On Wednesday, I hosted a D9 Connection Virtual Meeting. On Thursday, I attend the Community in Schools (CIS) of Wake County's virtual event: C.L.A.S.S. (Celebrate Leaders Achieving Significant Success). It was a moving event to celebrate the graduating seniors and the life-changing work that CIS is carrying out. Later on Thursday, I watched the Davis Drive Middle School's Spring Dance Show, which also included a Tribute to 8th graders and the NHSDA (National Honor Society for Dance Arts) Induction Ceremony. The students and Mrs. Winans did a phenomenal job! On Friday, I enjoyed the TRI-8 Wrestling Tournament at Cary High. Congratulations to all the athletes who competed. I also attended the United Arts Council's Annual Writers Share featuring Wake County students and teaching artists. The students' pieces of work were outstanding. On Saturday, I will be wrapping up my week at Green Hope Elementary for the End-of-the-Year Beautification Day.
This week as a Board, we had three meetings: Board Retreat, Work Session, and Board Meeting.
At the Tuesday, June 1st Board Retreat:
- Dr. Lloyd Gardner, Chief of Staff and Strategic Planning; and Beth Silveira, Senior Director of Innovative and Strategic Initiatives; provided an overview of the current state of strategic planning, data related to the strategic plan, information about the Theory of Action, and more. Board members worked in small groups for two activities and provided feedback related to strategic planning and the Theory of Action. To view the presentation, click here. To access the overview of data/metrics related to the current strategic plan, use this link.
At the Tuesday, June 1st Work Session:
- Paul Koh, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, presented Policy 4400: Attendance for discussion. To view the draft, use this link.
- Pam Gales, Senior Administrator, Office of Equity Affairs; provided an overview of the WCPSS Supplier Diversity Study including some of the findings and recommendations. To access the presentation, click here. To view the WCPSS Supplier Diversity Report, use this link.
- Tamani Anderson Powell, Director, Magnet Programs; presented the proposed 2022-23 instructional calendars for traditional, modified, and year-round schools. There was a discussion about a traditional calendar option with exams prior to winter break. However, based on staff feedback from the calendar committee, that is not being recommended at this time. To view the proposed 2022-23 traditional calendar, click here. To access the proposed 2022-23 modified calendar, use this link. The proposed 2022-23 year-round calendar can be viewed here.
At the Tuesday, June 1st Board Meeting:
- Superintendent Moore provided a brief summary of what was discussed in the Work Session.
- The Board approved (9-0) an amendment to the Tharrington Smith contract to provide services related to board electoral redistricting, Parkside Middle School as the name of the middle school being built adjacent to Parkside Elementary, Joint Use Agreement for Knightdale Elementary, Board Policy 4720: Surveys of Students-second reading, Board Policy 8305: Federal Grant Administration-second reading .
- Board Policy 2121: Board Member Conflict of Interest was presented as a revised policy for first reading, The Board approved the policy 9-0. To view Board Policy 2121, click here.
- Board Policy 4400: Attendance was presented as a revised policy for first reading. The Board approved the policy 7-2. I, personally, did not vote in favor of the revised policy due to concerns about the lack of transparency related to the use of remote learning days for weather days. Prior to my arrival on the Board, Policy 3102 was revised and gives the Superintendent the authority to use remove learning days for emergency situations. The following language used in Policy 3102 is being reflected in the revised Policy 4400: For purposes of this policy, an “emergency situation” includes a natural disaster, inclement weather, public health emergency, or other situation that threatens the health and safety of employees, students, or the community. I have asked on several occasions about the weather makeup days listed on the 2021-22 approved calendars and if they will be changed to reflect remote learning or if the makeup days will be used. I was informed at our Work Session that weather makeup days listed on approved calendars do not need to be updated in order for the Superintendent to use remote learning days. Additionally, I have received feedback from a variety of stakeholders with concerns about the use of remote learning days instead of in-person makeup days. To access Board Policy 4400, use this link.
- Board Policy 5015: School Volunteers was presented as a revised policy for the first reading. The Board approved the policy 9-0. To view Board Policy 5015, click here.
- Board Policy 5020: Visitors to the Schools was presented as a revised policy for the first reading. The Board approved the policy 9-0. To access Board Policy 5020, use this link.
- Dr. Muttillo, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, presented a request for a one-year extension of the revenue agreement with the Central Carolina RESA for on-loan positions to support the Central Carolina Teacher Initiative (CCTI). The Board was informed there is no cost to WCPSS. To view the history of contracts, click here. To learn more about the CCTI, use this link.
Next week as a Board, we have no scheduled meetings. I'm looking forward to attending multiple graduations.
I will be hosting the next D9 Connection Virtual Meeting on Sunday, June 13th at 4:00 pm. If you live in District 9, have a student that attends at District 9 school, or work in a District 9 school, please join us using this Google Meet link.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at kcarter3@wcpss.net.
