Sonja Lankford

The board meeting agenda included several items such as the approval of the 2025-2026 student handbook and various professional service contracts for the upcoming academic year, including therapy, audiology, and psychological services. Additionally, the board addressed memorandums of understanding with health and social services departments, revisions to the Academically and Intellectually Gifted plan, and school nutrition bids. The superintendent presented a report on the principal and assistant principal candidate pool. Discussion items focused on summer maintenance projects and the current budget status, while action items included personnel and coaching approvals, budget amendments, and the acceptance of septic bids.

The Board discussed the partnership between the Stokes Early College High School and Forsyth Technical Community College, reviewing historical progress and future opportunities. Principals presented five-year data trends and school improvement plans for several schools. The Board authorized the hiring of a commercial real estate assessor for the potential disposition of the Pine Hall property. Additionally, the Board established a meeting schedule for December and approved the sale of the Meadowbrook POD to Harvest Academy of Guilford County. The Board also reviewed a proposal to utilize proceeds from the Meadowbrook POD sale to upgrade school signs to digital formats and approved various personnel and coaching actions.

The Board of Education meeting included recognitions for National School Counselors Week, the EC Educator of Excellence, and the selection of a student for the Northwest All-District Band. Discussion topics included teacher performance bonuses, inclement weather calendar implications for school staff, an audit presentation for the previous fiscal year, and the disposal of unused real property. The Board also took action to approve personnel and coaching appointments, the annual audit, and various budget amendments.

The meeting included a closed session, the recognition of an employee of the month, and a public invitation to a school anniversary event. The Superintendent provided a report covering several operational topics such as student behavior, policy updates, and advisory council schedules. There was a discussion regarding five-year data trends, school profiles, and improvement plans for several district schools. Action items included the approval of personnel and coaching reports. Additionally, the Board tabled a resolution regarding the Pine Hall facility and reviewed various information and announcements regarding staffing changes.

The board discussed several items including an athletic update, the West Stokes tennis court project, and the procurement of a combination oven for school nutrition services. Additionally, the meeting covered the district's summer learning and remediation plans for students, the upcoming RFP process for a K-12 academic screener and personalized learning digital platform, and the renewal of the Riverstreet WAN contract. Board members also discussed the format for future meeting minutes and recordings, and conducted personnel actions including new hires, resignations, and retirements.