August 2, 2021
The Board of Education of the Wilkes County Administrative Unit conducted a regular meeting in the Arnold and Becky Lakey Boardroom on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 5:30 PM at 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28659.
Present for the meeting were Chairman Mr. Randall “Rudy” Holbrook, Vice-Chairman Mrs. Sharron Huffman, Board Members Mr. Kirk Walker and Mrs. Joan Caudill. Absent was Mr. Hardin Kennedy, III. Also attending were Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Westley Wood, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Donna Cotton, Chief Technology Officer Mrs. Julie Triplett, Chief Finance Officer Mr. Seth Prevette, Director of Maintenance Mr. Bergie Speaks, Director of Pre-K and Elementary Education Mrs. Callie Grubb, Director of Student Services Mrs. April Marr, Executive Director of Federal Programs/Career & Technical Education Dr. Joe Bullis, Director of Transportation Mr. Eric Barker, Director of Child Nutrition Mr. Marty Johnson, Director of Exceptional Children Mrs. Jennifer Blankenship, Director of Testing & Accountability/Cultural Arts Mr. Jeffery Johnson, Public Information Officer Mrs. Morgan Mathis, School Board Attorney Mr. Fred Johnson, and Executive Administrative Assistant Mrs. Carolyn Triplett. Special Guests included Wilkes County Law Enforcement, Wilkes County Sheriff Mr. Chris Shew, and Wilkes County Health Director Mrs. Rachel Willard.
Chairman Mr. Rudy Holbrook called the meeting to order.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the agenda was approved as presented.
Chairman Mr. Randall “Rudy” Holbrook recognized Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd for the Superintendent’s Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Byrd commented by stating, “Let me start by saying, 'Thank You' to Dr. Cotton, our principals, and teachers for their efforts to make summer school a tremendous success for our students! I don’t think this could have gone any better."
"The beginning of August is always a very exciting time for those of us who are associated with education. Other than holidays, anniversaries, or family birthdays, the beginning of a new school year should be one of our favorite times of the year, and I know it is one of mine. And while the last few years have been a bit different, this should still be a very exciting time for our entire county. For the past 18 months, we have discussed getting back to normal, and the start of a new school year, no matter what it holds, should be one of those normal things that excite us all."
"We already have students who are looking forward to August 23rd, and our fall student-athletes began practices today. Our Wilkes Early College High School students return to school in only 10 days. We have kindergarteners who are 3 weeks away from their first day of school, 6th graders who are excited about middle school, and rising 9th graders who cannot wait to get to high school. We have 3 Assistant Principals in the room who are starting a new stage of their careers, and we have 3 Principals who are getting ready for their first day as a Principal – and, a reminder, you never get a second chance to do that! We also have a new Principal in the room who is getting ready to have his first day with students as a Principal in Wilkes County, and I know he has looked forward to this opportunity for several years. We have teachers who will soon start their first day as a teacher or first at a new school. This is and should be a tremendous time of excitement for all of Wilkes County!"
"In the world in which we currently live, it seems that we have a lot of controversies and many seem on edge. It seems that disagreements have taken on a new level of intensity than at any point before. So, my challenge to all of us as we face these real-world problems is to make sure we don’t do anything to take away from that excitement of a new school year! Our students, staff, parents, and entire community need that reason for excitement, and let’s make sure we don’t allow adult decisions and actions to take that from them."
"As I say often, every decision we make should be in our student’s best interest. I think we all agree that our world needs good news and positive words, and I cannot think of very many things that should be as exciting for our community as the start of a new school year! So, let’s all make it our focus to not only start the 2021-2022 school year off on an exciting note but to work closely together to make it a source of excitement for our county throughout the entire year!"
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the new Assistant Principals for the 2021-2022 school year. We are excited to see them bring their educational leadership skills to fruition and make a difference in their school and community!
Mrs. Andrea Byers will serve as the Assistant Principal of Wilkesboro Elementary School. Mrs. Byers has served as an Instructional Specialist in Wilkes County Schools for the last 12 years. Prior to her role as an Instructional Specialist, Mrs. Byers was an elementary teacher at Traphill Elementary School.
Mrs. Alisha Minton will serve as the Assistant Principal of East Wilkes Middle School. Mrs. Minton has served the youth of Wilkes County Schools for almost 20 years. She began her education career as a Teacher Assistant which inspired her to take her career to the next level by obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education after which she began teaching in 2009 at Wilkesboro Elementary School.
Mr. Randy Hunt will serve as the Assistant Principal of North Wilkes Middle School. Mr. Hunt began his educational career in 2012 in Yadkin County and has served the youth of Davie County Schools since 2014 as a Social Studies teacher at Davie County High School.
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize and congratulate our new Wilkes County Schools principals for the 2021-2022 school year. These administrators are student-centered leaders who will keep students safe and hold high expectations for all learners.
Mrs. Danielle Dowell, Principal of Roaring River Elementary School
Mrs. Danielle Dowell has served as an assistant principal at Mountain View Elementary School, Millers Creek Elementary School, Wilkesboro Elementary School, East Wilkes High School, and North Wilkes Middle School. She will now serve as principal of Roaring River Elementary School. Mrs. Dowell says she believes every child deserves a champion, and she intends to be just that for the students, teachers, and families of Roaring River this coming school year.
Mrs. Deborah Surgeon, Principal of North Wilkes High School
Mrs. Deborah Surgeon has served as an assistant principal at C.C. Wright Elementary, North Wilkes High School, and will now serve as the principal of North Wilkes High School. Mrs. Surgeon says as a college student she knew that she wanted to return to North Wilkes someday, and it is with great pride, honor, and excitement to continue to serve the North Wilkes community.
Mrs. Carol Cleary, Principal of Traphill Elementary School
Mrs. Carol Cleary has served as assistant principal of Central Wilkes Middle School and Wilkesboro Elementary School, and will now serve as the principal of Traphill Elementary School. Mrs. Cleary says she is excited and honored to have been chosen to partner with the Traphill Elementary School students, staff, parents, and community and to lead through the next phase of continued educational excellence.
Mr. Dustin Webb, Principal of East Wilkes High School
Mr. Dustin Webb has served as assistant principal of Pilot Mountain Middle School for three years, then moved to Elkin Elementary for two years as assistant principal, and has served as principal of Sparta Elementary for the past four years. He will now serve as principal of East Wilkes High School. Mr. Webb says he is deeply honored and truly excited to join Wilkes County Schools and looks forward to working with families for the good of the students of East Wilkes High School.
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to acknowledge the CTE Grant for the 2021-2022 school year. Wilkes County Career & Technical Education has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Wilkes Medical Center Foundation for the 2021-2022 school year. The funds will be used to cover expenses associated with the onboarding process of our pre-nursing students.
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship Winners. Wilkes County Schools had three CTE students win the 20-21 Jon H. Poteat Scholarship in late May, 2020. The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) celebrates the achievements of top Career-Technical Education (CTE) students, provides scholarships to encourage the pursuit of higher education, and cultivates excellence in today’s highly competitive, skilled workforce. For over 35 years, we have awarded recognition of outstanding student achievement in career and technical education. The Jon H. Poteat Scholarship, named in honor and memory of the NTHS co-founder, is awarded annually to National Technical Honor Society members who consistently exemplify the seven-character attributes of National Technical Honor Society: Skill, Honesty, Service, Responsibility, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Leadership. Each of the following students were awarded $1,000 scholarships:
- Alexis Eades from North Wilkes High School
- Taylor Miller from West Wilkes High School
- Jennaleigh McClain from West Wilkes High School
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the NCHSSA State Championships. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) held the 2A Track & Field State Championship at North Carolina A&T State University and the 2A Wrestling Championship at Wheatmore High School on June 26th. Congratulations to the following students who placed in their competitions:
- Abigail Tully from Wilkes Central High School placed first in the state in women’s pole vault.
- Terry Hayes from Wilkes Central High School placed first in the state in men’s long jump.
- Tyler Holland from Wilkes Central High School placed first in the state for the 113 lb. weight class in wrestling.
Dr. Donna Cotton, Chief Academic Officer, presented Focus on the Curriculum. Dr. Cotton provided an update on Summer Learning Camp and a brief overview of the plans for returning to school for the 2021-2022 school year. Some of the topics included were guidance from the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health toolkit, curriculum initiatives planned for this school year, and specific focal points of returning to school.
Recap of Summer Learning Camp
- High School - 285 credits recovered; 9 early graduates
- Middle School - 50+ retentions avoided
- Elementary School - 70+ passed "Read to Achieve," achieved a good cause exemption, or avoided retention
- 37 buses; 600 riders
- 35,357 breakfast meals and 26,142 lunch meals served (cooking at 4 sites with 30 staff and 5 vehicles delivering meals)
- 123 teachers; 23 teacher assistants
- 1,681 students invited to camp; 1,422 students attended camp
Teachers had some exciting things to say and share regarding the Summer Camp this year, and they are as follows:
- I am thankful for the love, trust, grace, and fun that come with a 6 week summer school session after a pandemic school year!!!
- I am going to miss the kids. Weird, I know!
- I enjoyed seeing the smiles on the children's faces each day!
- This was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn pieces they might have missed over the past year.
- I must say it has been such a pleasure seeing the dedicated teachers collaborate with each other, laugh and have fun teaching, and engage students in a true camp experience!
- Summer learning camp has been an amazing experience! It is incredible what a student can accomplish with ample one-on-one time and a personalized work plan.
- This must have been what it felt like to teach before standardized testing became so heavy, and I wish the normal school year was more like that.
Dr. Cotton provided some things we need to know in going forward with the opening of schools for the fall.
| What we can do now: | What was removed: |
|---|---|
| Importance of in-person learning | Plans A, B, and C |
| Have visitors in our buildings | Remote learning environment (only certain circumstances) |
| Go on field trips | Daily symptom screening |
| Have assemblies | Keeping students in small cohorts |
| Eat in the cafeteria |
Our focus areas for 2021-2022 will be:
Literacy (Science of Reading, Reading Apprenticeship Grant)
Mathematics (Yearlong Professional Learning in Elementary and Middle School)
Learning Recovery (using STAR diagnostic screener to help close gaps)
Social and Emotional Learning (focus on student and staff mental health)
Chairman Mr. Rudy Holbrook asked if anyone has signed up for Public Comments. Two individuals signed up to speak regarding the return of school and wearing masks - Mr. William Johnson and Ms. Marie Brown. Both expressed their concerns and was in favor of having masks optional for the return of the 2021-2022 school year. A vote was to be taken in the action session of the business meeting.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the minutes for June 7, 2021 were approved as presented.
On a motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the Personnel Report was approved as presented.
Resignation(s) and/or Retirement(s)
Vickie Call – Bus Driver – Roaring River Elementary School
Retirement effective – August 1, 2021 with twenty-seven years and two months of service
Richard Collins – Teacher – Wilkes Central High School
Retirement effective – August 1, 2021 with twenty-eight years and one month of service
Elizabeth Hubbard – Principal – Boomer Ferguson Elementary School
Retirement effective – August 1, 2021 with thirty-two years and nine months of service
Melissa Lyles – Teacher – East Wilkes High School
Retirement effective – August 1, 2021 with twenty-six years and three months of service
Diana Minton – Teacher Assistant – Mulberry Elementary School
Retirement effective – September 1, 2021 with nineteen years and one month of service
Penny Money – Custodian – C.B. Eller Elementary School
Retirement effective – September 1, 2021 with twenty years and one month of service
Julie Patterson – Secretary/Bookkeeper – East Wilkes Middle School
Retirement effective – September 1, 2021 with ten years and three months of service
Tim Pruitt – Office Manager – Maintenance Department
Retirement effective – October 1, 2021 with seventeen years and seven months of service
Recommendation of Administrative Personnel
Randal Hunt Jr. – Assistant Principal – North Wilkes Middle School
Dustin Webb – Principal – East Wilkes High School
Nathaniel Morefield – Gear Up Coordinator – Central Services
Promotions
Dr. Joe Bullis – From Director of Federal Programs/Middle School Curriculum & Instruction/Interim Athletic/School Safety – Central Services
To Executive Director of Federal Programs – Central Services
Andrea Byers – From Instructional Specialist – North Wilkesboro Elementary School
To Assistant Principal – Wilkesboro Elementary School
Carol Cleary – From Assistant Principal – Wilkesboro Elementary School
To Principal – Traphill Elementary School
Danielle Dowell – From Assistant Principal – North Wilkes Middle School
To Principal – Roaring River Elementary School
J. David Johnson – From Principal – North Wilkes High School
To Director of Secondary Education/Athletics/School Safety – Central Services
Alisha Minton – From Teacher – Wilkesboro Elementary School
To Assistant Principal – East Wilkes Middle School
Deborah Surgeon – From Assistant Principal – North Wilkes High School
To Principal – North Wilkes High School
On a motion by Mrs. Caudill, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the following contracts for the Exceptional Children’s Department were approved for the 2021-2022 school year. They are as follows:
- Blazerworks
- Cynthia Bruton
- Dana Felts
- Invision Services, Inc.
- John E. Sexton & Associates, Inc.
- Lisa Pruitt
- Pamela G. Edwards, LLC.
- The Stepping Stones Group
- Wilkes Adult Development Activity Program, Inc. (Wilkes ADAP)
- Public Consulting Group
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, Exceptional Children’s Department Interagency Agreement for Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. was approved as presented. We have a longstanding relationship with BROC Head Start programs in meeting the needs of our preschool children.
On a motion by Mrs. Caudill, seconded by Mrs. Huffman and duly carried, The Exceptional Children’s Department Cooperative Memorandum of Understanding for Watauga Opportunities, Inc. was approved as presented. Watauga Opportunities, Inc. will provide pre-employment transition services to students at West Wilkes and North Wilkes High Schools. Watauga Opportunities, Inc. will work closely with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide students with disabilities the services needed for pre-employment transitions. This agency has a positive history of providing quality services for clients.
On a motion by Mrs. Caudill, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Mental Health Training Program was approved as presented. This contact is for expanding those services and providing educational and consultation services to school administrators, instructional support staff, and teachers. The Mental Health Training Program is required by North Carolina SL-2020-7 and State Board of Education Policy SHLT-003. All licensed staff and others who directly serve students as designated by the LEA will complete this training program during the 2021-2022 school year. A minimum of six hours of training is required initially, with subsequent annual two-hour training. This plan complies with the state law and the North Carolina State Board of Education policy.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the Memorandum of Understanding with Department of Social Services (DSS) was approved as presented. In 2009, Wilkes County Schools and the Department of Social Services (DSS) worked collaboratively to create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve communication and services to children in our community. The memorandum is reviewed each year with principals and the DSS administrative staff.
On a motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the Budget Amendments were approved as presented.
State Public School Fund: No Change
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the WCS Return to School Plan was approved as presented. At this time, WCS will follow all mitigation strategies outlined in the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit (See Attachment One) to the best of our ability, but make the wearing of masks or facial coverings optional for everyone in the school system as long as the county threshold of positive cases for school age students stays below recommended levels. Should these levels be exceeded, upon advice from Wilkes County Health Director Mrs. Willard, this decision would need to be revaluated.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook had the following announcement:
- August 11-13, 2021 – Optional Workdays
- August 16-20, 2021 – Required Workdays
- August 23, 2021 – First Grading Period Begins
- September 6, 2021 – Labor Day Holiday
Chairman Mr. Holbrook announced the next meeting to be September 13, 2021. The meeting will be held in the Arnold and Becky Lakey Boardroom located at 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina beginning at 5:30 PM.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, there being no further business, the Board adjourned at 6:22 PM.