Summary of Board Minutes April 7, 2014
The Board of Education of the Wilkes County Administrative Unit met in a regular meeting at 5:30 p. m. on Monday, April 7, 2014 at Wilkes Central High School at 1179 Moravian Falls Road, Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28697.
Present for the meeting were Chairman Randall “Rudy” Holbrook, Vice Chairman Mrs. Sharron Huffman, Board Members Mr. Rick Lankford, Mr. Darren Shumate and Mr. Hardin C. Kennedy, III. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Marty Hemric, and Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Anna R. Lankford. Administrative staff included Director of Maintenance Mr. Bergie Speaks, Director of Athletics and Healthful Living Mr. Chris Skabo, Executive Director of Business Operations Dr. Westley Wood, Director of Secondary Education Mr. Mark Byrd, Director of Technology Mrs. Julie Triplett, Director of Career and Technical Education, Mr. Todd Williams, and Executive Administrative Assistant Carolyn Triplett.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook called the meeting to order and asked if the Agenda needed to be amended. No amendment was needed.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Shumate and duly carried, the Agenda was approved as presented.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook recognized Dr. Hemric for the devotional thought and pledge of allegiance. Dr. Hemric announced April as Child Abuse Prevention month. This is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families. Several blue pinwheels have been placed at various businesses, and partnering agencies to remind us to promote prevention across our county.
Mr. Mark Byrd announced the following Good News Items. The Wilkes County Spelling Bee winners were presented. The following students participated in the Wilkes County Spelling Bee held on January 23, 2014 in the Stone Center.
Spelling Bee, continued
First Place: Mackenzie Starr West Wilkes Middle
Second Place: Adam Nguyen North Wilkes Middle
Other Participants: Lydia Mayes Boomer-Ferguson
Riley Simpson CB Eller
Kasyn Graham-Moxley CC Wright
Hunter Osborne Central Wilkes Middle
Cameron Brown East Wilkes Middle
Courtney Shumate Millers Creek
Mahogany McCray Moravian Falls
Michael Curran Mt. Pleasant
Jesse Farrington Mtn. View
Jared Bumgarner Mulberry
Sarah Joyner North Wilkeboro
Zachary Rodgers Roaring River
Sylvia Prevette Ronda-Clingman
Karah Kennedy Traphill
Clara Spears Wilkesboro
Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Ms. Kim Brown and Ms. Shelia Howell for being awarded as Certified School Business Specialists on February 11, 2014. State Superintendent June Atkinson presented the certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Mr. Mark Byrd recognized the RL Melton Family for their generous contribution to the North Wilkes Band Program to assist with the purchase of uniforms and instruments. This contribution will enhance the opportunities of the North Wilkes students and community.
Mr. Mark Byrd recognized the Middle School Battle of the Books which was held February 19, 2014 in the Stone Center. Central Wilkes Middle School was victorious in the battle.
Central Wilkes Battle of the Books Team
Maria G. Limon-Jimenez
Nicholas Beard
Vanessa Hernandez-Medrano
Leticia Limon-Jimenez
Ally Nieland
Mr. Mark Byrd recognized the Student Library Ambassadors. Wilkes County students were chosen from only 15 students selected state-wide by the North Carolina Library Association as a Student Library Ambassador.
On May 5-6, 2014, the students will join library supporters and a North Carolina Library Association delegation to advocate for libraries before the Congress in Washington, DC.
These students are: Alea Mitchell 2nd Grade Millers Creek Elementary School
Ruth Ramires-Lopez 7th Grade West Wilkes Middle School
David Simmons 8th Grade West Wilkes Middle School
Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Jessika Norman, a West Wilkes Middle school student, who won First Place in the oil/acrylics completion at the North Carolina State Beta Club Convention in Greensboro. The convention was held February 3-4, 2014.
Mr. Mark Byrd as well as Mr. Hardin Kennedy recognized the students who won at the Regional and State Level for the SkillsUSA Competition. Congratulations to all of the students from the Wilkes County High Schools.
Nathaniel Castro 3rd Place WCHS Automotive Service Technology
Daniel Church 5th Place WWHS Automotive Service Technology
Matthew Richardson 5th Place NWHS Carpentry
Colby Greene 1st Place NWHS Carpentry I
Grant Adams 5th Place NWHS Carpentry I
Colt Holcomb 1st Place EWHS Diesel Equipment Technology
Matthew Nance 2nd Place EWHS Diesel Equipment Technology
Joseph Johnson 1st Place WWHS Firefighting
Matthew Triplett 2nd Place WCHS Masonry Bulletin Board
Nicholas Williams 2nd Place WCHS Motorcycle Service Technology
Juan Castillo-Cabrera 1st Place WCHS Teamworks
Brandon Klark 1st Place WCHS Teamworks
Dylan Roe 1st Place WCHS Teamworks
Aaron Thomas 1st Place WCHS Teamworks
SkillsUSA Competition, continued
Jesse Harrold 1st Place WWHS Welding
Joseph Allgood 2nd Place NWHS Welding
Zachary Elledge 3rd Place NWHS Welding
Thomas Dyer 4th Place WWHS Welding
Eddie Martin 1st Place/2nd State NWHS Welding Fabrication
Dylan Kanupp 1st Place/2nd State NWHS Welding Fabrication
Michael Billings 1st Place/2nd State NWHS Welding Fabrication
Benjamin Felts 2nd Place/5th State WWHS Welding Fabrication
Adam Faw 2nd Place/5th State WWHS Welding Fabrication
Arnold Espinoza 2nd Place/5th State WWHS Welding Fabrication
Ethan Gambill 3rd Place/3rd State NWHS Welding Fabrication
John McNeil 3rd Place/3rd State NWHS Welding Fabrication
Dalton Davis 3rd Place/3rd State NWHS Welding Fabrication
Chris Williams 4th Place/4th State NWHS Welding Fabrication
Seth Roope 4th Place/4th State NWHS Welding Fabrication
Steven Myers 4th Place/4th State NWHS Welding Fabrication
Jordan Richardson 5th Place/1st State EWHS Welding Fabrication
Garrett Fender 5th Place/1st State EWHS Welding Fabrication
Bandon Combs 5th Place/1st State EWHS Welding Fabrication
Focus on the Curriculum regarding STEM Investigations was presented by Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Anna Lankford. Wilkes County Schools received a grant for $194,500.00 from Lowes Charitable and Education Foundation to implement STEM Investigations in the four Middle Schools beginning with 2014-2015 school year. The STEM Investigations project will feature a project-based curriculum designed to challenge and engage the natural curiosity and imagination of middle school students. Throughout STEM Investigations students will acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork, and innovation as well as explore STEM careers. Duke Energy will be donating $25,000.00 to purchase a state of the art interactive board for each of the four middle schools. This technology will enhance the global community learning experience and extend the learning beyond the walls of the classroom and school building.
Focus on the Curriculum regarding the Digital Learning Grant was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Anna Lankford. In July 2013, the North Carolina General Assembly included funding for digital learning. A portion of these Funds were allotted through average daily membership (ADM) and the other portion was awarded through grant application. Wilkes County Schools wrote a grant for the additional funds and was awarded $69,062.00.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook asked if anyone had signed up for public comments and Miss Noel Pratt a 5th Grade student from Wilkesboro Elementary addressed the Wilkes County Board of Education Members. Miss Pratt spoke on Hot Water Installation at Wilkesboro Elementary School. Miss Noel Pratt presented a petition to the Board with 410 names. Her speech is as follows:
Good evening, school board members. My name is Noel Pratt. I am a fifth grade student at Wilkesboro Elementary School. I moved to Wilkesboro from Winston-Salem at the beginning of fourth grade. Like most students, I was quite apprehensive about beginning a new school, making new friends, and meeting my teachers. Thankfully, everyone was great! I’ve made new friends and have had great teachers, but there’s one thing I’ve really missed that I had at my former school, and that’s warm water in the restrooms.
Currently, there is no warm water in any of the student or faculty restrooms at Wilkesboro Elementary and, as I’m sure you remember, this winter was freezing! Can you imagine what it was like to try to wash our hands in water that cold?
Because of the lack of warm water, many students are not washing their hands as is required for proper hygiene to reduce the spread of flu and other illnesses. The Center for Disease Control states, and I quote, “Handwashing is easy to do and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illnesses in all settings – from your home and workplace, to childcare facilities and hospitals. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community.”
Warm water is more comfortable to use and would encourage students to wash their hands thoroughly and more frequently as well. Soaps are more effective with warm water. The Food and Drug Administration recommends using hand sanitizer only in conjunction with soap and water, not to replace it.
Because the installation of warm water may help reduce illness, this will result in fewer missed school days for students and staff; thereby, reducing cost to the school and assuring that students have more learning hours.
Because of this evidence, I was convinced that a change needed to happen. This year I’ve learned a lot about the civil rights movement and realized that one person can make a difference. This sparked my interest in HOW to make a change. I remember asking my mom – “What is a petition?” She explained to me that a petition is an instrument that is used to encourage a change within a community. This gave me an idea…. What if I could start a petition for change in my school? A change that would bring warm water to my school and impact all my friends and the many who follow me. Next, I asked my teacher, Mrs. Watkins, if she would support me. She was happy to help. 410 signatures later…..here I am in front of you
respectfully requesting and highly recommending that you, the members of the Wilkes County School Board, help a determined 5th grader create change. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Good evening. (See attachment one) All Board Members were in agreement that this matter would be researched by our Director of Maintenance, Mr. Bergie Speaks.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Lankford and duly carried, the following Personnel Report and the Blue Sheet were approved as presented.
Retirement(s)
Evelyn Eller – Teacher Assistant – Mulberry Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with fourteen years and five months of service
Janet Ford – Teacher – Wilkes Central High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with thirty-three years and three months of service
Celia Furr – Teacher Assistant – Mountain View Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with eighteen years and eight months of service
Rachel Grit – Teacher – North Wilkes High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with thirty-one years and five months of service
Dawn Holleman – Teacher – C. C. Wright Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with thirty years and one month of service
Margaret Honeycutt – Teacher Assistant – Mulberry Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with twenty-eight years and seven months of service
Ricky Jennings – Assistant Director of Transportation – Transportation Department
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with thirty years and two months of service
Retirement(s), continued
Donald Johnson – Custodian – North Wilkesboro Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with fourteen years and six months of service
Sherrie Miller – School Psychologist – Exceptional Children Department
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with twenty seven years and seven months of service
Charles Norman – Teacher – East Wilkes Middle School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with thirty years and five months of service
Vickie Norman – Teacher Assistant – C. C. Wright Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with thirteen years and four months of service
Sharon Shoupe – Principal – North Wilkesboro Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with thirty-three years of service
Michael Sloan – Teacher – Wilkes Central High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with thirty years and four months of service
Donna Taylor – Cafeteria Assistant – Millers Creek Elementary School
Retirement effective – June 1, 2014 with twenty-one years and five months of service
Elizabeth Thornton – Instructional Specialist – Central Office
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with twenty two years and three months of service
Julia Turney – Cafeteria Assistant – Mulberry Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2014 with twenty two years and three months of service
Mary Yarboro – Custodian – East Wilkes Middle School
Retirement effective – June 1, 2014 with nine years and four months of service
Transfer(s) of Assignment
April Marr From Career Development Coordinator – Central Office
To Interim Director of Student Services – Central Office
Promotion
Westley Wood From Director of Student Services – Central Office
Executive Director of Financial Services – Central Office
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Lankford and duly carried, the 2013-2014 Calendar Change was approved as presented.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Shumate and duly carried, the following Out of County/Overnight Field Trips were approved as presented:
West Wilkes High STEP Challenge Raleigh, NC 05/02/14-05/03/14
Wilkes Early College High Sophomores/Juniors Louisville, Kentucky 08/27/14-08/29/14
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Lankford and duly carried, the Read to Achieve Alternate Assessments was approved as presented.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Huffman and duly carried the Beginning Teacher Support Plan Revision was approved as presented.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook had the following announcements:
April 14, 2014 – April 18, 2014 Spring Break
April 21, 2014 – Easter Holiday
Chairman Mr. Holbrook thanked everyone for attending as well as Mrs. Michele Shepherd, Principal at Wilkes Central High School for having everything prepared for our Board Meeting. It was great to see the community and have their support. The next Board of Education Meeting will be May 5, 2014 5:30 p.m. in the Arnold and Becky Lakey Boardroom 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.
On a motion by Mr. Lankford, seconded by Mr. Shumate and duly carried, there being no further business, the Board adjourned at 6:35 p.m.