Michelle Chadwick

The board approved the annual budget resolution for the 2027 fiscal year. Additionally, the board awarded a contract to Lancaster Electric Company for the Jacksonville High School Swing Out Service Replacement project and a contract to Odyssey Mechanical for the Dixon High School annex gym HVAC replacement project. The meeting concluded after moving into a closed session to discuss confidential matters and subsequently approving an amended personnel report.

The council discussed the transition from Occupational Preparation to Employment Preparation for special needs students, focusing on work-based learning, graduation pathways, and business community engagement. Additional topics included the retention of current council officers, recruitment of new members, and a comprehensive update on CTE curriculum additions and student organizations. The meeting also addressed the cancellation of the spring legislative day, the alignment with NC legislative requirements, and future activities including the Summer Career Accelerator and the upcoming two-year local plan presentation.

The board meeting featured a recognition segment for student achievements, including junior and senior orchestra selections, All-State Honors Band participants, the selection of two educators for the Keenan Fellows program, and the certification of an AVID educator. During the general business portion, the board received a presentation on a Career and Technical Education (CTE) update and considered a request for the approval of the 2026-2028 CTE local application, which aims to enhance industry credentials, strengthen business and educational partnerships, and expand work-based learning opportunities for students.

The committee discussed several policy revisions and updates. Key topics included the revision of the licensure policy to remove outdated annual reporting requirements and incorporate new misconduct reporting standards. A replacement for the drug-free and alcohol-free workplace policy was reviewed, with discussions on clarifying prohibited substances and improving organizational structure. Additionally, a new policy concerning audio and video recordings was introduced to address expectations for professional conduct and the unauthorized recording of others, with plans to expand the policy title and definition to include employees, independent contractors, and volunteers.

The Board of Education convened a special meeting primarily to interview and hear from candidates interested in filling a board vacancy. Candidates presented their qualifications, experience, and reasons for wanting to serve on the Board of Education. Additionally, the board approved items on the consent agenda and general business items.