Carmen Garland

The meeting included several recognitions for academic achievement across various district schools, including graduation rates and academic progress scores. The Superintendent's Report covered information about a doctoral dissertation study being conducted by a principal, approval for an overnight field trip for AMS students to Lake Logan Conference Center for a talent search program, and a detailed personnel report including resignations, leaves of absence, hiring recommendations, and transfers. The Finance Officer's Report consisted of budget amendments for the State Public School Fund and Federal Programs Fund. Under Old Business, the Board discussed the feasibility assessment for the MHS Mountain Property and subsequently approved moving forward with its liquidation. After returning from closed session, the Board approved contracting with Campbell Shatley, PLLC, to conduct a Superintendent Search.

The meeting included presentations from Student Government Association officers from Andrews High School and Murphy High School. The Board recognized several Cross Country teams and the Murphy High School Soccer team for their outstanding seasons. The Superintendent's Report covered personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, leaves of absences, hiring recommendations, personnel transfers, and volunteer applications, alongside a legislative class size report and results of the School Nutrition Program administrative review. The Finance Officer's Report presented amendments to various funds. Old Business involved policy amendments for a second reading, resulting in the adoption of Policy 5150-7313 and the failure to adopt the amendment for Policy 7100 after discussion and a rollcall vote. New Business included the ratification of a Superintendent Filing Needs Based Grant application and approval of contracting with REI Engineering firm for the AES Roof Replacement Project. Policy amendments were also presented for a first reading. The meeting concluded with an Organizational Meeting where Mr. Steve Coleman was elected as Board Chair and Mr. Jeff Tatham as Board Vice Chair.

Key discussions included the Superintendent's Report, which recognized an Exceptional Children Educator of Excellence and provided updates on facilities projects such as the MHS mountain top assessment, AMS sidewalk project, HDS retaining wall project, and the development of an RFQ framework for a new Pre-K-8th Grade school. The report also detailed personnel actions including retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, new hires, and transfers. The Finance Officer's Report provided an update on the State Budget. Old Business involved the second reading and approval of several policy amendments spanning topics like dual enrollment, technology use, student evaluation, military family residency, child abuse reporting, concussions, and retirement. New Business focused on the AES roof project, where the Board selected specific repair options for the 1952 and 1972 wings, estimated at approximately $405,000.00 plus alternates, and approved jointly executing documents with the County Commissioners to request $1,100,000 from the Public School Building Repair and Renovation Fund for the project.

This Literacy Intervention Plan establishes a comprehensive strategy for advancing reading development and remediating difficulties through evidence-based practices. Key components include structured core literacy instruction for K-3, a robust data and evaluation system utilizing universal screening and progress monitoring, and multi-tiered literacy interventions designed for supplemental and intensive support. The plan also incorporates best practices for implementing effective reading camps, focusing on teacher qualifications, student engagement, and instructional quality.

The Cherokee County Board of Education's budget resolution includes appropriated revenues and expenditure amounts for various funds. These funds encompass the State Public School Fund, Local Current Expense Fund, Federal Programs Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Child Nutrition Program Fund, and Grants, Donations, and Reimbursements Fund. The budget addresses areas such as regular instructional services, special populations services, school leadership, technology support, operational support, and financial services.