April 8, 2024
The Board of Education of the Wilkes County Administrative Unit conducted a regular meeting in the Arnold and Becky Lakey Boardroom on Monday, April 8, 2024, 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 Mrs. Joan Caudill, Mrs. Jammie Jolly, and Mr. Kirk Walker. 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, 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 Student Services Mrs. April Marr, Director of Transportation Mr. Eric Barker, ESL Coordinator Mrs. Lori Holguin, Public Information Officer Mrs. Morgan Mathis, and Executive Administrative Assistant Mrs. Carolyn Triplett. Also in attendance were Mrs. Jennifer Sorel, Principal of Wilkes Early College High School, Dr. Heather Freeman, Principal of Wilkes Central High School, Mrs. Carol Cleary, Principal of Traphill Elementary School, Mr. Dustin Webb, Principal of East Wilkes High School, Mr. Ebenezer Lancerio, Principal of Central Wilkes Middle School, Mr. Scott Strickler, Principal in Watauga County Schools, and Dr. Donna Cotton, newly elected Board Member for Wilkes County Schools.
Chairman Mr. Randall "Rudy" Holbrook called the meeting to order.
On a motion by Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd, seconded by Mrs. Caudill, the agenda was amended to add the following items to Roman Numeral XI. Added were C. Athletic Demo at West Wilkes High School and D. Athletic Demo at North Wilkes High School.
On a motion by Mrs. Jolly, seconded by Mr. Kennedy 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 ask that every person in this room keep the friends and family of Asphyn Combs, our student from Millers Creek Elementary School who passed away last week, in your thoughts and prayers. Along those lines, please continue to remember the students and staff of Millers Creek Elementary School, who lost Asphyn, a former Child Nutrition employee, Mrs. Gladys Church, and a former Principal, Mrs. Rebecca Mastin, all since we were last together. Please keep all of these families in your thoughts as well."
"I would like to once again mention Mrs. Rebecca Mastin, who was here with us at our January meeting and passed away in the month of March. Mrs. Mastin made a difference in the lives of many students, teachers, and superintendents during her time with Wilkes County Schools, and I would like to thank her for that. She will be missed, but will always be remembered!"
"A lot has happened since we were last together just over a month ago. Mr. Kennedy has been elected to our Board of County Commissioners, and while you have done a lot for our schools during your time on this board, we will need you to continue to do more in your next role. Mrs. Caudill and Mr. Walker were re-elected to our Board of Education, and while our schools have accomplished great things while you have been on the board, I think even greater things will come in your next term. I believe Dr. Donna Cotton is with us tonight and she will be joining our board and again, helping ensure great things for our students and staff! Congratulations to you all, and thank you for taking on this responsibility! I was fortunate enough to attend a reception for our Board Attorney, Mr. Fred Johnson, who received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Mr. Johnson has practiced law for over 50 years, and I have encouraged him to write a book about his work. In our schools, we have had a grand opening at Mount Pleasant Elementary School, broken ground on multiple athletic facility upgrades, and hosted an outstanding Steam Expo at the North Wilkesboro Speedway for our middle school students. We've celebrated Easter, enjoyed a relaxing Spring Break, and even survived an eclipse! Now that we are back in school, we are all ready to end what has been a great school year on an even stronger note and continue to make sure that our students and staff end 2023-2024 the best that they possibly can!"
During the month of April, we have many people to celebrate, with National School Librarians Day being last Thursday and Assistant Principals Week being last week as well (I think it is appropriate that they have Spring Break during their recognition week, as they deserve some time off). We have Administrative Professional's Day on April 24th, and we need to make sure to thank each of them even if we can't talk them out of retiring! So many who do so much for us are to be recognized in April, and let's make sure to take a moment to let them know they are appreciated."
"In closing, I received an email today from Mr. Scott Strickler, who is a Principal in Watauga County Schools and is attending our board meeting tonight for an assignment in a doctoral class that he is taking. Mr. Strickler, I’m excited for you to be here tonight, as I am proud of what you will see from our students, our staff, and our board. We have special things going on in Wilkes County Schools, and I believe you will know that when you leave here tonight.”
Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the Elementary Quiz Bowl Winners. The Elementary Quiz Bowl Tournament was held on February 27, 2024. The 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 winner, Traphill Elementary School! The participants are listed below:
Sophia Berrier
Payton Billings
Daylon Finger
Abram Francis
Adrian Garcia
Ryan Hurst
Reagan Smith
Linkon Spicer
Coaches: Deanna Berrier and Christina Hurst
Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize the 2023-2024 CTE Grants for Agriculture. East Wilkes High School is the recipient of a North Carolina 2023-2024 CTE Grant for Agriculture from the North Carolina FFA Association. There were 88 applications received for the CTE Grants for Agriculture. Graylyn Bauguess, East Wilkes High School Agriculture Teacher, received $79,218.52 to purchase equipment for Ag Mechanics Shop Improvements.
Mr. Bauguess stated, "This funding will give students exposure to higher level learning skills with CNC processes and CAD software that will make them more qualified applicants in the job market. We maintain a good relationship with our community college welding instructor and feel that adding the Lincoln Electric Torchmate 4510 CNC plasma cutting table will help students connect their metal work to technology used in the 21st-century metal-working industry by giving them hands-on experience with the CAD program and CNC plasma cutting table, engraver, and pipe-cutter."
Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to announce the Foothills 2A and Northwest 1A Athletic Conference Recognitions. The Foothills 2A and Northwest 1A All-Conference teams were recently announced following the winter sports season. We are proud to recognize five coaches from Wilkes County Schools who were chosen as Coach of the Year.
Coach Carrie Vestal from East Wilkes High School was recognized as the Northwest 1A Women's Wrestling Coach of the Year.
Coach Matt Campbell from East Wilkes High School was recognized as the Northwest 1A Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.
Coach Jason Bowlin from North Wilkes High School was recognized as the Foothills 2A Men's Wrestling Coach of the Year.
Coach Steven Phillips from North Wilkes High School was recognized as the Foothills 2A Women's Basketball Coach of the Year. He was also recognized as District Coach of the Year.
Coach Colby Shell from Wilkes Central High School was recognized as the Foothills 2A Indoor Track Coach of the Year.
Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award. The DAR Good Citizen Award is presented annually by the Rendezvous Mountain Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to a senior at each public high school who exhibits the qualities of good citizenship in their home, school, and community. This award is to encourage and reward the student's dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.
Congratulations to the following students who were recognized as good citizens:
Kali Cook, East Wilkes High School
Lia Gonzalez, North Wilkes High School
Isaiah Lewczyk, West Wilkes High School
Aurora Higginbotham, Wilkes Central High School
Grayson Sebastian, Wilkes Early College High School
These seniors have the option to enter the Good Citizen Essay Contest, but it is not required. This year, three Good Citizens decided to enter the Good Citizen Essay Contest. The focus question they wrote about was, "What are the civic responsibilities of a good citizen and why are these duties, activities, and behaviors important to the shaping of the America you hope to experience?" The essays were judged at Wilkes Heritage Museum by three non-DAR members. The winner of this year's essay contest for Wilkes County was Isaiah Lewczyk from West Wilkes High School.
Superintendent Mr. D. Mark Byrd recognized Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent, to recognize Science Olympiad winners. The Central Wilkes Middle School Science Olympiad's Varsity team placed 1st in the regional tournament. The team will compete in the state Science Olympiad tournament in Raleigh on April 12-13, 2024.
The Science Olympiad tournament was comprised of academic and hands-on inquiry-based events that are aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study as well as the National Science Education Standards. The events focus on various disciplines of biology, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology.
Congratulations to our winning team! Members are listed below:
Ryleigh Arnold
Avery Call
Louis "LJ" Carque
Kenneth "Alin" Carroll
Autumn Carroll
Elijah Craig
Cormac Gebauer
Kaylee Gravley
Will Hefner
Luke Hege
Lila Hege
Rowan Rapoport
Easton Wages
Morgan Woodard
Julia Colglazier - Coach
Howard Weaver - Coach
Focus on the Curriculum was presented by Ms. Jennifer Blankenship, Director of Exceptional Children. Mrs. Blankenship shared updates and information regarding our Exceptional Children's program. This included the EC child count, current programs used in our school to support our exceptional children, and highlights from our Occupational Course of Study school enterprise program.
Each year we have seen an increase in EC student population. The state average (federal funding) per child is $1,514.35. The EC department is responsible for child find, completing evaluations, and serving students in the private setting. Children found eligible for EC services in the private setting are served through a Private School Services Plan (PSSP). The total number of students served in this program is 31 students to date.
The School-Based Enterprise Occupational Course of Study has been very successful. Each school pitches its business plan "Shark Tank" style to the EC Director to seek investment. This program allows students to gain knowledge in marketing, operation plans, financial costs, mission and vision for companies, along with roles and responsibilities.
Mrs. Blankenship shared the Special Olympics date which is scheduled for May 10, 2024, at Elkin High School.
Mr. Seth Prevette, Chief Finance Officer, presented a brief update on the 2024-2025 budget. ESSER funding is expiring in the near future and with that, the following areas will be affected: Parent & Family Engagement funds, Contracted Therapists, STAR screener, Social Worker, Two Nurses, Summer Career Accelerator, and Technology Security/Zoom. Discussions and decision-making have already begun to see what can be done in these areas. This year, the state is expecting anywhere from a 3-4% raise increase. At this time, we are unsure of the outcome.
Mr. Bergie Speaks, Director of Facilities and Construction, gave a brief update. Mr. Speaks went over the new renovations at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School and the construction of the new gym at Wilkes Central High School. At each of the high schools, we are beginning to start on the Athletic Renovations. Our plans are to finish with the HVAC systems at the elementary schools using the funding provided by ESSER funding which ends in September.
Chairman Mr. Rudy Holbrook asked if anyone had signed up for Public Comments. Mr. Gary Benesh spoke to members regarding concerns he had with the tracks at our high schools. Mrs. Sharilyn K. Owens spoke on the available learning resources.
On a motion by Mrs. Jolly, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the minutes for March 4, 2024, were approved as presented.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Personnel Report was approved as presented.
Resignation(s) and/or Retirement(s)
Toni Bryan – Teacher – Millers Creek Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 20 years and 8 months of service
Cindy Cooper – Teacher – East Wilkes High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 30 years and 4 months of service
Brenda Handy – Speech Language Pathologist – Ronda Clingman Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 29 years of service
Barbara Hawkins – Child Nutrition Assistant Manager – Boomer Ferguson Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 27 years and 5 months of service
Sabrina Norman – Digital Learning Facilitator – Technology Department
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 33 years of service
Deborah Diane Roberts – Child Nutrition Manager – Mount Pleasant Elementary School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 21 years and 2 months of service
Peggy Smithey – Custodian – North Wilkes Middle School
Retirement effective – June 1, 2024, with 20 years of service
Carolyn Triplett – Executive Administrative Assistant – Central Services
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 22 years and 8 months of service
Darryl Wagoner – Maintenance Worker – Maintenance Department
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 21 years and 4 months of service
Amanda Watkins – Child Nutrition Manager – East Wilkes High School
Retirement effective – July 1, 2024, with 22 years and 8 months of service
Promotion(s)
Ricky Pruitt – From Warehouse Assistant – Maintenance Department
To Warehouse Manager – Maintenance Department
On a motion by Mrs. Jolly, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the following Out-of-County/Overnight field trips were approved as presented. Planned dates are listed below.
| School | Group | Destination | Dates |
| North Wilkes High School | JV and Varsity Volleyball |
Spartanburg, SC
|
07/19/2024-07/20/2024 |
| North Wilkes Middle School | Prevention Team Club |
Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC
|
05/10/2024 |
| Wilkes Central High School |
Science Olympiad Team
|
Raleigh, NC
|
04/12/2024-04/13/2024 |
| West Wilkes High School | Skills USA Students |
Greensboro, NC
|
04/23/2024-04/25/2024 |
On a motion by Mrs. Caudill, seconded by Mr. Walker and duly carried, the Athletic Demo at West Wilkes High School was approved as presented. Proposals were received and opened publicly on April 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM by Mr. Randy Baker at the C. Wayne Bradburn Distribution Center, 212 School Bus Drive, N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659 for the demo of the end section (bathrooms) of the field house, relocating the visitor's bleachers, and taking up a portion of the tennis courts and fencing at West High School's football stadium. Three companies submitted bids - HM Kern Corporation, Simcon Company, and VPC Builders, Inc. Simcon Company was the low bidder with a bid of $224,500.00. Currently, Simcon is constructing the new bathroom and concessions addition at East Wilkes High School.
On a motion by Mrs. Jolly, seconded by Mrs. Caudill and duly carried, the Athletic Demo at North Wilkes High School was approved as presented. Proposals were received and opened publicly on April 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM by Mr. Randy Baker at the C. Wayne Bradburn Distribution Center, 212 School Bus Drive, N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659 for the demo of bleachers, tennis court fencing, and cooking shed at North Wilkes High School's football stadium. Three companies submitted bids - HM Kern Corporation, Simcon Company, and VPC Builders, Inc. Simcon Company was the low bidder with a bid of $115,890.00. Currently, Simcon is constructing the new bathroom and concessions addition at East Wilkes High School.
Discussion Item Board Policy 7622 (Salary Supplements) was presented by Mr. Seth Prevette, Chief Finance Officer. Over the past 10 years, we've had a few recurring questions related to Board Policy 7622. Each fall, we send an email about upcoming pay dates and we put reminders in an attempt to address those common questions. We still have instances where employees have a different perception than our standard practices. This revision will address the most frequently asked questions related to the policy in hopes of eliminating questions and confusion. As an example, some interpret the first sentence which references "the last regular payday prior to the Thanksgiving holidays" to mean the October payroll date. This revision will clarify it will be paid within days of the Thanksgiving holiday. This board policy will be brought back at the May board meeting for final approval.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook made the following announcements:
- May 1, 2024 – Early Dismissal (Elementary 12:30 PM; Middle/High 1:00 PM)
- May 2-3, 2024 – Optional Workdays
Mr. Randall "Rudy" Holbrook announced that Grayson Sebastian has been accepted to the United States Military Academy West Point.
Chairman Mr. Holbrook announced the next board meeting to be May 6, 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.
On a motion by Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Walker, with no further business, the Board of Education voted unanimously to adjourn at 6:51 PM.
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