Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd, along with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Westley Wood, recognized the schools that met and exceeded growth for the 2018-2019 school year. Seven schools in Wilkes County exceeded expected growth for 2018-2019, up from four schools the previous year. Congratulations to East Wilkes Middle, Moravian Falls Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, North Wilkes High, North Wilkesboro Elementary, Wilkesboro Elementary and Wilkes Early College High School! Eleven schools met expected growth for 2018-2019. Congratulations to Boomer-Ferguson Elementary, Central Wilkes Middle, East Wilkes High, Millers Creek Elementary, Mount Pleasant Elementary, Mulberry Elementary, Roaring River Elementary, Ronda-Clingman Elementary, Traphill Elementary, West Wilkes High, and Wilkes Middle School! East Wilkes High School met expected growth for the first time in six years, and three other schools (Boomer-Ferguson Elementary, Central Wilkes Middle, and Roaring River Elementary School) met expected growth after not meeting expected growth the previous year. Almost 75% of schools statewide met or exceeded growth expectations for 2018-2019, while 81% did in Wilkes County Schools. Congratulations to these schools!
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd, along with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Westley Wood, recognized Mr. Tyler Gambill. In October, the Northwest Region held the HOSA Chapter Jumpstart Leadership Conference where 15 schools attended. At this conference, students from each school voted on a pin design that would be formed into their region’s pin. A pin designed by Tyler Gambill, a junior at West Wilkes High School, was selected as the HOSA Northwest Region’s pin. Tyler’s design was hand drawn and was selected out of eight pins. The pin will be constructed and given to students in the Northwest Region at the State Conference in April. Congratulations, Tyler!
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd, along with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Westley Wood, recognized The Mountain Valley 1A/2A Athletic Conference award winners. Coaches vote on awards at the conclusion of each sports season. The awards that are given include coach of the year, all-conference, and honorable mention teams. Tonight we are proud to recognize four athletes and two coaches from Wilkes County Schools that were chosen as players and coaches of the year for the fall athletic season. We would like to congratulate Anthony Perales from Wilkes Central High School. Anthony was recognized by the Mountain Valley Conference as Runner of the Year in cross-country. We would also like to congratulate Ava Tharpe from East Wilkes High School. Ava was recognized by the Mountain Valley Conference as Player of the Year in women’s golf. Also from East Wilkes High School, we would like to congratulate Coach Barry Byrd. Coach Byrd was recognized as Coach of the Year in women’s golf. We would like to congratulate JoRaye Morrison from Wilkes Central High School. JoRaye was recognized by the Mountain Valley Conference as Offensive Player of the Year in football. We would like to congratulate Cheyenne Clonch from West Wilkes High School. Cheyenne was recognized by the Mountain Valley Conference as Player of the Year in volleyball. Also from West Wilkes High School, we would like to congratulate Coach Steve Bryan. Coach Bryan was recognized as Coach of the Year in volleyball. Congratulations to these outstanding athletes and coaches!
Resignation(s) and/or Retirement(s)
Retirement effective – January 1, 2020 with three years of service
| School | Group | Destination | Dates |
| Wilkes Central High School | 1 student |
Washington, DC
|
12/04/2019-12/08/2019 |
| North Wilkes Middle School | 8th Grade |
Asheville, NC
|
12/05/2019 |
| North Wilkes Middle School | 6th Grade |
Abingdon, VA
|
12/12/2019 |
| North Wilkes Middle School | 6th Grade |
Abingdon, VA
|
12/18/2019 |
| East Wilkes Middle School | 8th Grade | Choral Students | 02/06/2020-02/08/2020 |
| West Wilkes Middle School | 8th Grade |
Washington, DC
|
03/19/2020-03/21/2020 |
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Cooling Tower Replacement for Wilkes Central High was approved as presented. The majority of Wilkes Central High School is dependent on a single cooling tower for the air conditioners to work. The tower has been repaired several times over the last ten years. Contractors have looked at the tower. Everyone agrees, a minimum of the top section needs to be replaced, and the base will need some work. We received proposals from different suppliers and contractors. Byrd Mechanical proposed providing a new base and a five month old complete stainless steel tower still under warranty for $34,740.00 plus tax and freight. With Byrd Mechanical being the lowest bidder, their proposal was approved.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Property Insurance effective January 1, 2020 was approved as presented. This fall, we requested quotes for our property insurance policy. Our policy runs January 1 – December 31 so this insurance policy is for the upcoming calendar year 2020. The low bidder was DPI and will continue our coverage at a cost of $127,148 for Property & Machinery – Structure Specific.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mrs. Barnes and duly carried, the Fiscal year 2018-2019 Audit Report was approved and presented by Mr. Travis Hardee with Rives & Associates, LLP.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Fines and Forfeitures Resolution was approved as presented (see attachment one).
Mr. Mark Byrd, Superintendent, presented for discussion the 2020-2021 Calendar Draft. For the seventh consecutive year, this will be a 164-day student calendar. Due to calendar legislation, the start day for school can be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26, 2020. This calendar will go before the board in January for final approval.