Union County Public Schools

The meeting commenced with a motion to enter Closed Session to discuss privileged personnel information, consult with legal counsel to preserve attorney-client privilege, and consider potential legal actions, including cases named Hood versus Union County BOE, Reed versus Union County BOE, and Kingsbery versus Union County BOE. Following the pledge of allegiance, the agenda was approved with an amendment to move item D2 (District Two Vacancy) to follow the budget overview. Special recognitions were presented to Coach Cameron Star for being named the 2015-16 Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year, Ros Brown for receiving the 2016 Smart Mar VFW National Citizenship Education Teach Award, and acknowledgment was given to graduate Aminaa Fay for winning the Jimmy Award for best performance by an actress. The Superintendent's Report detailed numerous personnel changes, including transitions in principal and administrative roles across several schools, and updates regarding retiree recognition events and recent leadership conferences. The board then discussed the preliminary Communications Plan for the upcoming bond referendum, which involves developing collateral materials, defining communication strategies, utilizing multiple channels including social media, and planning extensive outreach to various stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on transparency and rebuilding public trust.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda with the removal of one item. Significant portions of the meeting were dedicated to recognitions, specifically honoring a high-school student, Lauren Culture Choice Turner, with the John H. Crowder Service Award for community service, and recognizing Rhonda Ison as the Employee of the Month for non-certified positions due to exemplary work in school nutrition services. Additionally, 25 teachers were recognized for earning or renewing their National Board Certification. The Board also honored the state champion Weddington High track team and the Forest Hills men's basketball team. During the public comments section, a citizen addressed the Board regarding insensitive remarks made by a board member and requested their resignation, citing a lack of transparency and honesty. Another speaker, representing the Town Council of Marshville, formally requested the placement of a full-time safety resource officer at Marshall Elementary School and other elementary schools, citing concerns over rising elementary school violence and inadequate existing coverage response times. A final speaker strongly supported the Superintendent's initiative to hire additional social workers and counselors and implement social and emotional learning (SEL) programs, detailing the benefits of SEL in improving student outcomes, preventing tragedy, and teaching pro-social communication skills.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on reviewing and discussing the 2018-2019 Superintendent's proposed budget. Key discussion points included budget amendments being pulled to the main agenda, budget trend data showing a 6% increase in total budget since 2015 largely due to benefit costs (retirement and health insurance) and charter school growth, and student enrollment projections. Major superintendent priorities presented for funding included school safety and security initiatives (counselors, social workers, mental health therapists, visitor management systems), investing in employees (salary increases, compensation study for skilled labor, stipends for aspiring teachers), and continuous improvement areas such as expanding intensive tutoring, ensuring equity in IB program transportation, and implementing a new student assignment management platform. The operating budget proposed redirects and sustaining operations costs, including utility rate increases. The proposed capital budget covered facilities projects, vehicle replacement, and technology services including student device leases and server backups.

The Facilities Committee meeting agenda was amended to include an informational item regarding the Cox Road property. Key discussion points included the recommendation for the purchase of seven new 2020 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for the driver education department, totaling $125,069. The committee also recommended the surplus of six older driver education vehicles. An amendment to the BSN apparel and equipment services agreement for an additional two years at the same rates was discussed, including its relationship with Under Armour and usage by booster clubs. Informational updates covered potential changes in maintenance responsibilities for Monroe Middle School and Walter Pickett Stadium due to reduced city programs, the ongoing construction progress for the Transportation Center and Sun Valley High School projects (projecting completion dates of June 2020 and March, respectively), and an update on the Cuthbert cluster planning for attendance zones showing high utilization at several schools. Additionally, progress on capital projects, including video doorbells and demolition of tennis courts at Parkwood, was noted, and a new appraisal for the Cox Road property showed an increase in value by $137,000 over the 2017 appraisal.

The Facilities Committee meeting addressed several items, including the bidding of the last 2016 bond project for transportation construction, which came in over budget, necessitating proposals for deductive bid alternates and requests for county funding to cover the shortfall. The committee discussed accepting specific alternates, including one for bus wash addition, while deleting another concerning an equipment shelter for future consideration. The committee also reviewed a proposal for a five-year contract renewal for custodial chemical supply with Interstate Solutions. Furthermore, the committee discussed approving the transfer of CIP funds from 2015-16 savings to cover land purchase costs for Piedmont High School, pending county commissioner approval. A lengthy discussion focused on a proposal from the Indian Trail Arts and Historical Society to erect a large, abstract sculpture memorializing a former principal on Indian Trail Elementary School grounds, where concerns were raised regarding liability, safety (potential for climbing/cutting hazards from metal components), maintenance, and public perception. The committee decided more concrete details were necessary before moving forward on the sculpture. Finally, construction updates were provided for various CIP projects, including Athens installations, Benton Heights Elementary School Auditorium, Indian Trail HVAC, Fairview controls upgrades, window replacements at East Elementary and Parkwood High School, Portage Middle School demolition, and updates on Sun Valley High School additions and renovations.