February 5, 2024
The Board of Education of the Wilkes County Administrative Unit conducted a regular meeting in the Arnold and Becky Lakey Boardroom on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 5:30 PM at 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28659.
Present for the meeting were Chairman Mr. Randall "Rudy" Holbrook and Board Members Mrs. Joan Caudill, Mrs. Jammie Jolly, and Mr. Kirk Walker. Absent was Vice-Chairman Mr. Hardin Kennedy III. Also attending were Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Westley Wood, Chief Academic Officer Mrs. Callie Grubb, Chief Technology Officer Mrs. Julie Triplett, Chief Finance Officer Mr. Seth Prevette, Director of Child Nutrition Mr. Marty Johnson, Director of Secondary Education, Athletics, and School Safety Mr. David Johnson, Director of Maintenance Mr. Richard Shepherd, Director of Facilities and Construction Mr. Bergie Speaks, Director of Pre-K and Elementary Education Mr. Jeffery Johnson, ESL Coordinator Mrs. Lori Holguin, AIG Coordinator Mrs. Angie Lamb, Director of Testing and Accountability, Cultural Arts, 504, and Title I Dr. Dion Stocks, Director of Federal Programs and Career & Technical Education Dr. Joe Bullis, Director of Exceptional Children Mrs. Jennifer Blankenship, Director of Transportation Mr. Eric Barker, Student Services Director Mrs. April Marr, Public Information Officer Mrs. Morgan Mathis, and Executive Administrative Assistant Mrs. Carolyn Triplett. Also in attendance were Mrs. Beckie Spears, Principal of Wilkesboro Elementary School, and Mrs. Andrea Byers, Principal of Mt. Peasant Elementary School.
Chairman Mr. Randall "Rudy" Holbrook called the meeting to order.
On a motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the agenda was approved as presented.
Chairman Mr. Randall "Rudy" Holbrook recognized Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd for the Superintendent's Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Byrd stated, "Let me first start with recognitions as February is filled with important people in important roles being recognized for their contributions. Along with Black History Month, February is also CTE Month and Love the Bus Month. This week is National School Counseling Week and Thursday, February 15th is National School Resource Officer Day. I guess I need to mention Valentine's Day as well. We have lots of celebrations in the month of February, but more importantly, many people who deserve to be celebrated. I hope you can use this as a reminder to let someone know you appreciate them and all they do during the month of February."
"Over the past eight years, I have tried to not become political when I spoke at board meetings, but tonight I feel the need to. We don't have a gong like the old TV show did, so I will welcome you guys to use the gavel to send a signal to me that I need to stop if I go too far with what I am getting ready to say. Last month, we discussed the possibility of an early start calendar, and I think most of us agreed that would be best for kids. In hindsight, I wish I had done a better job of sharing the possibility with our staff, but that is something that we can change going forward. However, not long after we discussed this, comments were made from some legislators saying that board members who support these calendars are breaking the law and should face consequences, and I believe the word prosecution was used. An editorial I read questioned what type of example board members are setting for students if they approve calendars that don't follow the law. I have too much respect for those seated to my left to ever put them in a situation where they could face prosecution, so I am removing that calendar from tonight's proposal. I also cannot believe elected officials should face threats of prosecution for how they vote in a meeting, but that is just my opinion. However, my question to our state legislature is what is going to be done to those who don't follow the law, because if nothing is done, that sure sends a conflicting message to those who are doing the right thing. As a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, I was always taught that nothing destroys morale more than punishing those who are doing right and not addressing those who are doing wrong. There are many jobs in this country where people are fired for not addressing those who are doing wrong, but we don't follow that practice when it comes to school calendar law. What example are legislators setting for students if they don't address those who don't follow the law, but make threats to those who are. Some districts lessen the number of days in the fall semester in order to get exams in before Christmas, but if instructional time really matters, which I believe it does, is that fair to a student who has a class in the fall to get less instruction before their exam than a student who has the class in the spring? I don't fault our board for not wanting to face prosecution, as very few of us in this room would want to risk this over a school calendar. The ones who are truly in the wrong are the ones who are not changing this legislation. It is time to allow school boards to make decisions on when to start school that they feel are best for students. This legislation is not student-oriented and is not about students getting to go on vacation, it is based on financial gain. We will continue to follow the law and set a good example for our students. I hope our legislators will consider those same students as well when deciding whether or not it is time to change calendar legislation!"
Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the Wilkes County Schools Spelling Bee winners. The Wilkes County Schools Spelling Bee was held on January 23, 2024, in the Stone Center for Performing Arts. Fifteen students in grades 3-8 represented our school district. Our runner-up for the 23-24 school year was Jaden Chavez-Meza, a 7th grader from North Wilkes Middle School. Our spelling bee champion was Will Hefner, a 7th grader from Central Wilkes Middle School. His winning word was dreadlocks. Will has won the Wilkes County School spelling bee for three years in a row. Congratulations to both of our winners!
Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the Heart Hero Ambassador. Rogan Johnson has been named a Heart Hero Ambassador as part of the Kids Heart Challenge with the American Heart Association. Rogan is a third-grade student at Wilkesboro Elementary School. He was born with AVSD and Pulmonary Stenosis. At 10 months old, he had open heart surgery to repair the holes in his heart. In time, he will undergo another surgery to fix leaky valves. Rogan loves participating in the Kids Heart Challenge, helping raise awareness and funds for kids like himself. He hopes his story will inspire his classmates and community to give generously and also learn how to take care of their own health! WXII12 News visited Rogan at Wilkesboro Elementary on January 24, 2024, and did an interview for a spotlight they plan to do on the Kids Heart Challenge in the month of February.
Focus on the Curriculum was presented by Mrs. April Marr, Director of Student Services. Mrs. Marr presented a brief update and information regarding student services and some of the new programs being offered. Student Services staff help our schools meet the needs of the whole child.
Our school counselors support all students to be successful with a focus on academic achievement, career development, social-emotional development, and mental wellness. School counselors are uniquely trained to provide a broad array of prevention and early intervention education, counseling, and support services to all students.
School nurses assess health-related needs, provide for health care plans, and collaborate with school personnel and healthcare providers to promote student physical and mental wellness. Wilkes County Schools currently has twelve nurses, with each nurse serving two schools.
School social workers are uniquely trained to integrate the school, community, and family context into comprehensive support services, interventions, and resource referrals to remove barriers to student success.
A new program is the "ME" (Menstrual Equity) Project. This project is dedicated to helping individuals who struggle to afford to purchase products due to lack of income. Some female students have a lack of access to these products. This leads to students missing school and classes, which affects their instructional time. Wilkes County Schools was awarded a grant ($5,000.00) for the purchase of products to be placed in our schools. They can also provide underwear, leggings, etc. at no cost. Results have been positive and carts are needing to be refilled weekly. There have been fewer visits to the nurse's office for products and fewer students leaving class. Also, the NC Session Law 2023-78 (House Bill 605) states all schools must establish peer-to-peer student support programs. Local Boards of Education shall require peer-to-peer student support programs be established at all schools with grades six and higher and are encouraged to implement peer-to-peer student support programs as appropriate in other grades. WCS will coordinate and provide training for all students. The Center for Safer Schools will support school counselors in the administration and delivery of peer-to-peer student support programs.
Chairman Mr. Rudy Holbrook asked if anyone had signed up for Public Comments. Mrs. Sharron Huffman thanked Board Members for the process made at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School and addressed the 2024-2025 school calendar. Mrs. Teresa Ray from Roaring River provided information to the Board regarding her concerns on surveys being done in the schools. Mr. Francisco Hernandez shared information with the board on Scholastic Books/pamphlets that are provided.
On a motion by Mrs. Jolly, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the minutes for January 8, 2024, was 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)
Robin Billings – Teacher Assistant – Moravian Falls Elementary School
Retirement effective – March 1, 2024, with twenty-five years and one month of service
James Eller – Custodian – Moravian Falls Elementary School
Retirement effective – April 1, 2024, with eleven years and three months of service
Recommendation of Administrative Personnel
Shanda Adkins – Interim Principal – Moravian Falls Elementary School
Richard Cornette – Temporary Principal – Moravian Falls Elementary School
On a motion by Mrs. Jolly, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the following field trips were approved as presented. Planned dates are listed below.
| School | Group | Destination | Dates |
| Central Wilkes Middle School | Chorus |
Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC
|
04/17/2024 |
| East Wilkes High School | Ensemble, Madrigal, Piano Lab |
Nashville, NC
|
05/02/2024-05/03/2024 |
| East Wilkes High School |
Concert Band
|
Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC
|
03/09/2024 |
| East Wilkes High School | Chorus |
Mars Hill, NC
|
02/09/2024-02/10/2024 |
| East Wilkes Middle School | Chorus |
Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC
|
04/12/2024
|
| East Wilkes Middle School | Band |
Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC
|
03/30/2024
|
| North Wilkes High School | HOSA |
Greensboro, NC
|
04/03/2024-04/06/2024
|
| North Wilkes Middle School | Chorus |
Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC
|
04/13/2024
|
| West Wilkes High School | FIRST Robotics Team |
Asheville, NC
|
03/15/2024-03/17/2024
|
| West Wilkes High School | Blackhawk Chorus |
Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC
|
03/23/2024
|
| West Wilkes High School | FIRST Robotics Team |
Charlotte, NC
|
03/22/2024-03/24/2024
|
| West Wilkes High School | Swim Team |
Cary, NC
|
02/08/2024-02/09/2024
|
| Wilkes Central High School | HOSA |
Greensboro, NC
|
04/03/2024-04/06/2024
|
| Wilkes Central High School | Swim Team |
Cary, NC
|
02/08/2024-02/09/2024
|
| Wilkes Early College High School | 10th Grade |
Wilmington, NC
|
04/24/2024-04/26/2024
|
On a motion by Mrs. Caudill, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Erate bid for Network Switches was approved as presented. Seven bids were received. NWN's bid for network switching equipment was the lowest bid. After reviewing cost along with other factors, the bid from NWN is the most cost-effective solution ($91,480.01 with 7% tax included). Federal and state funding will support the purchase of this equipment.
On a motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the Erate bid for Wireless Access Points was approved as presented. Three bids were received. CDW-G's was the lowest bid ($38,884.78 with 7% tax included). After reviewing cost along with other factors, the bid from CDW-G is the most cost-effective solution. Federal and state funding will support the purchase of this equipment.
On a motion by Mr. Caudill, seconded by Mrs. Jolly and duly carried, the East Wilkes Softball Bathroom and Concession Stand Bid was approved as presented. Six contractors submitted a bid. Simcon Company was the low bidder with a bid of $298,463.00. Simcon was the contractor who constructed the ADMIT additions at North High, Wilkes Central, and West High in 2016.
On a motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar for Wilkes County Schools was approved as presented. This is a 164-student day academic calendar that meets statutory requirements. North Carolina general statute allows the start of school to be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26, 2024.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook made the following announcements:
- February 16, 2024 – Early Dismissal (Elementary 12:30 PM; Middle/High 1:00 PM)
- February 19, 2024 – Required Workday
Chairman Mr. Holbrook announced the next board meeting to be March 4, 2024. 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.
Upon a motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mrs. Caudill, the Wilkes County Board of Education voted unanimously to meet in closed session at 6:10 PM to consult with its attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(3)
On a motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mrs. Caudill, the Board of Education voted unanimously to end this closed session and return to open session at 6:24 PM.
Upon no further business, Mr. Walker made a motion to adjourn from open session, seconded by Mrs. Jolly and duly carried, the Board of Education ended open session at 6:26 PM.
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