April 3, 2023
The Board of Education of the Wilkes County Administrative Unit conducted a regular meeting in the Arnold and Becky Lakey Boardroom on Monday, April 3, 2023, 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 Mr. Hardin Kennedy III, and Board Members Mr. Kirk Walker, Mrs. Joan Caudill, and Mrs. Jammie Jolly. Also attending were Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Westley Wood, Chief Academic Officer Mrs. Callie Grubb, Chief Finance Officer Mr. Seth Prevette, Chief Technology Officer Mrs. Julie Triplett, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Career & Technical Education Dr. Joe Bullis, Director of Child Nutrition Mr. Marty Johnson, Director of Secondary Education, Athletics, and School Safety Mr. David Johnson, Director of Testing and Accountability, Cultural Arts, 504, and Title I Dr. Dion Stocks, Director of Student Services April Marr, Director of Exceptional Children Mrs. Jennifer Blankenship, Director of Maintenance Mr. Bergie Speaks, Director of Transportation Mr. Eric Barker, Director of Pre-K and Elementary Education Mr. Jeffery Johnson, AIG Coordinator Mrs. Angie Lamb, EL Coordinator Mrs. Lori Holguin, Public Information Officer Mrs. Morgan Mathis, and Executive Administrative Assistant Mrs. Carolyn Triplett. Also in attendance were Mr. Chris Shew, Wilkes County Sheriff; Deputy Jason Adams; Mrs. Jennifer Sorel, Principal of Wilkes Early College High School; Mrs. Amanda Pruitt, Principal of West Wilkes High School; Mrs. Amy Samples, Principal of North Wilkesboro Elementary School; and Mrs. Becky Spears, Principal of Wilkesboro Elementary School.
Chairman Mr. Randall "Rudy" Holbrook called the meeting to order.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Jolly and duly carried, the agenda was approved as presented.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Jolly 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 stated, "Let me start by giving a shout-out to the students of Mount Pleasant Elementary School today for a fascinating Wax Museum activity. As a history major, I learned things from these students that I didn't know until today! Mrs. Kennington and her staff have so much to be proud of!"
"April is one of my favorite times of the year and I hope that many of you feel the same. I hope the warmer temperatures and the start of Spring help us all to feel better and have a more positive outlook as we move beyond winter! If you need something to put you in a better mood, just spend a few minutes outdoors over the next few days and you will see a lot of things that will make you smile!"
"We also recognize some people in May who bring a smile to all of our faces. Tomorrow is National School Librarians' Day, and I cannot imagine a job more exciting than helping students develop a love of reading each day. If you get a chance, say 'thank you' to our school media coordinators and ask them to tell you something exciting that takes place in their media centers on a daily basis. I am sure they can."
"This week is also National Assistant Principals' Week. Over the past two weeks, I took a few minutes to sit down with each of our Assistant Principals and discuss their professional goals. Not only was I impressed with the fourteen people that we have serving in these roles, but I feel very strongly about the future of our school system with them in leadership roles. The Assistant Principal position is very difficult and can, at times, seem thankless, but it was one of my favorite roles that I have served in, as you learn something every day that will help you in the future. I hope all of you will say 'thank you' to an Assistant Principal somewhere this week, and let them know that they are valued, as they will be leading our schools in the very near future!"
"At the end of the month, we celebrate Administrative Professionals' Day, and I don't know anyone in a leadership role who doesn't owe a lot of their success to their office help. I know how much I depend on Carolyn Triplett and Morgan Mathis, and I can tell you that a Superintendent, Director, or Principal is only as successful as the quality of Assistant that they have in their office. So, don't forget to say thank you to all of our Administrative Assistants as well."
"In closing, I want to wish you all a Happy Easter, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break, and I hope you look forward to ending the 2022-2023 school year on a very successful note!"
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize the Elk Hoop Shoot State Champion. The Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest is a program designed to provide an interesting, character-building, competitive program for all boys and girls in the contest regardless of their previous athletic competition or abilities. The State Championship in the Girls 10 to 11-year-old division was held at Grimsley High School in Greensboro on Saturday, February 11th. We are proud to recognize Ziyah
Bailey for winning the State Championship! Ziyah is a 5th-grade student at North Wilkesboro Elementary.
Bailey for winning the State Championship! Ziyah is a 5th-grade student at North Wilkesboro Elementary.
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse School Award. Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) is an organization that serves schools across the nation. They use a one-of-a-kind assessment survey that provides insights that can be used for school improvement, professional development, support, and strategies for excellence. The nine performance areas include Student Focus and Support; School Organization and Culture; Challenging Standards and Curriculum; Active Teaching and Learning; Technology Integration; Professional Community; Leadership and Educational Vitality; School, Family, and Community Partnerships; and Indicators of Success. The process to become a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School includes a written application, parent and staff surveys, and an on-site validation and review.
Wilkes Early College High School met the required criteria in the nine performance areas of high-performing schools required for this prestigious award! They were 1 of only 63 schools in the nation to be recognized and 1 of only 10 high schools! Congratulations to Wilkes Early College High School!
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize the Elementary School Science Olympiad awards. On March 18, 2023, ten of our elementary schools competed in the NC Science Olympiad Tournament which was held at West Wilkes Middle School. The teams competed in fourteen different events that consisted of a series of rigorous hands-on, interactive, and inquiry-based events that are balanced between the disciplines of biology, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology. All of the events are created around the 3rd-5th grade science standards.
Congratulations to Wilkesboro Elementary for winning 1st place. Their team members include:
Kylie Briggs
Madison Duncan
Katy Faw
Avery Foster
Bodie Gambill
Jinal Ladani
Emma Claire Mayberry
Amelia Minick
Raylan Minton
Cooper Morris
Nobel Naing
Annabelle Potts
Nathan Sluder
Canaan Stone
Cristianne Taylor
Coach: Traci McManus
Coach: Jennifer Bauguss
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize the Middle School Science Olympiad awards. On March 11th, three of our middle schools competed in the NC Science Olympiad Regional Tournament. These tournaments are rigorous, academic competitions that consist of a series of different hands-on, interactive, challenging, and inquiry-based events that are well-balanced between the various disciplines of biology, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology. Congratulations to the 1st place overall winner, Central Wilkes Middle School! They placed 1st in 11 events, 2nd place in 3 events, and 3rd place in 1 event. They will compete in the State Science Olympiad Tournament at NC State University on April 21st and 22nd.
The members of their team include:
Alex Van Wy
Alin Carroll
Avery Call
Brady Holbrook
Connor Blevins
Cormac Gebauer
Elijah Craig
Lila Hege
Luke Hege
Louis "LJ" Carque
Payton Brewer
Rowan Rapoport
Ryleigh "Kaydence" Arnold
Vivian Lin
Will Hefner
Coach: Julie Colglazier
Coach: Howard Weaver
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize the Wilkes Soil & Water Awards. The Wilkes County Soil & Water Conservation's mission is to foster voluntary, incentive-driven management of soil, water, and related natural resources for the benefit of the environment, economy, and all citizens. Each year they hold education awards in poster, slideshow, essay, and speech contests. This year's Awards Banquet was held on March 2, 2023, at the Edwin H. McGee Center to recognize
students for their hard work.
students for their hard work.
Congratulations to the following first place winners:
Keelan Darnell, CB Eller Elementary School - 5th Grade Poster Contest Winner
Nolan Gregory, East Wilkes Middle School - 6th Grade Essay Winner
Madilyn Campbell, East Wilkes Middle School - 6th Grade Slideshow Winner
Molly Wagoner, East Wilkes Middle School - 7th Grade Slideshow Winner
Laurel Mitchell, Central Wilkes Middle School - 8th Grade Slideshow Winner
Jordan Holleman, East Wilkes Middle School - 8th Grade Speech Winner
Matthew Broda, Wilkes Early College High School - High School Essay Winner
Alea Mitchell, Wilkes Early College High School - High School Slideshow Winner
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the Middle School Quiz Bowl Winner. The Middle School Quiz Bowl Tournament was held on February 28, 2023. Wilkes County Schools transitioned to Quiz Bowl this year for our academic competitions. This change was made to include not only students who have a love for reading but also to highlight students’ general knowledge. Our Quiz Bowl tournament increased the rigor of our academic competitions and showcased the intellect of our students across all subject areas. Our students competed well, impressing our Central Services staff who helped with the competition, and our guests for the tournament. We are so proud of our students and appreciate our coaches!
Congratulations to our middle school winner, West Wilkes Middle School! Participants include:
Ashton Benge
Giovanni Bonilla
Matthew Clemens
Alex Creamer
Jenilee Gregory
Jaylah Pritchard
Nathan Schwab
Coach: Susan Ringo
Superintendent Mr. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the Wilkes County Schools CTE Teacher of the Year. The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) annually sponsors the NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year Award. This process was developed to honor and retain excellent CTE teachers and education leaders in North Carolina public schools. Each school district chooses a nominee who will then advance to compete for regional winner. Nominees must have been employed by Wilkes County Schools in a full-time CTE teaching position during the nominating year and must have had successful completion of at least 5 years of teaching in an NC public school.
Wilkes County Schools is pleased to announce that our 2022-2023 CTE Teacher of the Year is Ms. Thelma Kastl, Trade, Technology, Engineering, and Industrial (TTEI) teacher who teaches Drone Technology along with her Technology and Engineering Design (TED) classes at West Wilkes High School.
Focus on the Curriculum was presented by Mr. David Johnson, Director of Secondary Education, Athletics, and Safety. Mr. Johnson provided updates on Spring school safety trainings. These trainings include the “I Love U Guys” Train the Trainer professional development held in February and the ongoing parent safety meetings.
The safety meetings held have been a great display of partnership between our school system and the Sheriff's department. It has built community confidence in both organizations. Parents attending have been informed on what to do and not to do during a time of crisis. More of these meetings are planned for the next school year as well.
Mr. Johnson provided handouts regarding standard response protocol, lockdown, evacuate, shelter, secure, and hold. These steps have built relationships and trust among our community, staff, and students. Safety is a number one priority for the Principals in our school system.
Chairman Mr. Rudy Holbrook asked if anyone had signed up for Public Comments. No one had signed up.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the minutes for March 6, 2023, were approved as presented.
On a motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Kennedy and duly carried, the Personnel Report was approved as presented.
Resignation(s) and/or Retirement(s)
Laura Babb – Teacher – Millers Creek Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-four years and three months of service
Connie Broyhill – Teacher – Millers Creek Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty years and three months of service
Greg Davenport – Teacher Assistant – Wilkes Central High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with fifteen years and six months of service
James Eckerd – Teacher – East Wilkes Middle School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty years and five months of service
Lisa Gentry – Teacher Assistant – Millers Creek Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-three years and five months of service
Pamela Huffman – Principal – West Wilkes Middle School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-five years and seven months of service
Barbara Jennings – Teacher – Wilkes Central High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with thirty-three years of service
Sharon Long – Teacher – Moravian Falls Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with thirty years and one month of service
Edwin Martin, Jr. – Teacher – North Wilkes High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-four years and two months of service
Timothy Nelson – Teacher – North Wilkes Middle School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-one years and three months of service
Penny Norman – Child Nutrition Manager – Wilkes Central High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-four years and nine months of service
Marcus Scism – Teacher – Wilkes Central High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with thirty years and three months of service
Tina Shephard – Teacher – Millers Creek Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-eight years and nine months of service
Dorothy Stanley – Teacher Assistant – Mountain View Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with seventeen years and nine months of service
Jodi Weatherman – Principal – Mountain View Elementary School
Retirement effective – April 1, 2023, with thirty years and six months of service
Imogene Welborn – Teacher Assistant – Mount Pleasant Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-three years and nine months of service
Debra Wood – Teacher Assistant – East Wilkes Middle School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2023, with twenty-one years and three months of service
Recommendation of Administrative Personnel
Ritchie Cornette – Interim Principal – North Wilkesboro Elementary School
Joseph Ortiz – Interim Principal – Mountain View Elementary School
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Jolly and duly carried, the following field trips were approved as presented. Planned dates are listed below.
| School | Group | Destination | Dates |
| East Wilkes Middle School | 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Chorus |
Charlotte, NC
Fort Mill, SC
|
05/05/2023 |
| North Wilkes High School | Women's Volleyball Team |
Spartanburg, SC
|
07/09/2023-07/11/2023 |
| North Wilkes Middle School |
Prevention Team Club
|
Charlotte, NC
Fort Mill, SC
|
04/21/2023 |
| Wilkes Central High School | Women's Basketball Team |
Emory, VA
|
06/13/2023-06/15/2023 |
| Wilkes Central High School | Men's Basketball Team |
Winston-Salem, NC
|
06/19/2023-06/21/2023
|
| Wilkes Central High School | Men's Golf Team |
Southern Pines, NC
|
05/14/2023-05/16/2023
|
| Wilkes Central High School | JV and Varsity Football Team |
Moravian Falls, NC
|
07/24/2023-07/27/2023
|
| Wilkes Central High School | Wrestling Team |
Boone, NC
|
06/25/2023-06/28/2023
|
| Wilkes Central High School | JV and Varsity Cheer |
Boone, NC
|
07/24/2023-07/27/2023
|
| Wilkes Central High School | JROTC |
Black Mountain, NC
|
06/11/2023-06/16/2023
|
| Wilkes Central High School | Science Olympiad State Qualifiers |
Raleigh, NC
|
04/21/2023-04/22/2023
|
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the ELA Textbook Adoption was approved as presented. For 2023-2024, Wilkes County Elementary Schools will adopt Wit & Wisdom from Great Minds as the core ELA curriculum. The cost of this textbook adoption will be $1,798,779.14 and will be funded with ESSER funds that are earmarked to support teaching and learning in response to the impact of COVID-19 and student learning loss. This adoption will also help align Wilkes County Schools with state legislation included in Senate Bill 387 (Science of Reading, LETRS, Literacy Intervention Plan, and Literacy Instruction Standards).
This adoption process began in Summer 2022 with principals and instructional specialists attending a regional textbook fair sponsored by Northwest RESA. In Fall 2022, elementary principals and instructional specialists submitted textbooks of interest. Interest was determined by the textbook fair, teacher requests, and/or national recommendations from sources such as Ed Reports. Two textbooks were submitted for review and included: CKLA by Amplify and Wit & Wisdom by Great Minds.
On December 6, 2022, elementary principals, instructional specialists, and ELA lead teachers from each school participated in on-site vendor presentations. The information was then presented to each elementary school. The ELA lead teacher, instructional specialist, and the school principal facilitated these discussions with their staff members at each school. Principals submitted their school's top choice in February 2023. After reviewing the votes, 8 schools voted for Wit & Wisdom and 5 schools voted for CKLA.
On a motion by Mrs. Caudill, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Budget Amendment was approved as presented and is listed below:
State Public School Fund – Increase of $228,493.00
Local Current Expense Fund – $60,000.00
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the Architect Contracts for Wilkes Central High School Gym were approved as presented. The Contract is between Wilkes County Schools and Pinnacle Architecture for the design and engineering of a new gym at Wilkes Central High School.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Jolly and duly carried, the Architect Contracts for Athletic Renovations at West, North, and East High Schools was approved as presented. The Contract between Wilkes County Schools and Pinnacle Architecture for the design and engineering of new home and visitor bleachers at North, adding handicap access to existing visitor bleachers, new home bleachers at East, resurfacing the track, and constructing six new tennis courts at West.
On a motion by Mrs. Caudill, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Board Policy 7335, Employee Use of Social Media was approved as presented. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that electronic communication is used responsibly and safely by employees. The proposed policy outlines expectations of social media communications involving students, employee personal use of social media, and posting on social media sites.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mrs. Jolly and duly carried, the Board Policy 7310, Staff-Student Relations was approved as presented. The purpose of the revisions is to outline prohibited conduct, restrictions on electronic communications, and reporting requirements to ensure professional relationships between students and staff.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook made the following announcements:
- April 7, 2023 – Easter Holiday
- April 10-14, 2023 – Annual Leave
Chairman Mr. Holbrook announced the next board meeting to be May 1, 2023. 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 Mr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Kennedy, with no further business, the Board of Education voted unanimously to adjourn at 6:43 PM.
In closing, all Board Members wished everyone a "Happy and Safe Easter!"
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