Henderson County Public Schools

The Henderson County Board of Public Education held a meeting where they honored Mr. Robert Bridges with a resolution for his service to Henderson County Public Schools. Staff members who served in the military were recognized, as were science teachers for their excellence in science instruction. The Boys & Girls Club Class2Club Initiative was highlighted, and school features from Dana Elementary, Edneyville Elementary, and Etowah Elementary were presented. An update was provided on low-performing schools and a plan to support them was approved. The board approved the 2025-26 School Improvement plans and a temporary construction easement for Enbridge Gas at West Henderson High School. Updates were given on capital projects and financial statements, and general operations were discussed.

The Board meeting included recognition of educators for National Board Certification and AP Honor Roll achievements, as well as spotlights on school programs such as the GLOW club, K-Kids, and drama performances. The Board approved the consent agenda, which included personnel matters, student acceptances, and a McKinney-Vento homeless education subgrant application. In new business, the Board approved an increase in out-of-county tuition and a purchase agreement with CDW-G for new wireless access points. Additional reports were presented regarding capital projects, financial statements, Fall 2025 testing results, and an update on instructional hours affected by inclement weather.

Key discussions during the meeting included the election of new Board officers for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Recognitions were given to North Henderson High School AFJROTC cadets for humanitarian service following Hurricane Helene and to Henderson County Early College for being named a North Carolina Blue Ribbon School. A program highlight featured a performance by the West Henderson High School band. School features covered events at Sugarloaf Elementary (Winter Musical & Book Fair), Apple Valley Middle School (Knight of the Round Table Luncheon), and Hendersonville High School (Medieval Banquet). Board members shared observations from recent school tours. New Business focused on the unanimous approval of the 2025 Fall Policy Updates, and the first reading approval of the 2026-2027 Flex Calendar, the 2026-2027 Traditional & Early College Calendar (passed 4-3), and the 2027-2028 Flex Calendar. The first reading of the 2027-2028 Traditional & Early College Calendar was also approved (passed 4-3). Capital updates detailed ongoing lighting, phone system, and sinkhole projects. Financial statements for the Local Current Expense and Enterprise Funds were presented.

The meeting agenda includes an initial closed session for confidential matters related to student information (FERPA), personnel information, and attorney-client privilege. Key discussion points for the general session involve a program highlight on School Improvement Planning in Action, staff/student recognitions, and public comments. Old Business focuses on the second reading and action items for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 Flex and Traditional/Early College Calendars. New Business covers an adjustment to the 2025-2026 Calendar, a review of Child Nutrition, and a discussion regarding Lunch Charge Donation. Reports include updates on the 2026-2027 Budget Development Calendar, Capital Update, and financial statements for various funds as of late 2025.

Key discussions included the recognition of a teacher as a 2026 NCCAT NC Beginning Teacher of the Year finalist. A program highlight detailed School Improvement Planning in Action at Dana Elementary School and North Henderson High School's academic proficiency, testing, and inclusivity goals. School features covered the Mr. WHHS fundraiser benefiting local families, the GEM empowerment program at Hillandale Elementary, and clubs at Innovative High School. Board members shared observations from tours of Apple Valley Middle School and Innovative High School. The public comment period was held, and the consent agenda was approved, which included scheduling for future meetings and personnel matters handled in closed session. Old Business involved the second reading and approval of the 2026-2027 Flex Calendar and the 2027-2028 Flex Calendar, and the first reading of the 2026-2027 Traditional & Early College Calendar, which passed with a 3-2 vote. The second reading and approval for the 2027-2028 Traditional & Early College Calendar also passed 3-2. New Business involved the unanimous approval of the 2025-2026 Revised Traditional/HCEC and Flex Calendars to adjust Election Day (March 3, 2026) to a non-student instructional day. An update on the Child Nutrition program noted current prices and anticipated year-end deficit due to labor and food cost inflation. A discussion on setting up a centralized lunch charge donation fund with the Education Foundation occurred. Reports included the 2026-2027 budget development calendar, capital project updates (including a New Construction Bus Garage), and financial statements as of December 31, 2025, showing revenues and expenditures for local current expense, capital outlay, and enterprise funds. The Superintendent introduced the new School Safety Director.