Election of Board Officers
Sandy Ellington-Graves was elected Chair, and Dan Ingle was elected Vice-Chair of the Board of Education. Both elections were unanimous.
Consent Agenda
The Department of Exceptional Children received approval to amend its contract with Blazerworks, LLC, increasing it by $160,000 to a total of $660,000.
Board of Education Business
Laura Clemmons of Elon University shared updates on the It Takes a Village Project, funded by a five-year grant from The Oak Foundation. The Big Village program supported 850 K-5 students across 11 Title I schools, with 84 teachers and 142 Elon volunteers providing free weekly tutoring in reading and math. The Little Village initiative focused on language and early academic skills for 10 pre-K students, supported by two district pre-K teachers and funded by an ABSS grant. Additionally, the Summer in the Village program hosted a two-week summer session for 205 students and 24 teachers at Elon University.
Superintendent/Finance/Human Resources
Dr. Fleming presented a contract with the Institute for Transportation Research and Education for a land-use study to assess school capacities, project growth, and advise on potential redistricting. The motion passed 5-1.
In his 90-Day Plan Update, Dr. Fleming reported that 48% of the plan is complete, and 30% is in progress. He continues to meet with principals and directors and plans to collaborate with board members on goals and budget priorities.
Chief Financial Officer Tony Messer shared progress from his first 30 days, including completion of state and federal compliance audits for 2023-24, progress on the year-end audit (to be presented in January), streamlined financial procedures, and initiated internal audit processes. A full budget resolution is planned for the January meeting.
The Board approved updates to contact information listed in Policies 1710/4020/7230 and 1720/4030/7235.
Curriculum
Revonda Johnson provided updates on Quarter 1 School Improvement Plan progress in elementary, middle, and high schools, addressing science, math, and reading proficiency, attendance, and discipline.
The Board unanimously approved strategies for improving low-performing schools, which will be submitted to the state.
The Board unanimously approved 11 field trip requests.
Student Services
The Board reviewed 26 policies from the North Carolina School Board Association for a first read. Policies will be presented for a vote at the next meeting.
Gifts to the District
B. Everett Jordan Elementary received three sets of Wenger Risers for the Chorus Department, valued at $3,800. Eastern Alamance High received $1,000 for pottery supplies. Highland Elementary received $1,000 for classroom supplies.
Operations
The Technology Department received approval for a $415,000 budget for student laptop maintenance and replacement. The district will present a proposal to the County Commissioners for a $350,000 annual lease to purchase 6,000 student laptops over five years. The Board approved both the presentation and the purchase, contingent on County Commissioner approval.
The Board unanimously approved several facility contracts: $128,666 for Duggins Mechanical to replace HVAC piping and fan coil boxes at B. Everett Jordan Elementary; $117,829.45 for Triangle Paving to repave sections at Graham High School; and $88,175.50 for Triangle Roofing for bi-annual inspections across the district.
Personnel Updates
The Board approved several administrative appointments: Dr. Julie Turner as Executive Director of Elementary Education; Ms. Mackenzie Strickland as Assistant Principal for E.M. Yoder and Haw River Elementary Schools; Mr. Peter Martinek-Jenne as Assistant Principal for Sylvan and Pleasant Grove Elementary Schools; and Mr. Scott Moore as Interim Principal at Turrentine Middle School.