Dr. Denita Dowell-Reavis
The Alexander County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting for February on the 10th.
Honors and Recognitions
Dr. Denita Dowell-Reavis opened the meeting with recognition for Jennifer Bass as the county’s EC Educator of Excellence. Bass has been a teacher at the high school since 2012. She was chosen by her peers to represent the county based on criteria that includes: Leadership, dedication, and service in extracurricular and nonacademic activities that have improved the quality of education for exceptional children and youth. Ms. Bass was honored at the yearly convention in November in Greensboro.
Next, the board honored three teachers who have newly completed their National Board Certification. Candidates for National Board Certification must take computer-based assessments and keep portfolios on their classroom practice. A key component for certification is that the teacher is able to reflect on his/her practice. Teachers can have up to seven years to become certified and must meet standards that describe the highest level of teaching in different disciplines and with students at different developmental levels. These candidates completed the work in two years or fewer. National Board Certification means that the teachers are committed to students and their learning, and committed to work to improve their practice as educators. North Carolina has the most National Board Certified teachers in the country at about 24%. In Alexander County Schools, there are 70 certified staff members who have their National Board Certification.
New National Board
Risa Sink Cook – ACHS
Annie Hollar – WAMS
Kimberly Brown – BES
Then, there is a 10-year renewal cycle for National Board Certification. These candidates create videos of themselves working with students and/or working with colleagues. They, too, must demonstrate that they are able to reflect on their practice to continue to grow.
National Board Renewals
Natalie Millsaps – SLES
Heather Houston – WAMS
Bridget Horn – BES
Jessica Mundy – SPE
Andrea Austin – TES
Finally, the district recognized the winners of the countywide Spelling Bee held last week.
District Spelling Bee
Winner- Noah Wingler – 6th grade WAMS
Runner-Up – Daniel Costner – 6th grade EAMS
The winner moves on to the regional spelling bee at Bank of America Stadium on March 9th.
Budget Update
Assistant Finance Officer Andrea Robinette reported on behalf of Finance Director Sharon Mehaffey. With seven of the 12-month funding cycle for schools complete, the district has spent 58% of its allotted monies from state, local, and federal funds. The board also approved budget amendments which allow for the district to receive $77,000 dollars for Summer Reading Camp, $75,000 to purchase additional yellow school buses, and $100,000 in federal money for the Career and Technical Education program at ACHS.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Bill Griffin added after a report from Human Resources an announcement about the new football coach for Alexander Central High School, Chris Marshall. Marshall is currently serving as an assistant coach. Marshall said he is thankful for the opportunity and excited to get going as coach. See more in a release here. Marshall is an alumni of ACHS and Appalachian State University.
Griffin also reported on a Faith-Family Collaborative held on January 30th where he invited members of the local faith community to a session to learn more in-depth about the district and our work. Five local pastors joined Griffin that day to hear about the goals and challenges in the district.
Griffin also updated the board about communication from him to families about the federal government’s reversal in considering schools “sensitive locations.” Traditionally, schools have been places, along with hospitals and churches, that have not been central to migrant arrests. The communication that went to select families on February 3rd from Dr. Griffin said that “Alexander County Schools cares about the well-being and safety of students.” It also said in accordance with federal law “Every child has a right to an education regardless of their immigration status.” The letter to families added that the district does not collect or keep any information about a student’s immigration status. Griffin says ACS is working with local law enforcement per the law but the district is also working daily to protect and provide for students.
Lastly, Griffin discussed work to revise the district’s Strategic Plan to determine the mission and vision moving forward. He hopes to have a document by the end of the school year for the board and public about common goals.
Board Chair Comments
Chairman Matt Reese thanked the schools and their leaders for gifts given to the board members last month during the January meeting. January is School Board Appreciation Month. Other board members said they are also grateful that staff are taking care of children and are appreciated every day.
School Board Policies
Assistant Finance Director Andrea Robinette presented a second reading for three policies which were approved unanimously.
Policy 3227/7322 – Web Page Development
Policy 3410 – Testing and Assessment Program
Policy 3420 – Student Promotion and Accountability
The board also heard first reading for a number of policies and approved them.
Policy 2010 – Board and Superintendent Relations
Policy 2210 – Duties of Officers
Policy 2230 – Board Committees
Policy 2240 – School Advisory Councils
Policy 2302 – Remote Participation in Board Meetings
Policy 2320 – Compliance With the Open Meetings Law
Lastly, three policies were heard for first reading and will be back at the March meeting.
Policy 2130 – Board Member Compensation and Expenses
Policy 3225/4312/7320 – Technology Responsible Use
Policy 7650 – Employee Travel and Other Expense Reimbursemen