Carmen Concepcion

The Thomasville City Schools 'Bulldog BLUEPRINT for Excellence' is a 3-Year Strategic Plan designed to prepare students for success by fostering and elevating excellence within the school community. The plan is structured around four interconnected pillars: Excellence in Learning, focused on rigorous and equitable academic opportunities; Excellence in People, dedicated to supporting and empowering staff; Excellence in Community, aimed at strengthening partnerships with families and external stakeholders; and Excellence in Operations, ensuring safe, innovative, and effective learning environments. The plan commits to ensuring every student graduates confident, capable, and prepared to thrive in college, career, and life.

The meeting included an appreciation segment for dedicated service board members from 2021 to 2023. The agenda covered the election and swearing-in of new board members, including the election of a Chair and Vice Chair. Key discussion items included the request for contract approval for 650 Chromebooks for Thomasville Primary School, awarded to ApplyData for $183,850, which exceeded the $150,000 threshold requiring Board approval. Policy updates were discussed, specifically revisions to Policy 2302 concerning remote participation in board meetings, limiting remote members to two and clarifying their quorum status, and the approval of a set of fall policies that received no public comment. The Board also reviewed the 2026-2027 draft calendar update, noting that feedback submission needed extension into December due to low quantity, and clarifying compliance with North Carolina law regarding instructional hours and start/end dates. Finally, school improvement plans for approval were discussed, along with updates on skill improvement initiatives, including small group instruction, tutoring, and specialized programs like Bulldog Blitz at the middle and high school levels.

The meeting included special recognitions, such as celebrating the month of birthdays and recognizing excellence in the Bulldog Nation, including students and staff from various schools. The board also discussed transportation updates, including bus information, driver updates, and student counts. Additionally, there was a human resources update covering recruitment, retention, and culture, including vacancies, recruitment strategies, and retention efforts.

The meeting included discussions and approvals for several key items, including the recommended teacher supplement for the 2025-2026 school year and an end-of-year budget amendment. The board also discussed and approved a resolution for interim appropriations for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Additionally, the board went into a closed session to consult with their attorney and discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included special recognitions for students, staff, and community partners, including the Women's Civics Club and the Class of 1973 Alumni and Affiliates organization. Liberty Drive Elementary School was recognized for exceeding growth standards. There was a superintendent's update, which included a thank you to the bus drivers and a strategic plan update focusing on student safety and attendance. Data on attendance was presented, showing improvement from the previous year, and goals for future attendance were set. The meeting also covered closing the opportunity gap with initiatives like the summer CTE emerging STEM camp and AIG college tours. The be pro and be proud event was highlighted, and upcoming initiatives such as the need-based grant application for a new high school, a seniors get out and vote campaign, a reading initiative, superintendent advisory councils, and parent garden academy sessions were discussed.