The Board of Education of the Wilkes County Administrative Unit conducted a regular meeting in the Stone Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, October 5, 2020 at 5:30 PM at 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28659. COVID-19 guidelines were enforced.
Present for the meeting were Chairman Mr. Randall “Rudy” Holbrook, Vice-Chairman Mrs. Sharron Huffman, Board Members Mr. Kirk Walker, Mrs. Joan Caudill, and Mr. Hardin Kennedy, III. Also present were Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd, Chief Technology Officer Mrs. Julie Triplett, Chief Finance Officer Mr. Seth Prevette, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Donna Cotton, Director of Pre-K and Elementary Education Mrs. Callie Grubb, Director of Exceptional Children Mrs. Jennifer Blankenship, Director of Student Services Mrs. April Marr, Director of Child Nutrition Mr. Marty Johnson, Director of Maintenance Mr. Bergie Speaks, Director of Middle School, Federal Programs, Interim County Athletic Director, & Cultural Arts Dr. Joe Bullis, AIG Coordinator Mrs. Angie Lamb, Public Information Officer Mrs. Morgan Mathis, and Executive Administrative Assistant Mrs. Carolyn Triplett.
Chairman Mr. Rudy Holbrook recognized Board Member Mrs. Sharron Huffman to lead the Invocation.
Chairman Mr. Rudy Holbrook called the meeting to order.
On a motion by Mrs. Huffman, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the agenda needed to be amended to include to Roman Number XI, Item D to which the Easement Agreement for a new Emergency Medical Service (EMS) station was added.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Huffman and duly carried, the agenda was approved.
Chairman Mr. Randall “Rudy” Holbrook recognized Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd for the Superintendent’s Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Byrd advised the Board, staff, and the community members present that Wilkes County Schools lost a tremendous friend and supporter of our school system last week, as Mr. Blake Lovette passed away earlier in the week. Mr. Lovette served on the Wilkes County Schools Board of Education in the late 1990s and continued to support our school system until the time of his passing. We would like to let his family know that they are in our thoughts and prayers and that we appreciate his support and service to our school system.
Moreover, when I use the word service, I have to mention three groups of people in our system who are making tremendous efforts to serve our students during this pandemic. First, October is National Principals Month, and I do not do enough to recognize the efforts of our school leaders. I think we are fortunate to have twenty-two of the strongest school leaders in our area, and they are doing an outstanding job in a challenging time. I will say without a doubt that their job was harder than mine was nine years ago when I was last a Principal, and I know it is harder now than ever before. I hope the people of this county realize how fortunate we are to have the school leaders that we do, and we all owe them a big “thank you” for all that they do. I look forward to having them all attend a board meeting so that we can recognize them when restrictions will allow.
Last Friday was National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day, and I need to publicly thank all custodial staff of Wilkes County Schools for their additional efforts in cleaning and sanitizing our schools during the 2020-2021 school year. Their work has always been important, but probably more now than ever before. Our local health director has told me herself that the cleaning efforts of our people are making a tremendous difference in keeping school safe for students and staff, and in allowing our schools to remain open despite challenges. I never thank them enough, but we all need to take a minute to thank our custodial staff for their extra efforts in keeping all of us safe during this challenging time. You are all great examples of the unsung heroes who make a difference in the lives of students every day!
In addition, if we are going to talk about heroes, I have to talk about the work of the teachers of Wilkes County Schools during the 2020-2021 school year. I heard on the news that today is “World Teacher Appreciation Day,” and I doubt that you can find a group of teachers anywhere in the world who are working harder for students than those in Wilkes County Schools. Our teachers are meeting the needs of students in their classes, those who are remote, and spending countless hours at night reaching out to students and parents to address their challenges and concerns. Teaching is more difficult and challenging in 2020-2021 than ever before, and I need to publicly recognize our teachers for what they are doing. So many of our teachers are stressing over the fact that they don’t feel that their students are being as successful as in years past, and looking for what they can do more to help students succeed. Even though teachers worldwide are feeling this, that still does not make it any easier for our people. Imagine going to work daily, facing greater challenges than ever before, and then not feeling that you were being as effective in your work as in previous years. Each of us should take the time to say “thank you” to our teachers because I do not think you will find teachers in this state who are doing more for their students than ours. I have always said that students in Wilkes County deserve the best of everything, and I can assure you that no students in our state are being better served by their teachers than ours are right now.