Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd, along with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Westley Wood, recognized the Wilkes Education Foundation members present to issue the Mini-Grant Awards. Members of the Wilkes Education Foundation presenting to our teachers were President, Mr. Arnold Lakey, Treasurer, Mr. Jody Hamby, Board Member and Chairman of the Mini-Grant Committee, Mr. Danny Holman, and Board Member and Assistant Treasurer, Mr. Bill Myers. The Wilkes Education Foundation is awarding forty-two mini-grant projects for the 2019-2020 school year. The total funds awarded are $31,140.93. Since the 1985-1986 school year, the Wilkes Education Foundation has funded 829 mini-grants projects for a total of $480,535.18. The winners are as follows:

Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd, along with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Westley Wood, recognized the 2019 North Carolina Governor’s School attendee. The Governor’s School of North Carolina is a five and one-half week summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline and does not involve credit, test, or grades. The following student represented Wilkes County at the 2019 North Carolina Governor’s School summer session: Hanna Rollins is a current 12th grader at North Wilkes High School. She attended Governor’s School West, which was held on the campus of High Point University. Hanna’s focus of study while at Governor’s School was mathematics. Congratulations on your hard work and accomplishment!

Focus on the Curriculum was presented by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Donna Cotton who presented the Board data information regarding School Performance Grades. All grades are based on 80% proficiency and 20% growth with a 15-point grading scale. Elementary and Middle School is based completely on EOG scores in ELA, Math and Science (proficiency & growth), English Learner Progress, and Participation. High Schools have several indicators: EOCs (Biology, Math 1, Math 3, and English II), English Learner Progress, ACT/WorkKeys, Math Course Rigor, and Cohort Graduation Rate. In 2018-2019, Wilkes County Schools had four that did not meet growth, eleven that met growth, and seven to exceed growth. In 2018-2019, our school performance grades were as follows:  As,  1 school – Wilkes Early College High School; Bs, 10 schools – C.B. Eller, East Wilkes High, East Wilkes Middle, Moravian Falls, Mulberry, North Wilkes High, Ronda-Clingman, West Wilkes High, West Wilkes Middle, and Wilkesboro; Cs, 11 schools – Boomer-Ferguson, C.C. Wright, Central Wilkes Middle, Millers Creek, Mount Pleasant, Mountain View, North Wilkes Middle, North Wilkesboro, Roaring River, Traphill, and Wilkes Central High. Wilkes County Schools met participation rates in all tested areas for subgroups with 100%!

Chairman Mr. Rudy Holbrook asked if anyone had signed up for public comments. Mr. Hardin Kennedy spoke on behalf of a student from East Wilkes High School, Meagan Reeves. Due to her work schedule, she was unable to attend. Mr. Hardin Kennedy is her graduation project mentor and reported on her behalf. Ms. Reeves wanted to invite school board members and staff to attend a Back to School Rally in which she has completely organized. By planning and preparing for this event, she has gained numerous skills. Ms. Reeves is using this as her focus for her Graduation Project. Several items will be available for young children such as backpacks, school items, etc. All teachers and students will receive a special gift that will encourage them in the upcoming school year. This event will be held on September 21, 2019.

Resignation(s) and/or Retirement(s)

Retirement effective – October 1, 2019 with twenty-eight years and eight months of service

On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Shumate and duly carried, the Memorandum of Agreements were approved as presented. Wilkes County Schools and Wilkes Community College have a strong partnership in the Wilkes Early College High School and the Career and College Promise programs.  These two Memorandum of Agreements set the parameters of the operations of each program area.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Donna Cotton presented to the board for information only the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Social Services (DDS). In 2009, Wilkes County Schools and the Department of Social Services (DDS) 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. This information is for review only.

• September 30, 2019 – Required Workday

On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Shumate and duly carried, there being no further business, the board adjourned at 6:15 PM.