Ken Derksen

The meeting commenced with a motion to enter closed session to discuss confidential personnel and student matters, and to consult with legal counsel to preserve attorney-client privileges. Following the pledge of allegiance, the agenda was approved. Discussions included the Policy Committee report, which recommended several policies for first read, such as the Board Member Technology Use Policy and policies related to student conduct and staff relations. The Board also heard a positive report on the Beginning Teacher Support Program compliance visit conducted by DPI. The Facilities Committee report involved approving a five-year sewer service agreement, reorganizing and merging maintenance, operations, and safety/security departments, approving an amended agreement with Duke Energy, and approving purchase orders for repaving at Rosewood High School and Carver Heights Elementary. The Finance Committee reported on the approval of CNI purchase orders (deferred to CNI committee), reviewed budget reports, and discussed community donations, including a significant $30,000 donation from T-Mobile. Finally, a major budget amendment (Budget Amendment Number One for the fiscal school year) was presented, detailing amendments to state funds, local current expense funds, federal grant funds, and local capital outlay funds, including appropriations of fund balance for technology modernization and campus revitalization projects.

The committee discussed several operational and capital improvement items. Key actions included recommending full Board approval for the WCPS/Duke Energy GMS Renewal Purchase Power Agreement, approving Support Services Purchase Orders, and recommending approval for the Terracon change order, while expressing caution regarding subsequent change orders. The committee discussed the NWE Ballfield lights, agreeing to maintain the lighting system. Updates were provided on the RWE Classroom Addition and the NMS Roofing Project Contract. Approval was recommended for Option 2 regarding the Rosewood Middle School Paving. The committee accepted draft starting/closing times for several schools for the 26/27 SY but required more detail on before/afterschool care before seeking final Board approval. The committee also recommended seeking full Board awareness/approval for incurred expenses related to NWM Water Leak Repairs due to necessary insurance deductibles. Finally, the committee noted that the Town of Fremont must adhere to the established bidding process for the Offer to Purchase Fremont School.

The Policy Committee meeting involved discussions and actions on several policy items. Policy 3320 regarding school trips was noted for future revision in February 2026, with specific details mentioned concerning prohibited sharing of sleeping quarters based on biological sex unless certain exceptions apply. An additional item, AR 4300 R Alternative to Out of School Suspension Cessation Program, is scheduled for implementation after March 15, 2026. Policy 7440 Assignment/Reassignment/Transfers was approved for first read submission to the full Board. School Health Policies were also noted for discussion only, with comments highlighting the need to review the current nursing program model for sustainability.

The Facilities Committee meeting involved several key discussions and recommendations for full Board approval. Discussions included an Offer to Purchase for Holly St. Property, an update on the SWHS NCDOT Spot Mobility Project, and recommendations for WSE/GHS Soccer Field Repairs/Renovations, noting a cost ceiling of $86,565.00. The committee also sought input on potential draft changes to the 2026-2027 school opening/closing times and discussed potential priority Capital Small Projects for the same period. Furthermore, the committee recommended seeking full Board approval for Support Services Purchase Orders (PO's) and for the temporary property transfer of Rosewood Elementary to the County for construction related to an upcoming classroom addition, pending legal review.

The Finance Committee meeting included a review of the budget report as of January 14, 2026, which was for information and discussion only. Key agenda items involved recommending full Board approval for accepting presented donations and for Curriculum & Instruction Purchase Orders & Contracts, pending review by the C & I Committee. Regarding the audit proposal from Anderson, Smith, & Wike, the committee recommended seeking full Board approval, although one member requested that a Request for Proposal (RFP) process be conducted first. There was also a general discussion concerning the School Nursing Contract related to the FY 2026-2027 budget planning.