Union County Public Schools

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which included an update on IMC items related to a DOI matter. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation on the future of the literacy curriculum. The committee discussed transitioning from the balanced literacy approach, which utilized Lucy Calkins Units of Study since 2004, to a structured literacy approach based on the science of reading and recent LETRS training. This shift necessitates a focus on all five pillars of reading: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, areas where the previous core resources were deemed insufficient. A Vision of Literacy team reviewed six bids following an RFQ and recommended CKLA for K-5. The proposed timeline aims for full board approval in June 2022, contract signing in July, and implementation of CKLA starting in January 2023. The discussion clarified that existing intervention tools, such as Orton-Gillingham and Jolly Phonics (used in pilot schools for Tier 2/3 intervention), would remain separate from the new Tier 1 CKLA curriculum, which is published by Amplify, the same entity that provides the M-Class assessment system. The committee voted to recommend the CKLA adoption to the full board.

The Facilities Committee meeting agenda was approved, including items related to surplus property and vehicle purchases. Discussions covered the proposed purchase of three vans and one box truck, totaling $307,088.60, and consideration for two additional plumbing work-body trucks to replace existing fleet vehicles. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussing an offer for surplus property, necessitating an updated appraisal (the previous one being from 2007, valuing the land at $2,477,000) and navigating the upset bid process. The committee recommended moving forward with the updated appraisal and negotiations regarding the property sale. The committee also recommended approval for a $270,691.85 contract with Graybar Electric Company for installing video doorbells at secondary schools, with $70,565.05 being the district's portion under a grant agreement. Informational updates were provided regarding NCDOT's interest in acquiring a small portion of a tract near Highways 601 and 74 for road widening, and a proposed sewer line easement for a future fire station at the corner of a road and Greed Dairy Road, noting staff's preference for the route to follow property boundaries instead of crossing an open field or playground area. Finally, an update was given regarding a proposed right-of-way easement for the Goldmine Road transportation project.

The meeting primarily focused on the review of attendance data for EC (Exceptional Children) and 504 students to determine the feasibility of safely increasing in-person instruction days from two to four days per week for middle and high school students under the existing Plan B guidelines. Staff presented data compiled from December 1 headcount, showing principal feedback on capacity, which ultimately led to the recommendation against moving remaining EC/504 students to four days of in-person instruction due to safety and social distancing constraints imposed by Plan B. A secondary major discussion item addressed Career and College Promise (CCP) textbook expenditures. Due to state funding reductions for textbooks and an increase in CCP enrollment over previous years, the district faced budgetary pressure, leading to deferred purchases of K-12 textbooks. The committee recommended implementing a reimbursement process for CCP textbook costs, up to $50 per course, and covering the full cost for economically disadvantaged students.

The primary item addressed during this special call meeting was the presentation and subsequent approval request for furniture contracts concerning two capital projects: East Elementary School and Far Steels High School. The total value for the furniture contracts across both projects is approximately $4.1 million, distributed among three vendors utilizing State contracts. Approval was sought to release purchase orders promptly to avoid an impending price increase scheduled for January. The discussion confirmed that the expenditures for these projects are within the allocated budget funds.

The Finance Committee meeting included several key financial actions requiring recommendation to the full board. Discussion covered fiscal year 2020-2021 budget amendments and transfers, including adjustments for state funding discrepancies, summer camp allocations, and teacher bonuses (both state and local). There was discussion regarding community college textbook transfers and payments to charter schools totaling approximately 10 million dollars. Other financial topics involved transfers related to the warehouse lease, school nutrition bad debt, capital outlay adjustments for facility paving, after-school program revenue budgeting, and state/local fund transfers for purpose codes. The committee also addressed ESSE R funding allocations, including a pilot program for a literacy platform in three schools, and a district plan detailing the allocation of $900,000 for instructional supports focused on English Language Learner (ELL) needs, literacy/math intervention packets, and mental health supports, with staffing identified as a primary challenge. A proposal to purchase up to five 7-passenger vans to mitigate bus driver shortages, utilizing a maximum of $200,000 in funding, was also reviewed. Finally, an update on COVID relief funding expenditures and balances was provided, noting ongoing management challenges with numerous small allocations.