On Monday, I attended the Turning Insight and Vision Into Awareness Webinar. Two young adults, Billy Pickens and Mayia Warren, shared information about the history of Blindness Awareness Month. They also shared their moving personal stories of blindness/vision impairment, struggles and victories in school, and the importance of self-advocacy. On Wednesday afternoon, I visited West Cary Middle and provided class coverage. I loved seeing all the orange for Unity Day. On Thursday, I visited Laurel Park Elementary and offered breaks to teachers. It was fabulous to see the students engaging with other students, school staff, and a wide variety of materials. Later on Thursday, I attended the Virtual Public Information Session for Draft One of the Student Assignment Plan. On Friday afternoon, I visited East Cary Middle School and volunteered to sub. What a great way to end the week!
This week as a Board, we had three meetings: Finance Committee, Work Session, and Board Meeting.
At the Tuesday, October 19th Finance Committee:
- There was a recommendation for the Audit Committee: Ann Rollins. To review Ann Rollins' bio, click here. Ann Rollins' recommendation for the Audit Committee will be brought to the Board for approval at a Board Meeting.
- David Neter, Chief Business Officer, and Mark Winters, Finance Officer; presented a thorough review of the utilization of federal and state funding in response to the pandemic. Use this link to view the presentation. I did ask about the Federal funds that were part of our Budget approved for the multiyear plans for maintenance and operations and to increase noncertified staff pay. This information was not included in this presentation, but is to be presented in an upcoming Finance Committee.
To watch the recording of the October 19th Finance Committee, click here.
At the Tuesday, October 19th Work Session:
- Paul Koh, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, provided an update on the COVID Testing Program. I did ask if an 18-year-old student would require parental (legal guardian) consent. It was verified that any student would require parental/legal guardian consent to participate in the COVID Testing Program. I also asked about the amount of time/work that will be required of our school staff as I am quite concerned about any additional work being added to their plates. I received assurance that district staff is working with MAKO Medical to minimize the impact on our school staff and on instructional time for our students. MAKO Medical will be performing all the COVID tests. There will be three phases. To view more detailed information about the phases, use this link.
- Glenn Carrozza, Senior Director for Office of Student Assignment, facilitated a Board discussion about year-round schools. Click here to review the presentation.
Use this link to watch the recording of the October 19th Work Session.
At the Tuesday, October 19th Board Meeting:
- The agenda was amended to add an action item for the Board to consider a revision to the 2021-22 school calendars.
- Karen Hamilton, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Services, and Jill McKenna, Senior Director for Special Education Services; presented information about Disability History and Awareness Month. To view the presentation click here.
- Superintendent Moore provided an overview of the items discussed in our Work Session: COVID testing and year-round schools.
- Betty Parker, Senior Director for Real Estate Services, presented the name for the new Cooperative Innovative High School in Morrisville/RTP for Board approval. This name was discussed in detail at our last Facilities Committee Meeting. The Board unanimously approved the following name: Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies (WECIB). For internal and marketing purposes, the school location at the WTCC RTP campus will be referred to as the WECIB Morrisville Campus and the future location at the Parkside Middle School/H-11 site will be referred to as WECIB Parkside Campus.
- Tamani Anderson-Powell, Director of Magnet and Curriculum Enhancement Programs, presented a revision to the 2021-22 school calendars for Board approval. The change would extend the current Veterans Day holiday break by one day to include Friday, November 12 for all WCPSS staff and students. The purpose of this request is to provide an extended Veterans Day break for those honoring our military families and a chance for employees to use a remote workday to help them reflect and prepare for the remainder of the semester. The district can implement this change by using banked instructional time to ensure the required 1025 hours of instruction is delivered for the 2021-22 school year. Year-Round Track 3 is tracked out on November 12 and the day of reflection and preparation for Year Round Track 3 schools will be held on November 15, 2021. The Board approved this calendar revision 9-0. I did voice my concern about this not being included on the Agenda when it was released on Friday. I also asked if staff would be reaching out to community partners to assist families in need of childcare. I supported this calendar change for multiple reasons. Our school staff continue to have more added to their plates and no pay increases. I have heard from staff and families about the struggles folks are having. I am hopeful this day will help students and staff.
- Dr. Gardner, Chief of Staff and Strategic Planning, presented Board Policy 2610: Board Attorney as a revised policy for first reading. Revisions reflect updates recommended by the NC School Boards Association. The Board approved this revised policy 9-0. To review the policy, use this link.
- Mark Strickland, Chief Facilities and Operations Officer, presented Board Policy 6330: Insurance for Student Transportation Services-a new policy-for first reading. This policy was created by the NC School Boards Association as part of their Policies to Lead the Schools manual. The Board unanimously approved this new policy. Click here to access this policy.
Use this link to watch the October 19th Board Meeting.
Next week as a Board we have the following meetings (Please remember these meetings will be streamed live on the WCPSS YouTube Channel.):
- Monday, October 25th at 3 pm- Student Achievement Committee. To access the agenda, click here. Items on the agenda are a Virtual Academy update and a 2020-21 testing and accountability overview.
- Tuesday, October 26th at 3 pm- Policy Committee. Use this link to review the agenda. There are six policies and four R&Ps on the agenda.
Please note if you are interested in attending a committee meeting, no sign-up form is required. You can report to the Board Room at the time of the committee meeting.
This Sunday, October 24th at 4 pm. I will be hosting a D9 Connection Meeting. This is an informal meeting for me to listen to you. If you live in D9, work in a D9 school, or have a student in a D9 school, please join us using this Google Meet Link.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at kcarter3@wcpss.net.