether it's a fight, an impulsive decision, or an
065attempt at self harm, the consequences are often deadly. This is what makes guns different from the pencils and computers that Miss Cfield referenced in her remarks. And guns turn tense moments into tragedies that can't be undone. As adults, our responsibility is not just to support students emotionally and academically, but also to keep them physically safe. That means recognizing that unsecured firearms put children at risk at home, at school, and in our community. We can foster safe, supportive schools free from gun violence by addressing the factors that lead to violent incidents and implementing proven strategies that contribute to a healthy school climate, including storing gun unloaded, locked up, and stored separately from ammunition. Our students deserve to learn in so safe environments, and that requires us to confront the reality of gun access. It's on us
066as adults to take responsibility and to protect our kids from preventable preventable violence. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Becky Lu Hobs. Thank you for recognizing the importance of Constitution and Citizenship Week. Teaching our children the importance of our founding documents is integral to raising them to be responsible American citizens. Since 2023, Moms for Liberty of Wake County has delivered constitutions to eighth graders across Wake County. This year, our team of volunteers delivered to over 55 public, charter, and private schools to provide pocket constitutions to 14,000 students. Now, to other things. Policy code 7300 regarding staff responsibility and ethics. All school system employees hold positions of public trust. They are responsible for the education of students and serve as an example and role model to students. Each employee is responsible for both the integrity
067and the consequences of his or her own actions. Here are just a few things from that policy that there must adhere to. Code of ethics applicable to the position. Demonstrate integrity, respect, and commitment to the truth through attitudes, behavior, and communications. Support and encourage good school community relations in all interactions with student, parents, and members of the community. So ask, how is praising an assassination ethical? How is praising the assassination of someone demonstrating integrity and respect? How is praising the assassination of someone encouraging good school community relations? Adults employed to educate and influence our children must be held to a high moral and ethical standard. Celebrating murder and assassination is neither ethical nor moral and anyone who does this does not belong anywhere near children. Yet this board approves of Wake County school employees celebrating
068murder and assassination. Choosing to ignore the moral and ethical standards that protect our children. I'm not surprised this board protects this kind of unethical behavior, especially considering the past behavior of many on this board. How many times has someone on this board walked out or turned his back on public comments? Who recently endorsed violent images showing the decapitation of President Trump? Who has used inflammatory language, name calling, and suggested limiting First Amendment speech? It's hypocritical of this board and administration to allow this kind of immoral and unethical behavior. Yet, I get complaint after complaint from teachers demonized by the administration for standing up and for being ethical. >> Our next speaker is Emily Fleek. >> Thank you. Perfect timing. Good evening. My name is Emily Fleek. I was a classroom teacher for 18 years. 14
069of those right here in Wake County Public Schools. I know firsthand the dedication, professionalism, and care that teachers bring into their classrooms every day. I'm here to tell you from experience, the majority of teachers, okay, um are not sharing their political views in the classroom. Trust me, I wanted to when I was a teacher. I wanted to shout every single day, you are all welcome here. I wanted every student to know that my classroom was a safe space for any race, any religion, any ethnicity, any gender, anyone. But I didn't. I didn't shout it. Because for every student who might have felt safer hearing those words, there was another who might have felt alienated by my inclusive spirit. So I kept my personal views to myself, taught what I was told to teach, the standard
070course of study, and that's exactly what teachers across this district are doing. In a matter of seconds, you've decided if my words are valuable based on what you think I stand, where you think I stand politically. But children are different. Children don't close their minds as quickly as adults. They're curious. They ask questions. They're courageous and adventurous discoverers of knowledge. And when you silence their teachers in the classroom, you limit what children can learn. Now, as a parent of two children at Fuway Verina Elementary School, I want to say how much number one, I love their school. And I think that um Heather Johnson should be president, but whatever. Um, the teachers and administrators have truly changed the lives of myself, my child on the spectrum, and my daughter who's here with me tonight. If
071a teacher from that school posted something online that I didn't agree with, I would trust the principal, the leader you appointed to handle it respectfully and appropriately. Principles know what's happening in classrooms. They see the instruction. They know the culture and they understand how students feel. If there is a teacher of any political stance who is not teaching the required curriculum, then it's the principal's responsibility to address it. But if you want teachers to teach what you've asked them to teach, start by trusting them as professionals. I went to college and got my master's degree from UNC Chapel Hill. I knew what I was doing. And then trust the principles you've chosen to lead schools. If a principal doesn't know the climate of every classroom, then that's a principal problem, not a teacher problem. If
072this board can't trust teachers, then perhaps it should reconsider the principles it's chosen. Don't get rid of Heather Johnson, though, because like I said, I love her. But please don't punish the professionals who show up every day for our children, giving them the curiosity, courage, and education they deserve. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Richard [Applause] Good evening. Eight months ago, I came before the board and told you about multiple cases of child abuse at South Lakes Elementary School, including one involving my child. Since then, the I have not been a fan of the investigation and as far as I can tell, it's come to a close without having answered questions like, "How many times did you lock my child in a room without telling me?" And why didn't the area superintendent pero perform
073a full investigation on those uh accusations? And so tonight, I want to ask you this question. If this happened to me and my family as a board member, as a superintendent, what would I do? If you found out that your school's principal and vice principal actively covered up a child abuse case, would you A do everything in your power to remove them from their position, or would you b do nothing and give them another position? The answer to that question is overwhelmingly nothing and give them another position. Another scenario I want to bring up to you is if your child's married teacher got you or your spouse's phone number under the guise of education necessity and then proceeded to send you or your spouse topless photos, would you A fire that person or would you
074b give them a leadership position? The answer to that question at Randro Elementary School is you gave them a leadership position. Second question I have for you is what are you going to say when a child at Southakes Elementary School is physically hurt to the point where a lawyer will actually take the case and that lawyer finds out that the vice principal and principal have a history of covering up child abuse and lying on official school documents? The next question I have for you is, what are you going to say in court when that teacher sexually harasses another teacher under his position and the leadership and the leadership role he's in? When a lawyer finds out that they have a history of sexually harassing parents. And so my question for you tonight, when you go
075home and you look in the mirror, ask yourself, if my child was abused and the principal covered it up, what would I do? Because you are letting us down as as parents, you're letting us down. There's a reason you're being sued at an astronomical level right now. asked yourself, if somebody under my leader, if somebody underneath me decided they were going to send topless photos to my spouse, how would I react? Would that person have a job or would I give them more responsibility? Thank you. [Applause] >> So, we'll return to see is Maggie F in the building or Amanda Paloney. Okay. All right. So, we will move to our consent agenda. Is there a motion for the adoption of our consent agenda? It's a motion by Miss Rice, second from Mr. Hershey. All in
076favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. >> Nay. Let the vote show that it is a seven I'm sorry 61 vote. We will now move to our action items. Um our first action item is policy board policy 7930 professional employees demotion and dismissal for his first reading. So we will I see Dr. Crane and we are awaiting Dr. Mutilla. >> No rush Dr. Good evening, Vice Chair Swanson, members of the board. Um, here with two policies tonight that were generally supported by the policy committee during the August 26th meeting. The committee did ask us to look at two aspects of both policies. One, we were asked to propose language to more accurately reflect the groups of employees that the policies were pertaining to and also asked to propose language to clarify supervisor responsibilities when documenting
077uh performance concerns that could lead to dismissal. Um, I will cover each policy one by one, but as a reminder for both policies, the black text is the North Carolina School Board Association model policy language. The blue text are our additions and changes. And then the yellow highlighted text is really what I'm going to focus on this evening. Those are the changes that we made based on feedback that you gave during policy committee that you're um just seeing for the first time in your board materials um late last week. So, I'll begin with policy 7930, which is now entitled employees with contracts, demotion, and dismissal. Looking at the yellow highlighted text, you'll see our proposal to the title um employee with contracts to address board members suggestions not to use professional or certified or classified
078because we have many employees with certifications, um who may not have a contract. Um so, we wanted to clarify that. The yellow highlights in the first paragraph further explain the employees and the contracts to which this policy applies. And then the highlighted language in the second paragraph attempts to address board members suggestions about the need for supervisors to communicate in both um written and verbal format when those concerns could lead to a possible dismissal. Um so tonight we're request and and if board does adopt the policy it would replace um 3420 in the old manual for great >> dismissal. So tonight we're requesting the board's approval of the first reading of policy 7930 employees with contracts demotion and dismissal. >> Thank you. Is there a motion for adoption of the first reading for board policy
0797930 professional employees demotion and dismissal? >> So moved. We have a motion by Miss Edmonds followed by a second for from Miss Rice. Any discussion, Miss Edmonds? >> Very brief. Just thank you for taking the feedback that was provided and words smithing this and working on it. We really appreciate um your work and the work of Dr. Crane and everybody on the team. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other discussion? Hearing none, we'll call for the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. opposed. Same sign. The eyes have it. The mot the policy passes unanimously for first reading. We'll kick it over to you to talk about board policy 7940 classifi classified employee suspension, demotion, and dismissal for first reading. >> Okay. Thank you. Yes. Employee or policy 7940 is now entitled employees in
080non-contract position to again to address the use of classified versus professional based on board feedback. Um and again in the first paragraph you'll see that yellow highlighted language that mirrors um what we had in in the prior policy and then we've included some language further down that just um further talks about who this policy does apply to you know such as IAS bus drivers a lot of central services positions um and again that same language of concerns being communicated in both oral and written format when those concerns could lead to a dismissal. So, if this policy is adopted, it would replace 4420 in the old manual for um dismissal policy. So, we're requesting board's approval of the first reading tonight. Great. >> Is there a motion for the adoption of for first reading? >> So,
081moved. >> Motion by Miss Edmonds, second by Miss Gordon. Any discussion? All right. Hearing none, we'll call for the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Nay. The eyes have it. The policy 7940 passes unanimously for first reading. >> Thanks, Merson. >> Thank you. So, we will now turn to the discussion to fill the district 8 vacancy. Um, this was lifted up during our um work session. And I'll just recap um the timeline and whatnot. So, the only major changes that we will that we discussed was the candidate interviews. Those interviews will take place on Tuesday, November 25th, um from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Um the timeline to discuss the the timeline for the district 8 vacancy to to be released and printed uh via uh the NN O andor and on
082our website will take place Friday. Um there is the 917 date here, but we will begin that on Friday. Um, we will start compiling all of the applications or let me phrase that, all the applications will be due on October 31st at 5:00 p.m. And the board will receive the number of applicants at the following on the following dates, October 7th, October 21st, and November 4th if needed at the board work session. So that will include the number of applicants if there were any issues and confirming the time of the candidates interviews and the questions that the candidates will be asked will be discussed at th one of those meetings. Um the after the 25th interviews, uh the board member will be sworn in on December the 2nd at our annual work meeting, um annual
083board meeting. Um is there a motion to adopt this timeline? >> No one else doing it. Uh for clarity, >> yes, sir. on the November 25th. It's basically 8 am until depending on the number of candidates, >> right? 8 till 12 or if as needed. >> Great. Uh motion to approve the timeline for the district 8 board vacancy. >> Thank you. Is there a second? So we have a motion from Mr. Hershey to adopt the district 8 board vacancy timeline and process and a second from Miss Gordon. Are there any discussions? Hearing none is Miss Rice. Do you have a >> No, no, I'm not going to necessarily reopen discussion. I just want to make sure that everybody is okay with looking at that. It is a holiday week. So, just we all okay with
084that? I just want to make >> well given the timeline and how hectic our calendars are getting ready to move into as it relates to the reassignment um this was the time that made sense and not to put the new board member in a situation to vote on a plan that they have not necessarily been involved into that. And so um just to recap some of that, the chair and I have split district 8. Um the chair represents the top portion of district 8. I have the southern part of district 8 and we have the district 8 um website um email address where constituents are able to bring their share their concerns. Miss Allen checks that email and disseminates that information to the chair and I and the appropriate staff person. Um >> vice chair.
085>> Yes, ma'am. Um and and and to to add on to what you're saying, I just want to make sure that as colleagues, we're we're probably looking at it from the perspective of our schedule for that week. I want to also think about the candidate for that week to realize I don't know if we really raised that in the board uh work session today. We were looking at our own calendars, but we weren't taking in consideration for qualified candidates who may want to participate. And it is a holiday week. Students are getting out of school in just those few days. And some families really do take their holiday times that they only have in mind. So I just again I'm raising it before we vote. So to say that I think our vice chair and
086chair and our board relations specialists work very meaningful on the dates and the proposals and looked at all those things. But just for us to remember that while we're looking at our own calendars, we're not thinking about potential people that are not privy to the conversations around us that it's also their holiday week as well. Just a thought. >> And thank you for raising that. Um, Miss Edmonds, >> thank you. So, what I heard in work session was um, some of us were more limited than others in availability. Um, and that, you know, that can happen when you've got nine folks that are trying to align schedules. Is it if whatever we pass this evening, is it um able to be amended for example for the interview date if we were to find >> well
087>> another date? And I understand this is being publicized. It's I get all that, but is it able to be amended? >> Well, I think Miss Evans um and that's a great question. I think you know as candidates are beginning to number one indicate if they're serious about applying two perhaps looking at their own schedules and availability will determine if they are a good fit for this. We can always look at those dates um the 17th 21st of October and the 4th to determine what the numbers look like. I think this is just a reality that when you do sign up to be a board member, there is a lot of nuances that goes with this. And so if someone is very seriously, in my opinion, about applying for this seat, I think they would
088do their due diligence to see because this is just one of many meetings that that board member would have to have to um attend. So, um I guess we can uh um we can move forward with this timeline. If we need to amend it and or bring changes looking at the dates that is outlined here that we don't see the right number of applicants, we can always amend that. >> And Mr. Malone, I I'd appreciate you uh chiming in on this as well, but I do believe that uh the board at any time can come back and amend the dates that it set. Um I I think that's well within your right book. Uh Mr. Just may I Mr. Chair? >> Sure. >> Um, Mr. Vice Chair, just I'm specifically talking about the interview date
089of November 25th. >> Gotcha. >> I mean, certainly like any motion, the board could subsequently change any of these dates if it were so inclined. No doubt about it. And I I will add one other thing that we didn't really get to lift up in the work session, but we also wanted the new board member to participate not only in that first meeting in December, but our board retreat that will be taking place. I think it's immediately after that. Is that correct, Miss Ellen? >> That following week. So, that's why the timeline looks very tight. um but we want to make sure that that person has all the opportunities that all of us have as elected uh board folks to participate and advocate the way they need to. So again, that is the the timeline
090and if there's any other discussion, we'll call for the vote. All right. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. >> Nay. >> The vote is 61. The timeline passes. Um, we will now turn to the information item of our agenda, which is our superintendent comments followed by board member comments. Dr. Taylor. >> Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Um, I want to start out by saying to um our community, our public, uh, that the governance of a school district is a very difficult thing. Uh I want everyone to know as superintendent I have uh the the highest um uh expectation of teachers when they are in classrooms. Um the the the I think the the biggest responsibility that we have is the education of children and knowing that we have a captive audience and
091we must be mindful of of all the activities that we have both in and outside the classroom. Uh also tonight we talk about um uh our constitution and first amendment rights. Uh and so it is about how we balance those two things um as a board and as a superintendent um um and as schools and as a community. And I want everyone to know that um all of the things that we've endured over the past several uh past several days uh that this board um has heard from our community, both sides. Uh and we take that responsibility uh very seriously and I want everybody to know uh how difficult democracy is. Uh this is something uh that we've been doing for 250 years and it is not an easy thing to do and and recognize
092that there is a clear balance for me between what happens in our classrooms uh what happens in our community and how our constitution governs that. Uh and regardless of of what we may feel um uh individually and personally as a board uh we will al always uh side on what the law allows us to do and it doesn't allow us to do and that is something that um I will always take seriously as the superintendent of the Wake County Public School System. Uh, I also want to share that September is National Attendance Awareness Month, a time to focus on the critical role that showing up every day plays in student success. Uh, as it happens, promoting better attendance among our students, while always important is a key focus area for our school district this year.
093Uh, we are committed to reducing chronic absenteeism by building schoolwide systems of prevention and early intervention. and we are implementing new structures and procedures to help us reach that goal. School administrators are expected to form attendance teams that meet regularly, analyze data, and think critically about the best ways to address the obstacles that may be preventing a student from consistently attending school. Assisting in that effort uh is our new student information system, Infinite Campus, uh which now provides chronic absenteeism reports to help schools track patterns uh and act early. And I do want to share that uh the first initial uh weeks of Infinite Campus roll out. Our parents had enrolled at over 70ome percent uh to sign up for the app to be able to use Infinite Campus. And I think that is a
094tribute uh not only to our parents but to our administrative team to make sure we put that information out and our parents were able to engage. Uh we have also updated the attendance notices sent to families to focus more on problem solving rather than on potential consequences. For staff the focus is on building strong daily connections with students, noticing patterns and reinforcing routines that make students feel both seen when present and missed when absent. To families, our message is clear. Every day matters. Missing as little as two days a month can add up to chronic absenteeism. We encourage families to stay connected with school staff so challenges like transportation or health issues can be addressed together. Community partners also play an important role in tracking outside barriers such as transportation, health care, and housing stability.
095If you or your organization wants to get involved, contact the school near you and ask how you might be able to help reduce obstacles to attendance. The message we want to spread throughout the Wake County Public School System and Wake County is simply uh is simple but powerful. Showing up to school every day sets the foundation for lifelong success. I do want to share some information about our CTE programs. I get asked questions all the time about why do we not uh have trade programs in the schools like they did back in the day uh when I was in school. I hear that from parents all the time. So this I do wanted to take the opportunity to share this information uh to highlight the exciting opportunities we offer students to explore career careers in
096what we call the skills trades. We offer a wide array of career and technical education or CTE courses throughout our district including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, which we can definitely use, automotive service, and many more. Uh, these classes go beyond the workshop, giving students the chance to earn safety and industry certifications they can take with them into the workforce. Take Quinley Willard, a recent graduate of Holly Springs High School. Through her participation in the school's CTE program, she gained hands-on construction experience and industry certifications. By the time she turned 18, she was hired by the town of Apex inspections department, demonstrating how the Wake County Public School System skill trades pathways prepare students for real jobs in their communities. Quinnley story is just one example of how these programs prepare our students for real jobs in
097their communities. Last year alone, our students earned more than 6,000 certifications across skilled trades fields. Employers like Bobbit Construction, Brassfield, and Gory, and Capital Ford are already hiring our graduates because they know these programs produce skilled job ready workers. The connection we build with local industry partners ensure that students are not only learning but also stepping directly into careers if they choose. These opportunities complement our academic programs, giving students the flexibility to pursue college, a career, or both. At the heart of it, our goal is to prepare every student for success beyond graduation, whatever path they choose to take. I encourage parents and students to learn more about the uh the many CTE opportunities available by visiting wcpss.net/ct or by speaking with their school counselor. These programs can be lifelong changing pathways to rewarding careers.
098Lastly, I want to share a remarkable story from Fugquway Arena Middle School. Theater and dance teacher Christian Lundberg is donating a kidney to her colleague, assistant principal Ernest Deain. Mrs. Deain has been battling uh Mr. Deain has been battling renal disease and undergoing regular dialysis. After testing among family and staff, Kristen recently learned she was the perfect match. The two share more than a workplace. They even share a birthday. And now we will be connected in even and now they will be connected in even more powerful way through this lifesaving act of generosity. Uh their transplant surgery is scheduled for September 30th. This extraordinary example of compassion and selflessness reflects the deep bonds that exist in our schools and reminds us of the strength of our WCPSS family. So, take a look at this short
099video that captures the moment Miss Lundberg first shared with Mr. Deain that she was a match. >> Mr. put it on. You know how much we love you and uh it's going to be a great day. I got great news for you. Hi. This is why I was trying to find you yesterday. I was down to see you so Mr. Clark is aware uh as well. But I made you a little I made you the sign last week cuz I thought I had it last week. But I just found out yesterday >> that I just found >> Oh my god. Wow. >> Final approval. So, >> wow. This has been one week of >> I'm telling you. >> Yes. Like this is phenomenal. >> Yeah. So, it's totally match. >> It's like the >> best
100Christmas gift in August ever. Birthday, Christmas, everything. [Applause] [Music] And that is all I have, Mr. Chair. I know there is uh a a music grant that I will bring that information back. I do want to be able to share that and hopefully we can do it before the night is over. >> Great. Thank you. Uh we'll start with Miss Rice on this end. Miss Rice. >> Okay, let's start with me. Good evening everyone. Um thank you to all who sent me birthday wishes yesterday. I hit the remarkable 51 on the 15th. Ain't that right, Dr. Taylor? I'm genuinely grateful to your kind thoughts and positive energy. I'm excited about the progress and energy we're seeing in District 4. I want to especially highlight the outstanding work um Mr. Jeremy Tucker and his team has
101done in amplifying National Arts and Education Week. The video created by Enlow staff and students was exceptional. Not just because I was featured in it, but because it truly showed the power of the arts in education. When students are exposed to the arts, they gain access to a world of possibilities they might not have otherwise imagined. Now, this Friday, I will look forward to continuing my school visits with River Oaks Middle School and Wake Early College on health um Wake Early College of Health and Sciences. I remain committed to raising awareness around the well-being of both staff and students. All right, I'm going to say some stuff tonight. All right, I'm encouraged by the incredible support systems Wake County is implementing in this area. A special thank you to our student achievement team for today's
102impactful presentation on mental health. This leads me to our eight dimensions of wellness focus. Today I want to briefly highlight two dimensions as part of a call to action. Spiritual wellness is one. Um before diving into this I do want to bring your attention to two building um to two guiding principles. board policy 1000 which speaks of governance and the role of the board member in fostering a learning organization which is something Dr. Taylor taught us as a board. Didn't forget Doc. Article 9, Section One of the North Carolina State Constitution, which states, "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and happiness of mankind, schools, libraries, and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." With that in mind, I extend a personal invitation to you to join me the first Sunday of
103each month from October through de December for covering Wake County. A time for our community to unite in prayer and collective action to improve school safety, mental health, academic resources, and parent school partnerships. The second emotional um the second dimension of wellness is emotional wellness. I also encourage everyone to download the eight dimensions of wellness guide, a free resource provided by SAMA, the substance abuse and mental health services administration. This federal guide can help you build a personal wellness plan and take intentional steps toward emotional balance. To find more information on what I have shared about spiritual wellness and emotional wellness, please visit the two new tabs. Yes, I put on a website for us on prayer and wellness under the connect with T Rice section at tshibarice.org. Lastly, thank you to the district 4
104community who tuned in to the talking with T Rice every Monday from 12:15 to 12:45 as we continue using your wellness tools to have a positive and productive day. >> Thank you, Miss Cfield. Thank you. This last week or so um hit me to my core. It's been a very heavy week. Our district had a tragic loss in Wake Forest. A past principal who was with Wake County for 30 years under many roles and a mother and a wife to one of our coaches. And I'm very sad for our community and for the loss of her family and the friends and the state that they're in right now. Miss Lucas has touched so many lives. It has been inspirational to hear many stories that have been shared and it shows how one person can have
105such an influence to those around them. My thoughts and prayers are with our Wake Forest family. Since our last meeting, our nation honored 911. Each year brings the anniversary of so many that we remember around this day. The words never forget ring in our presence. We will never and never should. Of course, it reminds us of how important safety is in our c in our country and in our cities. But it is also what it also did was bring people together. Like I said in the last meeting about the village in that time of crisis, people gathered to help. People came together. Young, old, didn't matter their race, affiliation, gender. They just did. They joined hands. They hugged. They cl they they cried. They cleared things away. They carried. Some of them died helping others
106to safety. Some are still suffering and dying from this tragedy, from helping for grueling and gruesome weeks thereafter. Today, the memorial sits for families to be in the space where people once worked, shopped, and hustled along day in and day out until the day that evil took those families away. I will never forget the beautiful crisp air morning that turned into hell for thousands of families that morning. We did come together and we remember all those brave heroes year after year and honor those who have left us behind. Tunnels to Towers is an amazing organization that helps to honor those who left behind families. It began as a tribute to New York Fire Department firefighter Steven Siller who was killed that day. It helps raise money for first responders and veterans to support to help
107support their families. Please consider joining one of their local events each year or donate to their cause. Tomorrow is September 17th, Constitution Day. Some people when I bring it up, they ask, "What is that?" It is an American federal observation that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution signed in 1787 and those who have become United States citizens. In 2004, Congress mandated its observance. Though each year on this day, we teach about the constitution in every single classroom. Mr. Cook, thank you for bringing the proclamation forward again this year to recognize the significance of behind our constitution. So, please share, post, and let us know what your class did today to celebrate and learn about our constitution. And parents, this is a great opportunity to ask your child what they learned about our constitution
108today. We all know about the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. It rocked our world this week and it should. While this was directed at Charlie Kirk and what he stood for, it shouts to us as a nation. This tragedy stands for so much more in our society right now. I have just been overwhelmed with emotions about his murder of a wholesome, loving, family man. Heartbroken that a wife will no longer have a loving husband. Two beautiful children will grow up without their dedicated father and over what? The sickness that drives an individual to such hate because they could not stand the opinions of and words of another and had such evil in their heart to murder another human being in front of thousands of college students gathered to have open debate who are now left
109traumatized. We speak about diversity, but is that diversity of thought? This man was assassinated for discussing different ideas and perspectives and morals. So they killed him. They took a life rather than have a conversation. Took a daddy away from his beautiful children, a loving and kind husband away from his wife. Those children will no longer be raised by a loving father because one didn't feel that diversity of thought should exist. And I see people celebrating this, commenting hateful, unkind, unthinkable thoughts. And I just have to ask myself, why do we have such hate in our hearts? While we have freedom of speech, it does not mean freedom from consequence. So have your difference of opinions. But why can't we leave out the hate and the violence? There is evil lurking in the media to attack
110our emotions for a headline or a like on a post. and to the media that twisted this horrific evil event or those that are in office or representing our schools across the nation. Please do better. Our children are watching. Take a breath. Take a moment and ask yourself if this is the role model that you want to be. Mr. Kirk drew tremendous crowds. He influenced so many and encouraged our youth to think for themselves and have open debate, but also to love God with an un unwavering dedication. Whether you find yourself close to God or not, these family values can only be labeled as a good thing. He brought it bought a table to do so. You think he should rot in health? You think he should deserve this nightmare? His family and children deserve
111this. There is nothing wrong with a wholesome, God-loving society. As a matter of fact, when we take God out of things, we clearly see how things go sideways. Maybe it's time, maybe a sign how far we've gone and for us to focus back to his strong family values. He will be remembered, especially in with the younger generation. It's kind of cowardly, mental, and un unsettling to celebrate anyone's death. Young people found courage through him and his example. Was that intimidating? We need more mentors. Peaceful debate has always been healthy. We encourage research and having intelligent conversation. It's an attack on our republic, and I hope it really needs to stop. He was not a threat. He won't be forgotten. He may not be standing next to us, but he's alive in many in in many
112different ways and has touched many of our children. His inspiration for his wife and love and dedication to her to her and his children were inspirational. I pray for his family and the hole that it has created in this country. We need to do better for our children, better for our communities and our cities where we find ourselves safe, where one is not surrounded by so much hate and evil. We can do m we can do better. We just need to today. I hope we all go home and hug our children a little tighter. Schedule in that family dinner around the table, even if you have to schedule it. Pray together. Sit down and talk to one another. face to face and spend more energy on helping and loving one another and honor a mission
113to bring our hearts to peace. And lastly, I just wanted to address our speaker that came out today about gun safety. And thank you for coming out and sharing with us today. I agree with a lot of what was said and shared. And on September 29th in our B board advisory committee meeting, we will be discussing not only families how they can learn about the CNS child nutritionist child nutrition services but also school safety. As we started this new year and it is always a good time to refresh where we will hear from be smart to speak about gun safety. But both can be true. Gun safety is imperative and we should not be taking it lightly. While both are important in addressing all the senseless violence, I still believe we cannot ignore the mental
114health that brings someone to the point of seeking that gun to cause harm. Let's focus on factors to reduce let's focus on both of those factors to reduce and eliminate violence. Thank you. >> All right, we'll circle around to this side of the table. We'll start with Miss Edmonds. >> Thank you. Um, I was honored to go to the first responders breakfast hosted by the Raleigh Chamber last week. Um, and also the Rex Road ribbon elementary school ribbon cutting. Um, that school is stunning and I'm excited for all the families. Um, I when my kids came through the Wake County school system, I didn't have the experience of um being part of a cohort of families opening a new school in a brand new school building. So, I'm excited for them. Um, it's a beautiful
115space and the principal seems great. I did not know her before that day, but um, I was I enjoyed that event. And I just wanted to say the I can't I had this whole thing I was going to say, but Miss Demery did said it way better than me, so I'm not going to read what I wrote here, but um, the arts and education folks that spoke today, especially the students, what a breath of fresh air. It was so lovely to hear from them. So, thank you to Jeremy Tucker and his team for putting that together. Um, I want to lift up the students demand action walkouts that happened um I think it was about week and a half ago. Um, I'm very proud of these students for uh taking um a lead in working
116with adults to uh you know make our schools safer and I'm just very proud of what they did and the work that they do and I hope to be in contact with them soon. And then finally, Dr. Taylor, you with the CTE thing. Uh, guess what the district 5BAC is going to do on Monday, September 22nd at 5:30 at Dillard Drive Magnet Ele, excuse me, Dillard Drive Middle School. We are spotlighting our CTE programs in Wake County Public Schools. Um, Miss Joe Honeyut is coming to present. And like you, when I hear that in community, I it just it breaks my heart because it is not true. Wake County Public Schools has a vast, robust system of CTE courses across our high schools in middle schools. Um, I'm so honored to have the Vernon Malone
117College and Career Academy in my district. And I wanted to show you Princess the Welder. I know that y'all can't see this very well, but she um graduated from Verna Malone, class of 2022. And at that time she was spotlighted on our school district homepage. And it's just um it's so unfortunate to me. That's part of the reason I invited Miss Honeyut to come speak because it is it is just not true that we don't have a robust um CTE program in Wake County public schools. And um also our teacher of the year last year is a CTE teacher. Um Mr. Ryan Bergland teaches sustainable agriculture I think at Milbrook. So um we need to change this uh myth in the community and celebrate these programs and celebrate the students that participate in them and
118in particular the students that choose CTE as a career path. It is just as legitimate as any university path. Um and we need to change that narrative in community. Thank you. >> Thank you. We'll hear from Dr. Ing. >> Thank you. Good evening. Um, last night we had our first BAC meeting for the year, the school year. Um, I want to thank Mr. Michael Pesh and Miss Michelle Woodson for coming out to speak on the mental health services that u WCPSS provides. Um, they gave us a sneak peek of the mental health improvement plan uh last night which was presented earlier today at our student achievement committee meeting. I also want to thank the PTA and Principal Bazelle at Wakefield High School for hosting the meeting. Uh we really couldn't have done it without them.
119Um for many in this country, including me, um this past week, uh has been a very difficult one. Um when I heard that Charlie Kirk was shot, I prayed that he would be okay. When I heard that he got shot in the neck, I feared the worst knowing what I know about the devastating effects of a gunshot wound to the neck. And just like many of you, I I am still grieving the loss of a son, a husband, a father of two young children, a man who wanted to make a difference for this country. Before he was assassinated, Charlie Kirk had once said, "I want to be remembered for courage and for my faith." Charlie Kirk had the courage to speak up for what he believed in and to engage in debates with people about
120ideas, his faith, politics, life choices, or anything under the sun. He never stopped people from speaking their minds even when they tried to harass him because he believes in the exchange of ideas. He believed the truth that all men are created equal and endowed by the creator with certain unalienable rights and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. So it is ironic and tragic that his life, his liberty, and his pursuit of happiness were cut short by an assassin for doing his part to help everyone exercise their freedom of speech. It is more tragic that we have seen on social media in the last few days some vile and heinous display of insensitivity, disrespect and glee over his murder. While I firmly believe in our freedom of speech, I still recoil
121in disgust over what the heart of darkness is capable of. It is like Charlie Kirk was being assassinated over and over again. Is this what we have come to? People all over the country and even here in our own Wake County are spending time being keyboard warriors from the comfort of their own homes. But in the era of social media, nothing that you post is truly private. Your words and thoughts are for all the world to see. We as adults in our workplace, no matter the work, have ethical and professional standards that we should hold to. We all have to take personal responsibility for how we behave even when no one is looking. That is the definition of integrity. And we all have to remember that actions have consequences. So what do we do now?
122Instead of dwelling on the grief or the anger, I want to focus on the good things that can come out of this. In Genesis chapter 50, Joseph told his brothers years after being mistreated and left for dead, he said, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good to bring it about that many people should be kept alive." In the spirit of the freedom that Charlie Kirk lived and die for, I urge everyone to engage with people who do not have the same opinion as you. Be willing to debate your ideas in a peaceful and respectful way, not shutting each other out or cancelling each other. Turning Point USA has over 37,000 requests for new chapters on college campuses and high schools. Consider starting a local chapter in your own sphere of in
123influence to foster engagement and communication. I think the proposal we heard today about having a model UN and youth and government clubs at the middle school level, I think they're wonderful ideas to teach people teach the young kids civic responsibilities and mutual understanding. And as we celebrate Constitution Week and as we prepare for next year's celebration of this country's 250th anniversary, we can try to do a better job uniting as a nation rather than be divided and demonizing the other side. This will be the best way to honor all the people who have fought and died for this country. Thank you. >> Thank you. We'll now hear from Mr. Hershey. >> Thank you. Um I I just want to say uh to my colleague who just spoke that we are actually uh both Dr. A
124and I are actually good examples of two people who may not always agree but who work together. uh he didn't know I was going to say this, but we work together really well on trying to um improve Wake County Public Schools. And uh from the outside, people may not know that, but uh we have a very good working relationship and we put all that aside and do the work here for Wake County Public Schools. Um I hope that came out right. I appreciate you. Uh it's always good to show examples. Let me move on now. Um on October 27th we will be having our first BAC meeting at Stout Elementary School. That's a Monday from 12 to 1. I was at the school last week and it is remarkable to be in our uh language
125immersion schools and they speak Mandarin and man it's something else to see uh K through five students really go really doing that work. It's it's you know we talk about what people don't know about our schools. they probably do not know much about our language immersion programs and how intense they are and what an amazing opportunity it is for students. Um this morning uh my colleagues uh the vice chair um Tyler Swanson and uh my board colleague uh Toshiba Rice along with I got to make sure I don't get it wrong, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Hill. Um, our coordinating teacher of arts education, Katie Culverson, and our director of arts education, Jeremy Tucker. Uh, we're all invited and we attended the third annual coffee and culture breakfast celebrating arts by the United Arts Council
126for Wake County. Um, and it was a a wonderful Oh, and Enllo had singers there and it was Huh. Oh, the Crescendo. That's not one of my schools. I don't always know them all, but uh they were amazing. It was a wonderful way to start the day. And um with all due respect to my colleagues, and I got to meet the chancellor from NC State, and it was wonderful. And those of you that are NC State alums, we did really, really good with this hire. Um so, I'm very excited about that. Um, lastly, I don't have anything else. That concludes my board comments. >> Thank you, Mr. Hershey. I don't think it was more of a meeting. I think it was more of a fanboy, a good fanboy, but it was all >> guilty as
127charged >> with a great self photo. >> Yes. >> So, can't wait to see that. Um, we'll hear from Miss Gordon. >> Thank you. Um, tonight I want to pause and acknowledge the profound loss our community has experienced with the deaths of two of our educators, Mr. Davon Dunn and Principal Lucas. My heart is with your family um, and the colleagues that uh, and students that also experienced this loss. I do want to specifically acknowledge that September is suicide prevention month and one of these tragedies reminds us of the urgent need to care for the mental health of those who dedicate their lives to caring for our children. Educators give so much of themselves every single day, but we are not invincible. I believe it takes all of us to take care of all of
128us. For educators, I encourage practices like setting healthy boundaries, leaning on trusted colleagues for support, and remembering that self-care is not selfish. It is necessary for families. One of the most powerful things you can do is offer kindness and patience, empathy, and compassion. Recognizing that educators are human beings navigating immense pressures of this world alongside your children. We cannot undo these losses, but we can honor their memory by committing to care for one another and reducing the stigma around mental health and understanding that educators are respected professionals and people. Please, let's create a community where no educator feels alone. I also want to lift up the staff at what we call the rock. Um I got a chance to visit the rock um where a lot of our facilities and operations staff work. Um this
129includes our safety assistants, CNS workers, uh bus mechanics, and so much more. Um know that your work does not go unnoticed and you are um we are grateful for the work that you do every day. Um, finally, I would like to tentatively announce my first board advisory committee meeting of the year. Hold the date for October 16th. Um, more information about where it will be will be coming out. Um, I want to invite educators, parents, and guardians, community members, and you guessed it, I want to see students to come out and continue to build something great in District 2. and I am excited to be visiting several of the schools I have the privilege of representing in the coming days and adding to my growing collection of school swag. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um
130my remarks may be a little longer tonight, so I do apologize in advance, but I want to start by saying happy arts and education week and I thank Mr. Tucker and um all the arts educators and students who actually who took time out of their day to talk about the importance of the arts. Um we learned that this morning how the arts allow students to see themselves beyond just the classroom and allow students to be bold in performances and to take those skill sets that they are learning in other courses to apply them to the arts. And so, um, just grateful for that and and that we as a board take a strong stance in the arts and actually seeing the arts as a part of their, um, their work. And so, it's very important.
131And so, I want to thank those art educators and hopefully we're not just celebrating this this week, but we're celebrating this throughout the years. Um, I also want to thank the student assignment team for hosting their one of many um, virtual input sessions. I was actually able to listen to it in the airport as I was traveling for work. Um the September 11th one that was for the Apex area community as they were talking about the um student assignment changes. And so I just want to thank those families for the questions that they're raising and for your emails. I'm trying my best to make sure I'm responding. I know the chair is trying to respond to all of them as we come in. And so we are sharing those emails with staff. And just as
132a reminder, this is one of many drafts. Um the next virtual session or will for the eastern area will be September 7 Septe September 17th from 6:00 to 7:30 and that will be virtual followed by an in-person openhouse on September 6, excuse me, September 24th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Can't get my words together. Um and that will be in person at Hilltop Needmore Elementary School. Um, and as a reminder that the public hearing will take place on October 21st. And so, um, please go to wcpss.net/ studentassignment to see all the information as well as the FAQ session that is being lifted up about questions and whatnot. And so, again, this is one of many proposals um, or drafts rather, drafts of this plan. And so, we encourage you to continue sending your feedback.
133We'll take a look at that. And so, thank you for lifting up those concerns. I understand that student assignments, student re um reassignments is is not a fun thing. It's not easy for us, but it's important as as we grow that we have to ensure that all schools are balanced and that we are necessarily following state law that allows K3 legislation. And so, um, every school in WCPS is great. Every school has their own unique, um, things about them that make those schools fit their motives. But our schools can only be better when we have great partnerships between parents and community. So I would encourage every family to keep that in mind and being very active. Um last week featured one of our teachers of the week um at Highcraftoft Drive Elementary School um Mr.
134Jesse Paige who was a fifth grade math teacher and science teacher. Um so grateful for that. I shared with Dr. Chavis that I would announce this and so thanks to um Dr. Chavis for putting this on my radar and to Mr. Paige and also just to WRL for highlighting our teachers not just during teacher appreciation week but throughout the entire year because our teachers are are men and women who are wearing capes. Um many of these educators are balancing so many different things and deserve the utmost respect and gratitude. And so as a educator, former educator, I always stand with my colleagues and thank them for the work they're doing as they're impacting the lives of not just today, but tomorrow in our future. Um our my district 9 board advisory committee meeting will be
135held September 24th at 6 p.m. at West Kerry Middle School and Chief Luton will be presenting the district's 50th anniversary plan um and how we as a community will come together to celebrate the progress. And that meeting is open to the public. So that will be taking place um September 24th at 6 PM at West Kerry Middle School. So great very thankful for um Dr. Savage for and the PTA for welcoming us there. Um, I know that model United Nations was a thing that was referenced and I have to say I'm biased to that because I when I was in college I participated in the model United Nations team at Norcon State University and I will just say that the amount of um the exposure that it gives gives you is amazing. I mean I
136I learned so much and I mean that's actually how we learned Robert's rules of order. were drilled on it to ensure that we knew what to how to make motions, how to shut things down, how to build your consistency. So, it's a really great team effort. Um, and I will say especially at the collegiic level, hopefully it's not going to be like that at the middle school, but we would often get an emergency about 2, three, four o'clock in the morning to of about some hypothetical situation that was coming together where it was a crisis and as the United Nations model United Nations, you had to work together to come up with the solution and build consensus to solve peace. So, it's a great opportunity and I look forward to supporting that. um as as
137best as I can. Um and thank you, Miss Gordon, for lifting up the educators that we lost. So, I do also want to add my thoughts and prayers to those families um to Mr. Dunn and to Principal Lucas and the life that they lived and the impact that they made on so many students and staff um for the years to come. And so, I am sending my prayers to those family members as they are navigating this time. And I hope this cause, you know, can bring us together to to advocate for true safety as it relates to guns. Um I know this board has taken a strong stance on that. We take passed um um a proclamation calling for stronger, you know, gun control um or not, well, yes, gun control and not advocating to
138take away folks's constitutional amendment, but making sure that there are safety procedures that are there. Um that partnership was with the sheriff's office and with all 12 municipalities chiefs of police joined us for that because it takes all of us to curb this issue and it's not going to be us alone. So as we start this school year, I really hope that families who are um second amendment gun owners are having those conversations to keeping those guns away from kids and family. And you can lock those guns up. There are places where you can go to get free locks. um whether it's the sheriff's office or your local police office. Again, no one's advocating to remove those. I'm sorry. Um again, no one is advocating to remove those, but ensuring that they are locked up
139in a safe place. So, no kid has has access to bring those to our schools. Um and lastly, as we talk about violence, I condemned all violence that happens. And I was reminded by a quote um from Ketta Scott King moments after or months after she lost her husband. Um it was the first it was a CBS interview in 1968 and they asked Mrs. about what is violence, you know, how do you respond to violence? And her words were very powerful that still remind that still holds um a very sensitive reminder today where she says that um I must remind you that um violence, sorry, I had it up and I want to make sure I get this quote correct. Um she said, "I must remind you that starving a child is violence. Um, contempt
140for housing, ghetto housing is violence. Um, neglecting a school child is violence. Pushing a mother away from their families are also violence. Let's look at this from a full perspective. Um, and as we come together as a country and as a community to really address all forms of violence, whether it's through through legislation, whether it's through conversations, we have obligations to pull and unite one another. um and respect one another's thoughts. Um and so with that being said, I know I was supposed to lift up one of the action items, the grants um one of the grants that was lifted up was the that was on our consent agenda was the uh young the young are the gates which is a grant from the educational theater foundation and MTI. This grant allows schools to create
141an outreach program, connect with their productions in a play uh that will collaborate with students and uh with students and teachers. Uh Wake County won this grant and this grant actually allows us to um uh take the the play that has been been presented to us and ensure that it is content appropriate and ensure that it is um uh school age appropriate. And so I did want to lift that up um because it was important to us during executive that we show to the community that our staff does an outstanding job of going through grants and ensuring that they meet the moment that they are age appropriate and that they are necessary and conducive to teaching and learning. So I just wanted to thank um uh Miss uh Sydney um oh my lord, I can't
142think of her last name. Forgive me. It's all the coffee I've had this morning. It's finally making my brain a little jittery. Um, and Dr. Robinson for lifting that up and doing the due diligence. Um, so at this time, I will I will look to Mr. Hershey for a motion. A motion to go to close session to consider confidential personnel information protected under GS143-318.11 A6 and 1115C-319 to consult with the board of education attorney and preserve the attorney client privilege as provided in GS143-318.1183 to consider confidential student information protected under GS115C-42 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. 20 US USC1232G to consult with the board of education attorney and preserve the client attorney client privilege as provided in GS143-1318.11 A3 due to the due to current litigation and I'll leave it at that.
143>> All right. So you've heard the motion to go into close session for all those items listed. Is there a second? >> Second from Miss Gordon. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. The eyes have it. We will We're now going into close session.