Sam Crews

The board meeting featured a flag presentation by JROTC students and staff, an audit presentation for the previous fiscal year, and a presentation on the FY2026 Budget Resolution. Performance data, including EOG/EOC results and School Report Card updates, were reviewed alongside various School Improvement Plans. The Superintendent provided updates on nutrition awards, grant funding, and safety initiatives. The board addressed policy revisions concerning student trips, extracurricular activities, and foreign exchange students, and approved the sale of the Aspen Street property. A design-build contract for infrastructure projects was awarded. The meeting concluded with public comment regarding bus transportation capacity and board member remarks.

The Board of Education meeting included the recognition of various educators and students for their academic and extracurricular achievements, including VFW essay awards and state championship titles in athletics. Discussions covered the continuation of the In Her Vision partnership for student eye care, updates to administrative procedures for early graduation, and the first reading of a policy revision concerning board meeting agendas. The Superintendent provided reports on leadership events, gymnasium construction, and upcoming school activities. Additionally, the Board approved the purchase of a replacement school bus, MOU contracts for ABA services, and an audit engagement contract.

The board meeting included presentations regarding School Improvement Plans for Courtney Elementary and Starmount High School. The Superintendent provided updates on student safety, inclement weather impacts, a recent pre-budget meeting with commissioners, and updates on property sales and event schedules. Additionally, student representatives provided reports on activities at Forbush High School, Yadkin Early College, and Starmount High School. The board took action to approve the 2026-2027 school calendar, high school graduation dates, calendar adjustments due to inclement weather, and a performance services contract amendment. The board also addressed a consent agenda covering personnel reports, student releases, fundraiser requests, field trip requests, and budget amendments.

The meeting included the recognition of three new Student Representatives for the 2025-2026 term and an update presentation on Middle School Resources. The Superintendent's Report covered a moment of silence for a former SRO, congratulations for Rachel Creasy's new role as CFO, and the theme for the year, "Rooted in Excellence, Growing with Purpose." Key action items included the approval of the agenda, a motion to return to open session, and approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered the Personnel Report, Student Releases, Fundraising Requests, Contracts, and Purchases. Under the main Action Agenda, the Board approved the RFP proposal from Cornerstone Realty and Appraisals, approved the Schneider Electric Building Bond Request Form, and approved revisions to numerous policies based on NCSBA recommendations. One public comment was received regarding Public School Meal Debt.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included presentations recognizing departing Board Members and welcoming new members and student representatives who took their Oaths of Office. New leadership roles were established with the election of the new Board Chair and Vice Chair. Presentations covered CCP enrollment and achievement trends, and a Guaranteed Energy Savings Proposal from Schneider Electric. The Board approved the August 5, 2024, Agenda. The Action Consent Agenda approved several fundraisers and numerous contracts/purchases for supplies, maintenance, and software across various schools, including significant expenditures for janitorial supplies and fuel oil. The Action Agenda also approved instructional fees with an increase for High School fees. Following information reports and discussions on school activities, the Board entered a Closed Session before returning to Open Session to approve new employees and resignations/transfers. A motion was passed to change the future meeting order, placing Closed Session before Open Session starting with the September 2024 meeting.