D9 Connection

On Sunday, I had a D9 Connection Meeting to listen to folks in District 9. Thanks to the people who took time out of their weekend to voice their thoughts about Plan A for grades 6-12, planning for next year, asynchronous/weather days, and quarantines. On Monday, I had the honor of visiting Cary High School, Davis Drive Middle, and Davis Drive Elementary.  It was great to see learning in action, students enjoying being on campus, and staff making things happen. On Thursday, I had a blast attending the Connections Academy's Family Engagement Night at McDonald's. I enjoyed meeting some fabulous families and students and spending more time with the outstanding staff. As a Board, we had five meetings this week: Student Achievement Committee, Special Called Board Meeting, Policy Committee, Joint Meeting with County Commissioners, and Safety and Security Committee. At the Monday, March 22nd Student Achievement Committee: Paul Koh, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services

What a fabulous Monday! I visited Laurel Park and Farmington Woods Elementary. It was great to see the students and staff's excitement. On Tuesday, Chris Heagarty, Lyndsay Mahaffey and I, met with the Cary Chamber of Commerce's Education Committee. On Wednesday, I visited East Cary and West Cary Middle. Staff and students were doing a wide range of activities (lunch, discussions, art, transitions, and more). Tomorrow, I will wrap up my week at Southeast Raleigh High School volunteering at a WCPSS vaccination clinic. This week, as a Board, we had three meetings: Budget/Finance Committee, Work Session, and Board Meeting. There were members of the public in person at our Board Meeting. It was also nice to have staff attend and provide their presentations in the Board room. At the Tuesday, March 16th Budget/Finance Committee: David Neter, Chief Business Officer, and Mark Winters, Finance Officer; provided an overview of the District's Enterprise Funds and a detailed update on t

I started my week visiting Weatherstone and Reedy Creek Elementary. It was fantastic to see all the staff and students. On Monday evening, I hosted a D9 Connection Meeting to hear feedback prior to our vote on Plan A for 4th and 5th grades. Wednesday evening was the District 9 BAC Meeting (Read below for more information.). On Thursday, I visited Green Hope High and Green Hope Elementary with Area Superintendent Dr. Sexton. It was great seeing several former DDMS students, the proposed site for a new outside learning space, and all the activities happening. I also attended a WakeEd Partnership Orientation for new public officials hosted by Keith Poston and Tim Lavallee.  As a Board, we had two meetings: Special Called Board Meeting and Facilities Committee. At the Tuesday, March 9th Special Called Board Meeting: Superintendent Moore presented the staff recommendation for 4th and 5th grades: implement Plan A beginning March 15th. To view the presentation, click here.  The Board approved

This week, I participated in several events. On Monday, March 1st, I attended COVID-19 and K-12 Education, a virtual event co-sponsored by Polis: Center for Politics and the Center for Child and Family Policy. The presenters were: Leslie Babinski, a Duke Professor; and Everton Blair, a Gwinnet County School Board Representative. They addressed issued related to COVID-19, the impact on the education system, and where we go from here. On Wednesday, March 3rd, I volunteered at a WCPSS Vaccination Event at Southeast Raleigh High. It was exciting to see hundreds of WCPSS staff be able to receive a vaccine. I appreciate all the volunteers who are making these events possible. On Thursday, March 4th, I attended an Every Child NC virtual event and listened to a powerful panel of students and educators share their experiences and information regarding the importance of the Leandro decision and its requirements. On Friday, March 5th, I participated in a Read Across America event with Ms. Knight&