Denita Dowell-Reavis
The Alexander County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting for January on the 12th. The meeting opened with the pledge led by board member Robert Arguelles.
Honors and Recognitions
Communications Director Dr. Denita Dowell-Reavis started with recognition of the winners of the Alexander County Public Education Foundation Grants. The Ed Foundation holds a golf tournament fundraiser and a recognition of the Alexander County Sports Hall of Fame each year. In turn, their funds are awarded to teachers to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math projects. This year’s recipients received about $500 dollars for items such as lab equipment, calculators, chess club supplies and funding for student outings.
Here are the winners:
Paige Polittle – HES
Nikki Stevenson – HES
David Woodward – SLES
Samantha Strathy – TES
Kerry Smith – WES
Ashley Huss – WAMS
Joseph Cornwell – ACHS
Paige Jackson – ACHS
Rachelle Cain – AEC
Christy J. Hall – AEC
Also recognized, winners of the Bright Ideas Energy Grants sponsored by Energy United. Bright Ideas supports teachers who believe enhanced education inspires young minds, which is similar to EnergyUnited’s core value to create a brighter tomorrow within our communities. Since 1994, EnergyUnited has awarded more than $1 million to K-12 teachers through NC Bright Ideas.
Those winners are:
Ashley Huss – WAMS
Paige Jackson – ACHS
Amy Bowles – C&I (for ACHS CCP)
Finance Report
Assistant Finance Director Andrea Robinette presented budget amendments that adds state money for teacher performance bonuses, yellow buses, and the School Resource Officer Grant. The board heard information at the monthly work session that as of December the district has spent 44% of the budgeting money from federal, state, and local funds.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Alisha Cloer recognized school board members on behalf of Dr. Bill Griffin, who is attending a seminar out of town. She said, “Thank you to our school board members for your time, dedication, and commitment to our schools and community. Your leadership and service play a vital role in building a legacy of excellence and ensuring our district remains the educational choice for every child. We are grateful for the care, vision, and thoughtful decision-making you bring as you work to support students, staff, and families.”
January is School Board Appreciation Month.
Board Member Comments
School Board members responded that they are servants and proud to be part of the Alexander County Schools. Board member Corey McLain said that he was thankful for the gifts from the school leaders and is proud of everyone in the system who pulls together to work for students each day.
Board member Anthony McLain said he is planning to step away from the board at the end of his term in December and says he is “at peace” with where the school system is at present and where it is heading. He says he is blessed to have been part of the board. McLain’s son graduates this year and his children’s involvement in schools is one reason he ran for office to begin with. Anthony McLain says he is likely to continue working with the schools perhaps as a volunteer.
School Board Policies
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Alisha Cloer presented a second reading for 12 policies which were approved unanimously.
Policy 1310/4002 – Parental Involvement
Policy 3210 – Parental Inspection of and Objection to Instructional Materials
Policy 3320 – School Field Trips and Excursions
Policy 3510 – Religious-Based Exemptions from School Programs
Policy 3620 – Extracurricular Activities
Policy 4120 – Domicile or Residence Requirements
Policy 5024/6127/7266 – Emergency Epinephrine Delivery Systems
Policy 5070/7350 – Public Records – Retention, Release and Disposition
Policy 6125 – Administering Medicines to Students
Policy 6340 – Transportation Service/Vehicle Contracts
Policy 7100 – Recruitment and Selection of Personnel
Policy 7820 – Personnel Files
Cloer also presented proposed revisions for nine policies which will stand for a month while the public and board members have time to review for comment.
Policy 3101 – Dual Enrollment
Policy 3225/4312/7320 – Technology Responsible Use
Policy 3226/4205 – Internet Safety
Policy 3227/7322 – Web Page Development
Policy 3400 – Evaluation of Student Progress
Policy 4050 – Children of Military Families
Policy 4120 – Domicile of Residence Requirements
Policy 4240/7312 – Child Abuse and Related Threats to Child Safety
Policy 4270/6145 – Concussion and Head Injury