David Ball

The work session involved a review of the first semester, including operational plans (Plan A, B, or C). Key discussions centered on student engagement and attendance, utilizing the Panorama Screening survey tool, and support for FAFSA completion by high school students. Academic data review covered fall exam grades for EOC and CTE tests, as well as State tests, with subsequent focus on immediate curriculum priorities like vulnerable populations and summer academic support. Human Resources provided updates on staff work and safety information, including COVID-19 procedure flow charts. A panel discussion with school nurses addressed screening flow charts, case investigation, contact tracing, and COVID-19 vaccine phases, noting low transmission within schools when protocols are followed. Finally, the Board discussed potential decision metrics for reopening schools, such as county COVID-19 test positivity rates and the NC County Alert System, clarifying that these metrics should inform, not automatically trigger, plan changes.

The meeting included a closed session for discussing privileged and confidential personnel and student information, as well as matters protected by attorney-client privilege. Work session updates covered the budget, programming, staffing, and funding for the Pre K Childcare program. In the open session, the Superintendent congratulated newly certified National Board Certified Teachers and thanked local Town Councils and the County Board of Commissioners for their support regarding school calendar flexibility. Updates were provided on the Superintendent's Listening and Learning Adventure, and praise was given to music educators. The Good News section recognized the National Board Certified Teachers, followed by a Curriculum Feature on STEM Education in elementary and intermediate schools. Public comment addressed allowing dodgeball, Covid precautions, and advocating for higher teacher pay. Action items included approving Budget Amendment #4, a class size waiver request for Haw Creek Elementary and the BCS Virtual Academy, and approving an addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with United Way for middle school mental health support at two middle schools. Other actions involved approving an MOU with NC Outward Bound for Owen High School services, approving the use of capital outlay athletic allotment funds for a sound system at North Buncombe High School, approving sole source procurements for Camp Grier (CTE summer camp services) and Edulog (Transportation Department services), awarding contracts for re-roofing at Avery's Creek Elementary School, track replacement at A.C. Reynolds High School, and a security addition at North Buncombe Middle School. The Board also accepted the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for Pisgah Elementary School Lobby Reconfigurations, authorized an easement for sidewalk construction at Black Mountain Primary School, approved an MOU with Buncombe County regarding Phase 2 of the Solar Panels Project, and approved the purchase request for E-Rate Related Network Gear. The Consent Agenda approved previous meeting minutes, the Personnel Report, the 2022-2023 Summer Program Plan, Board Member Training Credits, and policies for second reading (excluding Policy 3430, which was moved). The Information Agenda included Finance Reports and policies for first reading (excluding Policy 5001, which was moved).

The special called work session focused on several informational agenda items. Key discussions included a presentation on community health statistics in Buncombe County, the status of the vaccine rollout program, and prioritization for educators and childcare workers. Further discussion addressed COVID testing availability in schools using rapid tests. School data presentations covered supplemental services for vulnerable populations, remote attendance rates, and potential mandatory summer school legislation (HB 82) to address chronic absences. Transportation concerns were reviewed, particularly regarding bus ridership capacity under different operational plans (Plan "A" with one or two students per seat). Changes to the current school calendar due to weather were noted, and updates on legislative matters, specifically Senate Bill 37, were provided by legal counsel.

The presentation provided an economic overview of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), noting a population increase of over 100,000 in 20 years, with projections for further growth by 2050. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Asheville MSA has seen a 200% increase over two decades. The analysis covered unemployment rates, noting regional recovery post-pandemic, with the total labor force exceeding pre-pandemic numbers. Data on average hourly earnings indicated that while the regional average was $31.12 in December 2024, only Healthcare and Hospitality & Tourism sectors paid wages above the North Carolina average. The presentation concluded by detailing opportunities for high school students to find career pathways through Career and Technical Education, Dual Enrollment, Registered Apprenticeships, and the My Future NC initiative, facilitated by the Land of Sky P20 Council.

This document, the inaugural Code of Character, Conduct and Support for Buncombe County Schools, establishes consistent community expectations, interventions, and supports across all K-12 schools. It aims to teach students essential behaviors and habits for success by providing a framework of leveled consequences and interventions, aligned with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Portrait of a Graduate model. The plan emphasizes safety, equity, social and emotional competencies, and restorative practices, while outlining the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, and staff.