The Asheboro City Board of Education met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 13. Madam Chair Gidget Kidd called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board approved the meeting agenda.
Special Recognitions
The Asheboro City Board of Education recognized the Communities in Schools (CIS) of Randolph County as the spotlighted June Community Partner. Throughout the school year, Asheboro City Schools collaborates with CIS to provide mentoring opportunities and to host Reality Store for ninth-grade students at Asheboro High School. With support from a number of faith-based partners, CIS helps the district ensure students are not hungry over the weekend, during long breaks, or over the summer. The CIS Back Pack Pals program provides nutritional and kid-friendly foods for students when they are away from school. CIS’s Adventures Beyond the Classroom fund, established by the Leadership Randolph Class of 2009, provides students, who may not otherwise be able to afford the expense of field trips, scholarships to attend field trips far and wide.
The board spotlight was introduced by Balfour Elementary School Principal, Mr. Chris Tuft, and featured the Dual Language Immersion program. The Dual Language Immersion program is offered to rising kindergarten students. At this early age, students have a tremendous ability to understand and learn a language new languages. The ACS program uses a 50/50 model in which students learn in English and Spanish on a daily rotating basis. The program’s goal is for students to be bilingual and bi-literate, and gain an appreciation for multiculturalism.
Following the Community Partner and Board Spotlights, several staff awards were presented including:
• 2018-2019 ACS Instructional Assistant of the Year – Ms. Linda Bumpas
• 2018-2019 Classified Staff Member of the Year – Ms. Maricela Zepeda
• 2018-2019 Outstanding Elementary Math Teacher – Ms. Melissa McKeown
• 2019 North Carolina Educational Office Professional of the Year – Ms. Faye McLeod
The board then approved the Consent Agenda.
Information, Reports, and Recommendations
Dr. Drew Maerz, director of Testing and Accountability, shared five policies for 30-day review. All board policies under review are listed on the Asheboro City Schools website for feedback from the community for a 30-day period. If there is no feedback, the policies will be approved at the July 2019 board meeting. Following policies, Superintendent Dr. Terry Worrell presented an articulation agreement between Asheboro City Schools and Randolph Community College.
Action Items
Madam Chair Gidget Kidd, then shared the recommendation to be approved by the board for the interim superintendent while the board continues their search for next Asheboro City Schools superintendent. The board unanimously approved the appointment of Mrs. Carla Freemyer, executive director for Human Resources, to the role of interim superintendent effective July 1.
Mrs. Freemyer joined Asheboro City Schools in January 2001, under the leadership of Dr. Diane Frost. She served as the district’s Public Information Officer for 12 years, leading the district’s strategic communications, marketing initiatives, special event planning, media relations, and public information during that time.
In 2013, Freemyer was named the executive director of Human Resources and is currently in her seventh year serving in this role. She is described as kind, approachable, grounded, and fair, always carrying herself in the most professional manner.
“We are pleased to announce our interim as Mrs. Carla Freemyer. We are 100 percent confident in her abilities to lead the district as we continue the superintendent search,” said Madam Chair Kidd. Dr. Terry Worrell then swore in Freemyer as the interim superintendent.
Superintendent’s Report/Calendar of Events
Reports were shared on the district’s upcoming events and Points of Pride. Upcoming special events include:
• Summer Feeding
o Balfour Elementary School: June 10 – August 9 (Monday-Friday)
o Guy B. Teachey Elementary and South Asheboro Middle Schools: June 12 – June 27 (Monday- Thursday)
o ACS Food Truck: June 10 – August 9 (Monday – Friday)
? Coleridge Road Apartments: 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
? Franklin Village MHP: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
? Village at Stone Creek Apartments: 1 – 1:30 p.m.
? Memorial Pool: 1:45 – 2:15 p.m.
• Mike Mize Retirement Luncheon – Thursday, June 20, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Advanced Manufacturing Pathway (AMP) Camp – June 17-20
• Health Science Academy Pathway Camp – June 17-19
• Agriculture Pathways Camp – June 24-27
• Read to Achieve – July 8 – July 31 (Monday – Friday)
• Next Board of Education Meeting – Thursday, July 11 – Early Childhood Development Center – 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Worrell provided updates on the district’s strategic plan, summer learning opportunities, and recent professional development initiatives.
Board Operations
Following the Superintendent’s Report, Madam Chair Kidd, shared the following events:
• July 11 – Asheboro City Board of Education Meeting
• August 14 – Teachers and 10-month staff return to school
• August 26 – Students return to school
• 2019-2020 Board of Education Meeting Dates
Madam Chair Kidd recognized retiring Director of Facilities and Maintenance, Mr. Mize for his service and dedication to Asheboro City Schools in the past 24 years. In remembrance of the numerous construction projects under his direction, Kidd gave Mize an engraved brick picked from the most recent addition project at Asheboro High School. The $21 million addition to Asheboro High School is scheduled to be completed in May 2020.
Mrs. Kidd concluded the meeting by recognizing Dr. Terry Worrell, retiring superintendent from Asheboro City Schools. She said (to Worrell), “You have tirelessly given your time and resources to the students, staff, and families of Asheboro City Schools. While your accomplishments are many, your lasting legacy will be your determination and steadfast efforts to ensure all students receive the highest quality education and leave our district prepared to be productive global citizens.” Dr. Worrell will retire effective June 30.
There being no further business, Madam Chair Kidd adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m.
About Asheboro City Schools
Asheboro City Schools is a medium-sized school district in North Carolina, serving approximately 4,500 students at eight schools and one five-star Early Childhood Development Center. The district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens who are prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. For more information, visit the district’s website at http://www.asheboro.k12.nc.us/.