Tara Holmes

Key discussions included recognizing individuals and teams for the Pride in Person awards, specifically the PCS Principal of the Year and several volleyball teams for their championship seasons. Administrative recommendations involved the approval of renovation contracts for the Carolina Academy, including agreements with UNC Chapel Hill regarding the Laboratory School space, which involves a total cost not to exceed $500,000 to be paid by UNC in installments in January and March 2026. The Board also approved a substantial list of policies. Furthermore, the Board re-elected Freda Tillman as Chairperson and Phillip Gillis as Vice-Chairperson. An update on Student Support Services included agreement to explore the potential establishment of a district day treatment center. Personnel actions included approving administrative changes for teachers and principals, as well as various contracted services and extra duties assignments for the upcoming period.

The meeting included a Work Session covering several key areas. Discussions involved an Audit Report on the Beginning Teacher Support Program compliance, updates on academic performance metrics (including High School Fall Semester scores for core subjects) and Career and Technical Education enrollment, and a quarterly finance update with a budget approval timeline. The board also reviewed options for revising the 2025-2026 school calendar due to inclement weather days, received an update on a proposed day treatment program, and reviewed the PCS 2030 Facility Plan options addressing enrollment growth and ADA compliance, with a future meeting scheduled to review the facility study results and bond options. Key actions taken during the regular session included approving a contract for performance services for Carolina Community Academy renovation, approving a contract for heat pump replacements at Helena Elementary, approving Calendar Option One for the 2025-2026 school year, approving a new course proposal for Online Learning and Digital Citizenship, approving an EF Tour trip for dual language students, approving a budget amendment for FY 2025-26, and approving funding requests for renovations at North End and boiler replacements at Southern Middle School. The board also announced the discontinuation of the Summer Daycare Program for 2025-2026. The session concluded with personnel actions and an adjournment.

The meeting included administrative reports and recommendations focusing on several areas. The Human Resources report addressed updates to the 2025-2026 school calendar due to inclement weather and secured approval for the proposed 2026-2027 academic calendars. The Curriculum Instruction & Accountability segment noted that Person High School received full funding of $3,204 from the Roxboro Savings Bank Financial Literacy Grant to support Economics and Personal Finance instruction, with potential future collaboration for student banking. The Financial Services department obtained approval for the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Project requests totaling $4,470,000.00. The Board also conducted a closed session to consult with legal counsel, consider personnel information, and review confidential student information. Upon returning to open session, approvals were granted for personnel actions including certified and classified staff changes, and contracted service assignments.

The meeting agenda included discussions and presentations on student support initiatives, notably the mental health report, which proposed information regarding a possible addition to the mental health plan. A key focus was on Exceptional Children (EC) data, including Indicator 11 performance (at 96%) and rising trends in autism and the need for separate EC classrooms for incoming kindergarteners, as current population percentages exceed funding percentages. The session detailed efforts to address chronic absenteeism through an attendance team, restorative practices referrals (with a 90% resolution rate), the utilization of a Community and School Liaison, and implementation of the 'School Status' program. Other topics covered behavioral support via the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) standard treatment protocol in collaboration with a behavioral consultant, showing significant progress in K5 and middle school discipline data, and the introduction of a customized SEAL morning meeting curriculum. Furthermore, updates were provided on the PRC29 grant supporting students with the highest behavioral needs, including new SMART goals focused on intervention consistency, data-driven decision-making, and team capacity expansion, utilizing research-based practices like PBIS and check-in/check-out processes.

The board meeting included discussions about public comments, policies for first reading and approval, an RFQ for planning PCS 30, and a contract for DTW. A member was recognized for leadership at Southern Middle School. The board discussed the possibility of $9 million tied to PCS 30, a new middle school, and facility questionnaires. They also discussed improvements and infrastructure at Helina, Oaklane Elementary, and South Elementary.