April Regular Meeting Notes

Attendance

• Melissa Mason: Present
• Josie Barnhart: Present
• Pat Bradford: Present
• Judy Justice: Present
• Dr. Tim Merrick: Present
• David Perry and Pete Wior: Present

Agenda Approval

• A motion to approve the agenda was made and seconded.
• Amendment Proposed: Miss Bradford requested to add a discussion about the new AI pilot grant information.
  • Dr. Merrick's Concern: Suggested that any budgetary implications mean they can't vote on it tonight based on policy 2330.
  • Outcome: The amendment was proposed to make it an informational item instead.

Discussion on AI Pilot Grant

• Dr. Merrick: Concerned about additional costs such as IT, cameras, training.
• Miss Justice: Emphasized previously made decisions and questioned why revisit.
• Miss Bradford: Stressed new information from various sources and the need for a public discussion.
• Miss Barnhart: Highlighted potential reallocation of funds, comparing current budget items with potential state funding.
• Mr. Perry: Supported further discussion but said it wouldn't change his vote due to concerns about company guardrails.
• Legal Clarification: Any member can bring up a renewed motion since this is a separate session.
• Outcome: Motion to add AI discussion to the agenda was denied.

Meeting Proceedings

• Invocation, presentation of Colors, National Anthem, and Pledge of Allegiance were conducted.
• Various recognitions for achievements and scholarships were presented.

Committee Reports

• Student and Teacher Voice: Students and teachers shared updates and achievements, including innovative programs.
• Superintendent’s Report: Budget planning, legislative visits, and school achievements highlighted.
• Board Chair Report: Reflections on events, town halls, and upcoming commitments.

Call to Audience

• Multiple community members addressed concerns about student suspensions, policy changes, and protections for marginalized students.

Consensus Items

• Motion to approve consensus items was made and passed unanimously.

Policy Discussions

• Policies Discussed: 3100, 3200, 4140, 4310, 5240, 6220, 9120
  • Key Issues: Removal of "diversity" and changes related to "biological sex" in policies.
  • Outcome: Various motions to amend and approve policies, with some sent back for further discussion.

Old Business

• NCDOT Acquisition of Right of Way at Johnson Pre-K Center: Approved with concerns about future implications and noise.

Budget

• Superintendent’s Recommended Budget: Approved with amendments concerning board compensation aligning with teacher raises.

New Business

• Ethics Training for Board Members: Approved for remaining members with attorneys to conduct training.
• Letter to NCDPI: Approved to address data privacy concerns with transitioning to Infinite Campus.
• Employee Performance Bonus Plan Ad Hoc Committee: Approved to explore performance bonuses for staff.

Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn was approved.