Sandra Spivey Ayers

The agenda for this meeting includes a joint session with the Randolph County Board of Commissioners preceding the main meeting. Key discussion items include the Superintendent's Report, public comments, and the Consent Agenda, which covers the approval of several policies (including those related to Confidential Information, Dual Enrollment, and Technology Use) and the approval of a field trip for Asheboro High School DECA Competition in February 2026, along with the 2026 Lottery Distribution Request. Information and reports feature updates on School Continuous Improvement Plans (CIP) for Teachey Elementary and Asheboro High School, and an update on Asheboro High School courses. Action items include the review of the 2024-2025 Audit Report, a request for a new course at Asheboro High School, and the approval of the Asheboro City Schools 2027-2028 Calendar.

The meeting commenced with the call to order for the first session of 2026, followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by students. The agenda was approved. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing several educators who have earned or maintained National Board Certification, detailing the rigorous process, time commitment, and financial investment involved. The Superintendent reported on procedural shifts for 2026, including how points of pride will be presented and updates on the second semester, which begins after exams and student/staff professional development days. Key updates from the Global Innovation Center were shared, noting that the Design Thinking Lab, featuring 3D printing capabilities, is operational and a partnership with 4 for printing vegan wishbones was highlighted. The launch of an esports team with 22 students competing in Rocket League and Mario Kart was also announced, along with updates on the content creation lab and robotics lab usage. Finally, the Superintendent noted that midyear data meetings and reviews for administrative staff are commencing.

The meeting included special recognition for National Board Certified Teachers and a Board Appreciation Presentation by the Superintendent. The Superintendent provided reports on complex weather call procedures, the upcoming Strategic Plan review process starting in January, and negotiations regarding a new middle school athletic conference involving Asheboro City Schools, Randolph County Schools, and Uwharrie Charter. A highlight included recognizing Donna Lee Loflin Elementary School as the 2025 Signature School Award winner. The Consent Agenda included approval for two overnight field trips for the Asheboro High School Chorus and the review and approval of several policies covering Professional Development, Grievance Procedures, Evaluation of Student Progress, and Graduation Requirements. Items for review included updates on Continuous Improvement Plans (CIP) for Balfour Elementary School and Charles W. McCrary Elementary School. Board Operations included committee assignments for 2026 and the election of the new board chair and vice chair for 2026.

The meeting commenced with opening procedures, including a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Donna Lee Loflin Elementary. A swearing-in ceremony was held for newly elected Board Members. Special recognitions included presentations on Points of Pride featuring district highlights such as the AHS Pep Squad and CTE Business Advisory, recognition of Exceptional Children Educators of Excellence, and recognition for participants in the NC FAME Elementary STEAM Challenge. The Superintendent reported on positive developments, including receiving a significant portion of a $2.7 million grant from Toyota for STEM opportunities and plans to revisit the strategic plan after the new year. Public comments included a suggestion regarding cell phone policy. The Consent Agenda involved approving minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting and approving several policies for adoption, including those related to School Trips, Extracurricular Activities, Use of Wireless Communication Devices, and Emergency Epinephrine Auto-Injector Devices. Policies were also presented for review concerning Professional Development, Grievance Procedures, Graduation Requirements, and School Assignment. No action items were scheduled for the main body of the meeting, although the District and Secondary Schools Continuous Improvement Plans (CIP) and the 2025-2026 Budget were approved under the section labeled 'Action Items' at the end of the main document body. Board operations included reviewing the calendar and seeking volunteers for the Calendar Committee.

The board meeting included a pledge of allegiance led by students. New board members were sworn in. The meeting also involved recognizing student achievements in CTE programs, including ServeSafe food protection manager certification, HOSA regional leadership conference, and DECA's District 6 MCEC competition. There was a discussion regarding the 67th day of school celebration. The YMCA was recognized for its learn-to-swim program for second graders. The superintendent's holiday card design contest winner was also recognized.