On Sunday, I hosted a D9 Connection Meeting. On Wednesday, I volunteered at a Wake Up and Read Event at Smith Magnet Elementary School. I helped students pick out books that they get to keep. On Thursday, I attended Farmington Woods IB/PYP Magnet Elementary School's 5th Grade Exhibition. The students did a fabulous job presenting their topic, research, action, and answering questions from the audience!
This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Work Session and Board Meeting.
At the Tuesday, May 3rd Work Session:
- Dr. Gardner, Chief of Staff and Strategic Planning; Michael Martin, Educational Consultant, RTI Education Services; and Dr. Nash, Educational Consultant, RTI Education Services; provided an update on the work that has been done and is planned in support of the strategic plan. To access their presentation, click here.
- Drew Cook, Assistant Superintendent of Academics; Michele Woodson, Senior Director, K-12 Instructional Supports; and Tamani Anderson-Powell, Director, Magnet and Curriculum Enhancement Programs; provided information on proposed adjustments to the 2022-2023 instructional calendars to incorporate additional time needed for professional learning including details on potential options for the addition of six early release days across all calendars and an additional teacher workday for Tracks 1, 2, and 3. Staff no longer recommends adding five minutes to every school day. They have checked and schools will be able to meet the state required instructional hours. I did express my concern about the impact of six early release days on families and school staff with school-age children and mentioned that year-round starts in about two months and we are still considering changes to their calendar. I also pointed out that since all the LETRS units will not be completed until Spring 2024, then we should be more proactive with any possible changes needed to the 2023-24 instructional calendar. Use this link to review their presentation.
- Glenn Carrozza, Assistant Superintendent of School Choice, Planning, and Assignment; and Susan Pullium, Senior Director, Office of Student Assignment; presented initial details of the 2023-24 Enrollment Plan. Staff shared that they try to have an earlier timeline on election years. I expressed my support of having the earlier dates every time because this avoids draft 2, hearings, and more occurring close to/right after Thanksgiving break. The proposed dates are as follows: Draft 1-September 20th, Draft 2- October 18th, possible public hearing on November 10th, and Final Draft and Board vote-November 15th. Click here to access the presentation.
To watch the recording of the May 3rd Work Session, use this link.
At the Tuesday, May 3rd Board Meeting:
- The WCPSS school leaders of the Magnet Schools of America Merit Schools of Distinction and Excellence, MSA Certified Schools; the MSA Region IV Principal of the Year, Teacher of the Year; and the 2021-2022 MSA Superintendent of the Year were all recognized. To view the award winners, click here.
- The North Carolina Tech Director of the Year, Marlo Gaddis, was recognized.
- The 2022 COSN (Consortium for School Network) District Team Award winners were recognized.
- Superintendent Moore provided an overview of what was presented in the Work Session: an update on the work completed/planned in support of the strategic plan, proposed adjustments to the 2022-23 instructional calendars, and initial details of the 2023-24 Enrollment Plan including a timeline.
- David Neter, Chief Business Officer; requested Board approval to waive policy 8101 because the 2022-23 Proposed Budget includes $29,974,214 in fund balance appropriation. Use of this amount of fund balance in the 2022-23 Proposed Budget will require waiver of Board Policy 8101. Board approved this waiver 9-0.
- David Neter presented the Board of Education's proposed 2022-23 budget for approval. The Board approved the budget 9-0. I voiced my support for the commitment to increase staff pay, commitment to improve school social worker, psychologist, nurse, and guidance counselor ratios, facilities, and to start to take steps to purchase physical textbooks. Staff did answer my budget question around textbook funding and purchasing textbooks. WCPSS will be engaging in the work of assessing comprehensive curriculum and instructional needs across the district as a critical component of a longer range, multi-year curriculum procurement and development strategy. Use this link to review the budget.
- Drew Cook presented revised Board Policy 3420: Student Promotion and Accountability, first ready, for Board approval. Revisions reflect updates made by the North Carolina School Boards Association. The Board approved this revised policy 9-0. Click here to review the policy.
- Dr. Muttillo, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, presented revised Board Policy 7503: Teleworking, first reading, for Board approval. Revisions reflect updates made by WCPSS staff. The Board approved this revised policy 9-0. I voiced my support for this revision as it gives staff more flexibility, shows them respect, and can be viewed as an additional benefit. I did voice my concern that there should be work done to ensure there is not a wide range in the number of unprotected teacher workdays that staff will be allowed to telework. Use this link to access the policy.
To watch the recording of the May 3rd Board Meeting, click here.
Next week as a Board, we have the following meeting (Please remember this meeting will be streamed live on the WCPSS YouTube Channel.):
- Tuesday, May 10th at 5:30 pm- Board of Education Recognition Meeting-Spotlight on Seniors. There will be two ceremonies. One at 5:30 pm and one at 6:15 pm. To view the agenda, use this link.
I will be hosting another D9 Connection Meeting on Wednesday, May 18th at 7:30 pm. This is an informal meeting for me to listen to you. If you live in D9, have a student in a D9 school, or work 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.
