Jennifer Blankenship

The Wilkes County Schools' Strategic Plan outlines a roadmap to empower all learners to reach their greatest potential, with a vision to encourage, engage, and empower everyone, every day. The plan focuses on four main areas: continuously improving academic achievement through innovative teaching and personalized learning, fostering professional growth and development for staff, enhancing school culture to promote positivity, respect, and collaboration, and ensuring facilities support modern educational practices and provide a safe and effective learning environment.

The Board recognized student achievements, including winners of the spelling bee, participants in the Mars Hill University Choral Festival, and notable performances by high school marching bands. Teachers were honored for earning National Board Certification. The meeting included a presentation on Student Instructional Support Services and updates on various school facility construction projects. The Board approved the personnel report, out-of-state field trips, a new strategic plan, policy revisions regarding medication administration, an MOU for erosion control measures, budget amendments, and the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar.

The Board convened an emergency meeting for the purpose of designating an acting or interim superintendent for the school system following the passing of the previous superintendent. The primary action taken was the appointment of Dr. Westley Wood as the acting superintendent, effective immediately, with specific contract terms to be finalized in a future session.

The board convened to consider a student matter. Following the approval of the agenda and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the board held a closed session to address matters requiring confidentiality under state and federal law, after which the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting commenced with the Superintendent's Welcome, acknowledging School Board Appreciation Month and recognizing Science Fair Winners from the 2025-2026 competition and Mountain Valley Athletic Conference award recipients, including player and coach recognitions, as well as the Outreach Athletic Trainer of the Year Award recipient. Key discussions focused on curriculum, specifically presenting Advanced Placement course data showing significant gains in qualifying scores for 2024-2025, and plans for expanding AP offerings. Facility updates detailed construction progress on middle schools, West Wilkes High School projects, and roofing work at C.C. Wright Elementary School and North Wilkes High School. Action items included the approval of the Personnel Report, several out-of-state/overnight field trips, the three-year renewal of Edmentum, the updated Child Nutrition Procurement Plan, approval of roofing bids for C.C. Wright Elementary School, a change order for Millers Creek Elementary School roofing, and approval for emergency roofing repairs at Wilkes Central High School Two-Story Classroom Wing. Budget amendments increasing state public school, local current expense, and capital outlay funds were also approved. Discussion items included the proposed Wilkes County Schools' Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 and drafts of the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. A report on the 2024-2025 Audit was also presented.