Kristi Ferguson-Harris

The board meeting agenda included a proposal for an executive session to discuss confinement and the development of a new system of facilities, as well as a review of the treasurer's report.

This plan outlines Newcastle Public Schools' commitment to strengthening partnerships and collaboration with parents to enhance students' educational opportunities. Key initiatives include annual meetings with parents, teachers, and administrators to develop and revise engagement strategies, providing comprehensive support and resources for effective family engagement activities, and integrating these efforts across various federal, state, and local programs. The plan emphasizes an annual evaluation to assess effectiveness and adapt strategies to improve academic quality, ensure ongoing parental involvement, communicate student progress, facilitate parent-teacher conferences, and equip parents with resources to support student academic achievement and life skills.

This Schoolwide Program Plan for Newcastle Early Childhood Center outlines strategies for enhancing student achievement and well-being in compliance with ESEA requirements. Key pillars include fostering strong parent and community stakeholder involvement, utilizing a comprehensive needs assessment to identify and address student needs, implementing diverse schoolwide instructional and social-emotional learning strategies, and coordinating various federal and state funding sources. The plan emphasizes continuous improvement through regular evaluation, data-driven adjustments to interventions, and ongoing professional development for staff, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for all students, especially those at risk.

The board discussed several personnel matters, including staff resignations, as well as travel requests for the band and robotics team. Staff reports were presented covering school administration, superintendent updates, and budget concerns. The board deliberated on a sports medicine subscription agreement, a residency requirement for board members, and a summer driver education course. Additionally, the meeting included the review of a demographic study, a transition to a self-operated food service system, student meal price planning, and financial management of various fund accounts, encumbrances, and payroll.

The board approved a consent agenda covering various personnel resignations and student extracurricular travel requests. Key discussions included an update on turf projects, a report on sanctioning meetings, and modifications to board policies regarding sanctioning regulations and school activity funds. The board also accepted a contribution from ThruTubing, approved financial and contract consent agendas, and reviewed the treasurer's report. Following an executive session, the board voted on the hiring and re-employment of various certified and support staff members.