The Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) Board of Education held a work session on August 13, 2024, discussing various important matters affecting the district. Here are the key highlights from the meeting:
Superintendent & Finance
Out-of-County Admissions Streamlined
The board approved a proposal by Dr. Harrison to simplify the process for out-of-county admissions. School capacity permitting, applicants will now go directly to the board for approval without a hearing process. This change aims to make the admission process more efficient and accessible for out-of-county students interested in joining ABSS.
Dental Insurance Premium Increase
A 7% increase in Delta Dental Insurance premiums for ABSS employees was approved. This decision aims to maintain the current no-deductible policy while addressing a $400,000 deficit in recent years. The increase affects approximately 1,900 employees who participate in the dental insurance program, with premiums deducted from paychecks pre-tax.
Curriculum and Student Services
Achieve3000 Contract Approved
The board green-lit a $440,193.92 contract with Achieve3000 for students in grades 6-8, funded through remaining ESSER funds. Achieve3000 provides universal access to literacy resources for each ABSS student and teacher. It accelerates learning growth for students with differentiated content and instruction. It is standards-aligned with embedded assessments that allow teachers to utilize the interactive tools as an added resource in their classrooms. This resource was specifically requested by middle school administrators and teachers to enhance the learning experience for students in these grades.
Title IX Policy Update
Policy 1725/4035/7236 on Title IX Sex Discrimination was adopted, aligning ABSS policies with federal guidelines. The update brings the school board policies in line with laws and federal guidelines from the Office of Civil Rights and the Department of Education, effective August 1. The board approved this policy update with a 5-1 vote.
Policy Revisions
Proposed changes to Policy 4150 on school reassignments were introduced, including automatic approval for siblings and duration changes for K-5 and 6-12 reassignments. The revision aims to approve siblings automatically, as long as it's within the capacity of the school.
The board reviewed a proposed revision to Policy 8210 on Grants and Funding for Special Projects. The key change involves adding language that requires applications for school-based grants to be approved in advance by the principal or site supervisor. This ensures that school leadership is aware of all grant-funded projects. Additionally, the policy clarifies that if an applicant moves schools, any grant money stays with the original school.
Both policies will be presented to the Board at a future meeting for a vote.
Operations and Facilities
Roofing Projects
The board discussed and approved several significant roofing projects and related contracts:
Graham Middle School: Mr. Hook presented an update on the ongoing roof project, revealing the discovery of unsuitable structural roof decking. This unforeseen issue necessitates a change order for construction design and contract amendment. An additional $462,733.37 in funding is required to address this challenge. The board noted that further discussion of this situation will take place at the next county Oversight Committee meeting.
Southern High School: A roofing contract with Barr Roofing for roof replacement at Southern High School was approved. The contract value is $3,662,765.00, to be covered by 2024 bond funds.
Roofing Design and Construction Administration Contracts: The board approved contracts with REI Engineers for roofing design and construction administration at multiple sites:
Eastern Alamance High School: Construction Administration ($141,329)
Western Alamance High School: Construction Administration ($124,501)
South Mebane Elementary School: Design and Construction Administration ($72,112)
Southern Middle School: Design and Construction Administration ($60,300)
All these contracts will be funded through bond proceeds.
HVAC Upgrades
A design-build contract with Samet Corporation for HVAC upgrades at nine schools was approved for the design and preconstruction phase. The schools included are Graham High School, Southern Alamance High School, Haw River Elementary, B. Everett Jordan Elementary, Western Alamance High School, Eastern Alamance High School, Alexander Wilson Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, and Marvin B. Smith Elementary. This phase focuses on design and preconstruction, with a subsequent addendum for the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to be presented to the Board later.
Security Enhancements
Contracts for security camera replacements and keyless entry systems at various schools were approved. KNC Technologies was awarded contracts for replacing security cameras and installing keyless door entry systems at Eastern Alamance High School and Graham High School. Additionally, a contract was approved for replacing security camera software at multiple school sites and installing replacement security camera servers and software at Graham Middle School, Turrentine Middle School, and Ray Street Academy.
Property Sale to NCDOT
The board voted to declare 0.245 acres of land at Eastlawn Elementary School as surplus, in preparation to accept a $118,175 offer from NCDOT for a road widening project. The offer covers the acquisition of the land, easements, and the value of existing improvements, including additional compensation for replacement of fencing and planting beds that are part of the school garden. The Alamance County Board of Commissioners must also adopt a resolution to determine the land as surplus before any sale is complete.
Technology and Athletics
Student Laptop Insurance
An optional self-funded insurance plan for student laptops in secondary schools was approved, costing $25 per device annually. This optional plan aims to protect families from larger costs associated with repairing student-damaged school-issued laptops. The insurance is not a usage fee, and funds collected will stay within the school to cover device damages.Schools will provide more information to families about the insurance plan.
Athletic Facility Updates
Progress reports were shared on various athletic site projects:
Western High School track: Target completion date of September 3, 2024.
Cummings High School bleacher repairs: Target completion date of August 22, 2024.
Eastern High School bleacher repairs: Target completion date of August 16, 2024.
Turrentine Middle School gym ceiling beam repairs: Scheduled for repair during the fall.
Graham Middle School gym floor repair: Floor to be replaced during the fall.
Mr. Hook also outlined a process for community members interested in helping with small projects on school sites, emphasizing the need for proper insurance and licensing for contractors.
Human Resources
The board unanimously approved the presented personnel report. The full report will be available on the Board of Education website, attached to the agenda.