Kristi Bedwell

The meeting opened with a moment of silence in honor of Sophia Ballinger. The first agenda item concerned a playground update. Discussions included expanding the parent committee representation (now four members), scheduling future parent meetings (one on October 22nd), and determining steps for enhancing playground accessibility. Key actions involved researching costs for making the Benny Mills Elementary playground fully accessible, obtaining cost data for the White House Intermediate playground, and examining costs for poured sidewalks, tracks, and basketball courts. The committee plans to identify schools with accessibility obstacles for prioritization and deliver a preliminary report to the Board on November 4th. The second item involved the Calendar Committee's recommendation for the 2026-2027 school year calendar, detailing committee structure, compliance with state code requiring 200 days (with 190 student days accounting for 10 paid holidays), and outlining the structure of the 180 student days, five administrative days, and five professional learning days, including the continuation of instructional focus days.

The study session included a discussion regarding the TISA report, which mandates sharing an accountability report template with the state. Key academic goals outlined include achieving 70% proficiency in third grade ELA by 2028 and college/career readiness metrics such as a 21 or higher on the ACT composite. It was clarified that not meeting these specific goals does not impact funding but serves as a public accountability measure. The board also reviewed the 2025-2026 student enrollment report, noting a decrease of 227 students to 30,199, attributing the decline primarily to increased home prices and interest rates limiting the influx of young families, despite consistent English Learner population numbers. Facility capacity was also reviewed, indicating that most schools are operating well under capacity, with the exception of Howard, which utilizes portables, and Station Camp Elementary, which warrants monitoring due to recent zoning shifts and continued enrollment. There was also discussion on educational improvements, including substantial investment in foundational literacy across the Southern states and pilot programs for parent engagement using AI tools to support literacy instruction.

The session, which served as a board retreat, began with opening formalities. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the severe impact of a recent winter storm, detailing catastrophic damage from trees and ice, issues with parking lot poles, and repairs needed for HVAC systems at Beach High School due to frozen tube bundles, which may require an insurance claim. Roof damage at the Beach NX Gymnasium was also noted, with bidding for repairs commencing. The team discussed organizational health, referencing concepts from "The Advantage," focusing on core values such as grit, mission alignment, growth mindset, and humility. The thematic goal for the district involves building consistent culture, defining strategic anchors, and ensuring principal role clarity and support. Standard operating objectives discussed included maintaining consistent one-on-one meetings, identifying friction points, building interdepartmental relationships, and implementing team playbooks. The planned return to school status following the weather event was addressed, confirming that school closures would be extended due to unsafe icy road conditions, although a waiver for lost snow days will be sought.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence and the singing of the national anthem by the Hendersonville Chamber Choir, featuring recognition of community members in hospice care. Key agenda items included the adoption of the regular and consent agendas, and approval of the minutes from the December 16th, 2025 regular scheduled meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved the director's report, specifically the introduction of the Executive Director of IT, Mr. Chris Brown, and a presentation on the Partner Coaching Partnership, detailing how instructional coaches leverage iPads to enhance instructional efficiency, student engagement, data facilitation, and coaching/reflection. The presentation included a detailed hypothetical "field trip" illustrating a coach's day.

The meeting included the adoption of the regular and consent agendas. Key discussion items involved recognition and hearing of delegations. Miss Kelly Flood was recognized for winning three NSP public and digital media excellence awards (first place for a news release, first place in photography, and an honorable mention). Dr. Mitch Flood was honored as a MidCumberland Principal of the Year semi-finalist, recognizing his work at Knox DOSS and Dre Creek Middle School, including initiatives like students honoring teachers during basketball games. Student Leadership Gives Back students presented their initiative aimed at increasing youth involvement in community service across the district, including plans for a district-wide student leadership team and creating an app/social media presence to list volunteer opportunities and local needs. Board members offered encouragement and advice regarding tracking project management data and ensuring leadership succession.