D9 Connection

On Thursday, I attended Cary High School's Midyear Graduation. It was an honor to be able to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments. Congrats grads and families! On Friday and Saturday, I had planned to attend the WCPSS Cheer Competition (Middle and High School) at Green Hope High School; however, due to WCPSS canceling all extracurricular activities on Saturday, the event has been postponed. This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Special Called Board Meeting and Policy Committee. The Student Achievement Committee Meeting was canceled due to WCPSS being closed. At the Tuesday, January 25th Special Called Board Meeting: *The Board voted unanimously that Board members will not engage in any communications with anyone other than staff or counsel about the District 4 vacancy.  Board members will forward to the full Board any information received regarding the District 4 vacancy.  If you have questions about the vacancy, you are free to send an email to district4vacancy@wcpss...

On Thursday, I had planned to attend the Score Academy Midyear Graduation; however, due to the possibility of winter weather/hazardous road conditions, the ceremony was canceled. I want to congratulate all the midyear graduates! I wish you all the best on your next steps-military, college, career, or time to explore your options. This week as a Board, we had three meetings: Work Session, Board Meeting, and Facilities Committee. The Swearing In Ceremony for Craston Artis II was canceled. Initially, I was not provided a reason why it was canceled. I learned there were questions about his residency from one of the public speakers, Becky Lew-Hobbs, at the Board Meeting. Then later that evening, I was informed that due to questions being raised about his residency, the ceremony was put on hold.  At our January 14th Special Called Meeting for District 4 Interviews  (around the 11 minute mark), I brought up a concern about a candidate not submitting a letter of intent and I was assur...

On Thursday, I hosted a D9 Connection Meeting. This week as a Board, we had one meeting: Special Called Board Meeting for District 4 Interviews. At the Friday, January 14th Special Called Board Meeting: The Board interviewed four applicants for the District 4 Vacancy. The fifth candidate, Lonnie Ervin, withdrew his application. There was one candidate, Michael Williams, that did not submit one of the three documents listed on the vacancy posting (a letter of intent). I mentioned that and asked if he would still be interviewed since all documents were not submitted. The consensus of the Board was that he would move forward with the interview process.  The Board voted via paper ballots. Craston Artis, II, received seven votes and Michael Williams received one vote. Craston Artis, II, will be sworn in as the District 4 Board Representative on Tuesday, January 18th. I considered the documents the applicants submitted and their statements during the interviews. I voted for Michael Willi...

On Sunday, I hosted a D9 Connection Meeting. On Friday, I visited Crossroads FLEX. It was wonderful to learn more details about this unique, highly individualized high school option.  This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Work Session and Board Meeting. At the Tuesday, January 4th Work Session: The Board discussed current legislative priorities and suggested some changes to the priorities such as an Instructional Assistant in every K-5 classroom, restoring health benefits for retirees hired after January 1, 2021. To view the current priorities, click here . The Board discussed the current District 4 Board vacancy, timeline for applying, and interview date. Use this link to access the timeline. To view the vacancy posting, click here . To watch the January 4th Work Session, use  this link . At the Tuesday, January 4th Board Meeting: Superintendent Moore provided an update. She reviewed what was discussed in the Work Session (legislative priorities and District 4 vacancy)...

On Wednesday, I watched the media briefing with Dr. Benjamin, ABC Science Collaborative, and the Duke Clinical Research Institute. Dr. Benjamin presented information about the Test-to-Stay Program, initial analysis, and recommendations. To view the briefing, use this link . To read the report submitted to the NC DHHS, click here . This week as a Board, we had no meetings.  Next week as a Board, we have the following meetings (Please remember these meetings will be streamed live on the  WCPSS YouTube Channel .): Tuesday, January 4th at 4:00 pm- Work Session. The items on the agenda are review of the WCPSS Board legislative priorities and the District 4 Board seat vacancy. Use this link to view the agenda. Tuesday, January 4th at 5:30 pm- Board Meeting.* There are multiple items on the agenda. Some of the items are several policies, the naming of the Enloe Magnet High School Track, two sets of salary schedules, the Local Face Covering Policy and more. Click here to access the...

On Thursday, I attended the morning session of the Sgt. Mark Adams Wrestling Tournament at Cary High School. Congratulations to the wrestlers. Thank you to the coaches, staff, referees, and volunteers for supporting these athletes.  This week as a Board, we had no meetings. Next week as a Board, we have no meetings. Please remember I will be hosting a D9 Connection Meeting on January 2nd at 4 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 . I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope you have time to relax and enjoy family and friends. Please  view the WCPSS Holiday Card Video  featuring multiple students' magnificent artwork. There are two pieces of artwork featured from District 9 students; one from Davis Drive Middle and one Reedy Creek Magnet Middle. Well done students! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at ...

On Tuesday, I attended the Reedy Creek Magnet Middle School Beginning Band Concert. It was wonderful to hear directly from the students about their progression of learning. The students and Band Director, Ms. Torres, did a fabulous job! Later on Tuesday, I attended the Davis Drive Middle School Dance Show. Congratulations to the dancers and Director of Dance, Ms. Winans, on a fabulous performance. On Wednesday, I attended the West Cary Middle School Beginning and Concert Band Performance. The band students and Band Director (and drummer), Mr. Anderson, were terrific! It was also great to visit the Art Gallery. A shoutout to the art students and art teacher, Mr. Miller, for a job well done. On Friday, I visited Farmington Woods Elementary School for the Gift of Reading Annual Event. I had the honor of reading a story to a first grade class and three second grade classes. On Saturday, I will be closing out my week by joining the Cary High School NJROTC at Hillcrest Cemetery for the Wreat...