ASHEBORO - At approximately 7:30 p.m., Chairman Michael B. Smith welcomed all in attendance for the Asheboro City Board of Education’s monthly meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Asheboro High School Cadet Col. Luke Hurley. After approving the agenda as presented, the meeting then moved into the Special Recognition and Presentations portion of the meeting.
Special Recognition and Presentations
Asheboro High School Assistant Principal Eric Gee and Advanced Placement Lead Teacher Misty Hildreth presented the School Spotlight which featured information about the school’s Pre-AP program which is available and encouraged for all students at Asheboro High School (AHS).
The next recognition was the Community Partner Spotlight which was awarded to Communities in Schools (CIS) of Randolph County for their support of the AHS school community. Through a new partnership with CIS, AHS is proud to have Success Coach Marquez Cassidy on staff as a resource for students at the school. Mr. Cassidy helps in serving the academic and behavioral needs of all students.
The Points of Pride report followed and highlighted:
Asheboro High School Student LIFT graduates.
Lindley Park Elementary School students for planting a tree in honor of Earth Day.
Donna Lee Loflin Elementary School students who engaged in project-based learning which involved a science experiment with decomposing pumpkins.
The McCrary Mustangs Lacrosse Club which visited Greensboro College for a lacrosse match and to meet with collegiate players.
The Special Olympics Send-Off event at South Asheboro Middle School on Tuesday, May 3.
The Asheboro High School Class of 2022 Cap and Gown Runway which occurred on Monday, April 25.
AHS teacher Wendy Graham who has been appointed to the College Board’s National Pre-AP Faculty.
Following Points of Pride, the district recognized two of the nine school-level Teachers of the Year including Ms. Kathleen Gee from Charles W. McCrary Elementary and Ms. Catherine Davis from North Asheboro Middle School.
ACS Beginning Teacher Coordinator, Ms. Chandra Manning, recognized the Asheboro City Schools Apple of Excellence First Year Teacher Ms. Donna Switzer, kindergarten teacher from Lindley Park Elementary School. Ms. Manning then recognized two students who were selected to participate in The Innovation Project (TIP) High Learning Accelerator program. Students included AHS ninth-grade student Tanush Sriram and 11th-grade student Daniel Maldonado.
Superintendent’s Report
Following Special Recognitions and Presentations, Dr. Aaron Woody, Superintendent delivered the Superintendent’s Report which included a recap of activities in the last several weeks. He shared about a visit to Mount Airy City Schools and attending the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. He also shared that he will be presenting the district’s budget request to the Randolph County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 31 and that planning is underway for college tours for rising seniors. He also reported that LETRS training is underway across the district. Dr. Woody concluded his report by discussing the work taking place to support the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.
Public Comments
There were no requests to address the Board.
Consent Agenda:
The Board then moved to unanimously approve the Consent Agenda which included minutes from the April Board of Education meeting. The Consent Agenda also included the approval of nine policies, personnel transactions, an overnight field trip request, bonus recommendations, two budget amendments (S-04 and F-04), approval of classroom and administrative furniture for AHS, and a contract for design build services for HVAC work through J. Brady Contracting.
Information, Reports, and Recommendations:
The Asheboro City Schools Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Team presented the 2022-2025 district AIG Plan. The key takeaway from their presentation is that moving forward, students may be identified through a number of ways from assessments to activities. The district has also hired a Talent Development Specialist, Wendy Copeland, who is helping to nurture K-2 students who may demonstrate giftedness.
ACS Executive Director of Human Resources, Carla Freemyer, presented seven board policies for a 30-day review. They will be listed on the “Board of Education Policies Under Review” website page until the June 2022 meeting.
The next presentation was delivered by Director of Facilities and Maintenance Chris Scott. He updated the Board on the Asheboro High School Phase III renovation.
The final informational item was a presentation given by Director of Innovation and Technology Anthony Woodyard on classroom technology districtwide. Mr. Woodyard noted he anticipates seeking approval from the Board at the June meeting for the purchase of approximately 400 interactive flat panels for classrooms throughout the district. The Request for Proposals window closes on Thursday, May 26.
Action Items
Following Information, Reports, and Recommendations, board members unanimously approved naming the Lindley Park Elementary School media center after the late 34-year Lindley Park legend Mrs. Marie Boone. The Board also unanimously approved to continue with masks optional until the June meeting.
Board Operations:
In Board Operations, Chairman Smith discussed a number of calendar events including:
AHS Academic Awards Night - May 25, 7 p.m. at the SAMS gymnasium
ACS Board Meeting - June 2, 7:30 p.m. at the NAMS auditorium
AHS Graduation - June 9, 7 p.m. at Lee J. Stone Stadium (weather permitting)
ACS Retirement and Service Awards Celebration - June 10, 8 a.m. at the SAMS gymnasium
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
The Asheboro City Board of Education will meet for their June meeting on Thursday, June 2, 2022 in the auditorium at North Asheboro Middle School. An agenda for the meeting will be posted by Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Should you have any questions, please contact Clerk to the Board, Angel Etheridge at 336-625-5104.
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