Board Meeting Notes

Opening

• Moment of silence observed.
• Approval of minutes from the March meeting, motion carried.
• Approval of tonight’s meeting agenda with addendums, motion carried.

Recognitions and Announcements

Assistant Principals

• Recognition of Assistant Principals for their dedication and leadership from April 7th to 11th.
• Certificates awarded to various assistant principals.
• Highlighted the success of the tailored three program for assistant principals.

School Volunteers

• Recognizing volunteers during National School Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 20th).
• Volunteers contribute through reading, mentoring, and supporting school events.
• Schools will host appreciation events for volunteers.

Administrative Professionals

• Administrative Professionals Day on April 23rd, recognition moved to April 24th.
• Acknowledgment of their essential role in school operations.

Aspiring Superintendent Program

• Recognition of Dr. Ross Putney and others who completed the program.
• Mention of the program being selective and prestigious in North Carolina.

Public Comments

• Sharita Jones thanked the board and highlighted a petition for pay increases with over 350 signatures.
• Dr. Bennett announced pay increase considerations in the revised budget.

Superintendent’s Report

Fiscal Oversight

• Accounts reconciled through February.
• Draft of local budget request for 2025-2026 to undergo public comment.

Innovative Schools Update

• Application process completed for STEM early high school, Early College, and Rollins STEAM School.
• Enrollment numbers for students selected were provided.

Accreditation and STEM Certification

• Several schools received accreditation or are in the process.
• STEM certification designated as a global mark.

Standing Committees

Personnel

• Reviewed projected vacancies and employment intent forms.
• Approval of personnel summary with addendums.

Finance

• Budget resolution amendment and teacher compensation supplements discussed.
• Approval of budget resolution amendment number two.

Building and Grounds

• Update on capital projects and security upgrades planned for summer.

Policy

• Policy 5150 approved with no comments during the review period.

Curriculum

• Professional development updates.
• Cognia accreditation and AVID program updates provided.

Community and Business Relations

• Upcoming events and volunteer engagement statistics presented.

New Business

• Discussion on the draft budget and public comment period.
• Approval of field trip requests for Vance County High School and Early College.
• Approval of student transfer requests.

Closing

• Motion to enter closed session for legal, personnel, and property discussions.
• Announcement of Arts Alive event on April 26th.