Homan Atashbar

The meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss a personnel matter and a legal matter, followed by a return to open session. The agenda was amended to include action items for the approval of Student Make-up Days and Applications for Class-Size Waivers. Special recognitions were given to various award-winning students and staff members. Discussion items included Project Impact Grant Contracts for 2017-18, focusing on summer enrichment programs for incoming kindergarten students and expanding pre-kindergarten classrooms, as well as contracts for an author visit by Jeff Mack and the Institute for Student Achievement to fulfill School Improvement Grant requirements for Carver High School. The Board also discussed partnership contracts involving Crosby Scholars and Grace Presbyterian Church Tutoring for Carver High School, emphasizing community engagement and college access. Reports were presented by the Building and Grounds Committee regarding architect and engineer selections for 2016 Bond projects, and by the Finance Committee on the 2017-18 budget overview. Action items included approvals for the Project Impact Contracts, Jeff Mack Author Visit, Crosby Scholars Contract, Grace Presbyterian Church Tutoring Contract, Institute for Student Achievement Contract, stormwater control measures at Paisley IB Magnet, architect approvals for the 2017 Bond Project, approval of Civil Engineers for pedestrian and traffic projects, approval to amend student make-up days, and approval of class-size waivers for numerous classrooms.

The meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters, followed by a return to open session. Key agenda items included the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, followed by Special Recognitions for Holiday Card Winners, National Association for Music Education All-National Honor Ensembles participants, and a Distinguished Service Recognition for a resigning board member. Public comments were heard regarding naming a room in memory of Rodney Ellis at Philo-Hill Magnet Academy. Discussion items covered the need for a contract with Fortinet, Inc. for web-filtering and security services, a consultant contract with On Track Press, Inc. for leadership training, the status of the 2017-18 budget process, and reports from the Building and Grounds Committee regarding lottery fund allocation and bond projects. Action items included the appointment of a new Board Member to complete the term of the resigning member, approval of the 2016-17 Budget Amendment #2 and Transfer #2, approval for Education Lottery Funding School Bond Debt Service, approval of contracts for Fortinet, Inc. and On Track Press, Inc., approval of the Traffic Control Officer RFP and Contract, and approval for naming rooms in memory of Rodney Ellis.

The Work Session included discussions across multiple committees. The Policy Committee addressed the "Our Safe Return Back to School" plan, reviewing instructional plans, technology deployment (including Canvas and remote learning tools), CARES Teams updates, and Exceptional Children's services. Policy updates included Policy 4236 Teleworking (approved on second reading by committee) and Policy 5131 Student Behavior (first reading, concerning face coverings). The Curriculum Committee discussed the Alternative Accountability Model (approved by committee) and changes to Social Studies graduation requirements. The Finance Committee discussed the proposed contract with Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. ($180,000 annual fee), the need to upgrade to Microsoft Premier Support ($73,000 from CARES funds), and the purchase/deployment of Community WiFi using state funds. The Buildings and Grounds Committee reviewed funding for replacing windows at the RJR Auditorium and approved utility easements and the disposition of surplus vehicles. New Business involved the full Board approval of several Finance Committee action items, including the Classroom Technology Remote Learning Equipment Purchase, Microsoft Premier Contract, and Community WiFi Purchase/Deployment.

Key discussions focused heavily on curriculum and facilities. Public comments emphasized the need for mandatory African-American history curriculum integration, citing racial inequity and historical omission. Concerns were also raised regarding the proposed demolition timeline for the Wiley gym, the lack of transparency around the Reynolds stadium project funding, and potential safety issues related to mold at Ashley Academy. Discussion items included an overview of the MOU with Family Services Inc. for Head Start services, a report on the Building and Grounds Committee noting updates on technology projects and moving up the Wiley gym project timeline, and a Curriculum Committee report detailing updates on the African-American Integration Project. Action items included the unanimous approval of the MOU with Family Services Inc., authorization of Education Lottery Funds for Bond Debt Service, and approval of the Child Nutrition Procurement Plan. The Board voted not to approve the TNTP Professional Development Contract for Forest Park ES, followed by a motion to hold a special-called meeting to discuss it further. The Board also unanimously approved the 2018-19 Budget Amendment #3 and Transfer #3, and approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

The meeting involved several special recognitions, including appreciation certificates for the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust's financial support, an organizer for the Educator Warehouse, educators completing the SMART Exemplary Educator Program, and a church for benevolent funding. A teacher was recognized with the Marcellus Waddill Excellence in Teaching Award. Discussion items focused heavily on technology budget briefing, proposing expenditures for online testing infrastructure and laptops, with consideration of bond savings. A Back-to-School Report covered facility updates, Summer Feeding Program statistics, transportation fleet changes, Driver Education fee adjustments, technology deployment (including Classroom Solutions and pilot programs), enrollment trends, and an update on the BELL summer school program research. A discipline summary was presented, showing a decrease in incidents but mixed feedback from principals and teachers regarding the new policy. The 2012 Scholarship Report indicated a significant increase in total scholarship funds awarded compared to the previous year. The Building and Grounds Committee reported on naming requests and continued deliberation regarding the proposed RJR stadium location near Hanes Park, acknowledging community concerns. Action items included the unanimous approval of the FY 13 budget amendment for technology purchases. Consent items covering bids, contracts, and general personnel reports were also approved.