Julie Bernotski

The meeting agenda included the approval of the meeting agenda itself. Public comments were heard, with one segment focusing on promoting Dr. Seuss's Read Across America Day on March 1st and another urging the board to adopt a local school calendar, highlighting the importance of local control over state mandates. Discussions ensued regarding four potential school calendar options (A, B, C, D), particularly debating the merits of eliminating Spring Break versus having a longer contiguous Christmas break. The board ultimately moved to approve Calendar Option A for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, first readings were conducted for policy revisions based on the Fall 2018 update from the School Board Association, including changes to school improvement plan policies and mandatory anonymous safety tip lines for secondary schools starting July 1, 2019. The Director of Mathematics and Data Analytics presented the Ready Accountability Report results from the previous school year, noting that over half of the county schools scored a Level B, doubling the state's percentage for B-level schools, while no schools scored D or F.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, followed by recognitions. First, recognition was given to Miss Beth Gillicanin, a fifth-grade teacher at Smyrna Elementary School, for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Following this, National FFA Award winners presented on their experience at the National FFA Convention in October, detailing activities such as attending opening ceremonies, a concert, visiting the career expo, attending a blue room session on technology, a rodeo, and the Indianapolis Speedway. The agenda was amended to include a contract consideration for the Croatan High School roofing project supported by 21st Century Systems. Public comments included expressions of gratitude and well wishes for Superintendent Matt Bottoms on his retirement, acknowledging his significant contributions across various roles including band director, principal, and superintendent, and praising his leadership, dedication, and impact on the school system. Another principal also spoke highly of Mr. Bottoms' leadership style and commitment to creating a positive learning and working environment. The board then proceeded with the election of the board chair.

Discussions included safety measures such as reinforcing safety doors, updates from various advisory councils (Beaufort Elementary, Broth Creek Middle, Down East Middle, Harper's Island PAC, Swansboro Elementary, Moorhead Elementary, Newport, and Newport Middle), and reports on school performance, noting several schools achieved 'B' school status and exceeded growth expectations. Specific topics included facility concerns like minor hurricane damage, new curriculum implementations (such as a new reading curriculum at Newport and schedule revamp with electives at Moorhead Middle), personnel updates (welcoming new principals, SROs, and teachers, while noting the transfer/departure of others), and fundraising efforts for equipment, uniforms, and major facility upgrades like a new gym floor at Moorhead Middle. Several schools noted activities like pep rallies, band performances, school festivals, and community outreach efforts.

The regularly scheduled board meeting began with a pledge of allegiance led by students from Atlantic Elementary. A proclamation was read declaring January 2026 as School Board Appreciation Month in Carter County. Key discussion items during public commenting focused heavily on advocating for increased investment in the West Carter High School band and ensembles program, specifically requesting funding for an assistant band director to support the growing enrollment of approximately 160 students, citing concerns over safety, instructional capacity, and sustainability. The board also received notice of a forthcoming public input session concerning the 2026-2027 budget, scheduled for February 3rd, 2026. The agenda included the approval of the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, as well as a discussion regarding the 2026-2027 academic school calendar with one notable change to a date in May.

The meeting commenced with a pledge and invocation, followed by the recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week through the unanimous approval of a resolution proclaiming the week of May 4th, 2020, as such. Key discussion points included policy first reads pertaining to board member technology use, remote participation in board meetings (addressing current remote practices due to COVID-19), and revisions to the high school athletic code of ethics and standards. The athletic code revisions involved changes to self-reporting requirements for criminal charges, adjustments to disqualification thresholds based on suspension frequency, and the introduction of mitigating factors for game suspensions for minor misdemeanors, while maintaining stricter penalties for drug or alcohol offenses. An update was provided on the Master Early College High School application and budget processes, noting the delay in receiving the 2019-2020 budget and anticipation of the 2020-2021 budget. The Board also addressed capital improvement projects planned under a potential bond referendum, including HVAC replacement, construction of covered walkways, door replacements, and cafeteria modifications across several school sites. Finally, the Board considered a resolution requesting the County Commissioners place a bond referendum on the November 2020 ballot.