Lecture Notes: School Board Meeting

Introduction

• Meeting called to order by Chair
• Acknowledgement of attendees: Mr. Ham, Dr. Jackson (Superintendent)
• Moment of silence for recent natural disasters and financial decisions
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Absentees: Ms. Turner and Ms. Wilson (under the weather)

Agenda Adoption

• Motion to adopt the agenda, Personnel agenda, and consent agenda passed unanimously

Superintendent's Announcements (Dr. Jackson)

• Celebrations and Recognitions

  • "Love the Bus Month": Celebrated bus drivers for their service and safety
  • School counselors recognized for their role in student growth
  • FFA and SROs celebrated for agriculture education and community safety
  • George Moses Horton Day: Celebrations of poetry and history
  • Art and cultural celebrations in schools
  • One Chatham Day of Dance and Arts Exposition
  • Graduation held for One Academy delayed due to weather
  • Recognition of 86 teachers for student growth and board certifications

• AI and Technology

  • Conference insights on AI, with emphasis on AI requiring smart people
  • Encouragement to explore AI for efficiency

• Sports Achievements

  • Middle School Basketball Tournament winners: Margaret B. Pard and Chatham Middle
  • Seaforth High School wins wrestling state championship

Art Recognition (Dr. Moran)

• Celebration of Youth Art Month
• Recognition of students from Chatham schools for winning NCASA Art Showcase
• Emphasis on the importance and impact of art education

Excellence Opportunity Champion (Chris Poston)

• Recognition of Ms. Brittany Petty for her dedication to EC students

Champion of Character Award

• Amelia Rodriguez from Chatham Central High School recognized for empathy

Public Comments

• Concerns Raised:
  • Shortage of EC teachers; need for better pay and incentives
  • Importance of retaining quality educators
  • Requests for incentive pay for bilingual and EC staff

Yonder Pouch Pilot Update

• Positive feedback from staff and parents on improved engagement, academics, and school climate
• Students less positive, indicating a desire for phone access, but some note improved focus
• Reduction in suspensions observed
• Proposal to expand Yonder pouch to Northwood and Chatham Central High Schools approved

Agreements and Partnerships

• Triangle United Soccer and Bennett Recreation Department
  • Memoranda of agreement approved for use of school facilities
  • Emphasis on community partnerships and facility usage

Policy Manual Updates (Dr. Moran)

• Review of 3000 series policies with revisions, repeals, and new additions

Future Meeting

• Next regular Board of Education meeting scheduled for April 14, 2025

Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously