The Alamance-Burlington School System Board of Education celebrated state recognition for achieving the highest percentage improvement in AP exam scores among districts giving more than 1,500 tests at its recent meeting. The board also welcomed significant community support, including Impact Alamance's $300,000 grant commitment and the return of their Teacher Leadership Academy, while approving additional donations totaling over $50,000. Key operational updates included new NIL agreements for athletes and support strategies for low-performing schools, alongside recognition of outstanding students and staff members, and nationally recognized counselor Annie Goldberg.
Consent Agenda
BOE approved three items on the consent agenda, including two field trips for AO Elementary and Western Alamance High School, and Policy 1510/4200/7270 School Safety.
Board of Education Business
Discussion regarding the North Carolina School Board Association 2024 Voting Delegates. The NCSBA's annual conference is an opportunity where school boards can participate in the advocacy and direction of the NCSBA's future. Dan Ingle, Donna Westbrooks, and Seneca Rogers were selected as delegates for the conference. The board approved unanimously.
Awards and Recognitions
Star Student and Staff Awards. The star student should possess some of the qualities in our ABSS portrait of a graduate: Adaptable, Balanced, Self Reliant, and Solution-Oriented.
Star Student Rory Magyar | 2nd Grader, Sylvan Elementary
Rory is a 2nd-grade student who demonstrates adaptability and is self-reliant. Recently Rory has had personal obstacles. She comes to school with a positive attitude, continues to prioritize learning while adapting to a new lifestyle, and is self-reliant and responsible. Rory demonstrates perseverance, bravery, and positivity through adversity.
Star Staff Jennifer de Lima | ESL Teacher, Haw River Elementary
Ms. de Lima is new to the Haw River family but her commitment to the school family is matchless. She has submerged herself in our school family and exudes passion for the culture of our school and all students and families. Ms. de Lima organizes daily announcements, including a fact of the day and most recently a celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Annie Goldberg | School Counselor, Broadview Middle School
Ms. Goldberg is a nationally recognized school counselor who has received a part-time fellowship with the Department of Education. The School Ambassador Fellowship creates a professional learning community at the national level. We also celebrated the announcement from the American School Counselor Association which awarded Annie the ASCA-Certified School Counselor® designation, she is one of only 57 school counselors nationwide.
Advanced Placement Scholars
ABSS was recognized by the state for the highest present change of scores for 3, 4, and 5 when looking at districts that gave more than 1,500 exams. ABSS had a total of 168 scholars who took an exam. ABSS recognized High School students in the following categories:
AP Scholars (Scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams)
AP Scholars with Honor (Average score of 3.25 and scores of 3 or higher on 4 or more exams)
AP Scholars with Distinction (Average score of 3.5 and scores of 3 or higher on 5 or more exams)
Community Spotlight | Impact Alamance
Impact Alamance is a foundation with a mission to partner and invest to achieve hope, health, and prosperity for everyone in Alamance County. Impact Alamance recently provided funding for multiple grant opportunities exceeding $300,000. Additionally, after a long hiatus, Impact Alamance will bring back the Teacher Leadership Academy beginning this February. We are deeply grateful for their partnership, which empowers our educators and enriches our students' daily learning across Alamance County.
Curriculum
The Board of Education received information on how ABSS serves our Advanced Learners. The district is beginning to plan for a new AIG Plan at the end of this school year for the next three year plan cycle, 2025-2028.
The Board of Education received information on Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Agreements which have now been approved for high school athletes. State Board of Education was required to adopt the proposed rules which became effective October 11, 2024.
Ms. Johnson presented information regarding state requirements and district strategies to support the 14 ABSS low performing schools.
Southern Middle School and Woodlawn Middle School field trips were presented to the Board and approved unanimously.
Student Services
Several gifts were presented and approved by the board:
Graham High School Athletics received a gift in the amount of $8,313.69 from Mary Margaret Harris, Chris Wright, and the Wright Family. Funds will be used to purchase 40 sideline chairs for the Varsity Football Locker Room in the Jay Waggoner Memorial Field House.
Elon University gifted $20,000.00 to Elon Elementary School over two years. Elon Elementary will use funds to develop the core curriculum within their school by purchasing additional Fundation kits.
Elon Elementary received furniture from Elon University valued at $5,000.00, which included: chairs, small and large tables, a conference table, picture frames, a filing system, and ottomans.
Southeast Alamance High School received a donation of an 8.5 x 24 foot Tandem Axle Enclosed Cargo Trailer, valued at $8,000. The trailer will be used to take band equipment to competitions, parades, and other events.
The Alamance-Burlington School System Needy Children's Fund received a donation of $8,887.00 from the Alamance Community Foundation - Burlington Merchants Association Fund for Needy Children. Funds will be used for the students in need.
The Alamance-Burlington School System Curriculum Department received $4,000.00 from Across the Track Framing. Funds will be used to purchase supplies for our visual art classes.
Operations
Mr. Greg Hook presented a contract for Alamance Glass for the replacement of exterior doors at Woodlawn Middle School. The total value of the contract is $139,803. The Board approved unanimously.
Human Resources Ms. Anderson presented the personnel report for approval. The report was approved unanimously.