The Asheboro City Board of Education met for their regularly-scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 15. Chairman Michael Smith called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Board approved the meeting agenda.
Special Recognitions
During the Special Recognitions and Presentations segment, Public Information Officer Leigh Anna Marbert recognized the Community Partner of the Month and the Points of Pride report. This month, the district spotlighted Randolph Health, Prevo Drug, and Randolph County Public Health for their partnership in helping the district manage the COVID-19 global pandemic. Both Randolph Health and Prevo Drug partnered with the district to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for all interested ACS staff. Randolph County Public Health has helped district leadership and the School Nurse Team interpret and implement guidance passed down by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
The April Points of Pride report including information about:
- Asheboro High School’s National Honors Society induction ceremony;
- The Julia Ella Morgan Hardy Outstanding Mentor Award given to Family Engagement Specialist, Ms. Vanessa Brooks and Board Member,
Ms. Gwen Williams.
- School-level Teachers of the Year;
- And Child Abuse Prevention Month, Autism Awareness Month, Assistant Principals Week, and Earth Day.
To conclude Points of Pride, the district premiered the Asheboro City Schools Elementary Choral Festival virtual program. The video will be available on the district and elementary school social media pages.
Action Items
Following special recognitions, the Asheboro City Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda and then moved on to Action Items.
The Board approved the district’s plans for summer programming, including a six-week summer school option primarily for students at the most risk for falling behind in their grade level. Also approved was a resolution supporting local control of school calendars, which would allow the district more flexibility with scheduling. One of the primary reasons the Board is in favor of local control is so that the district may be able to better align with community college and university schedules, and so that students would be able to complete fall semester exams before leaving for the winter break. A number of actions were approved as it related to finance. The Board approved recommended spending of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds (ESSER II and III), and amendments to the project budget for Phase III of the Asheboro High School Construction project. The district again wishes to thank the Randolph County Commissioners for their generous support in funding the capital improvements, especially those at Asheboro High School.
Information Reports and Recommendations
Dr. Drew Maerz, Director of Testing and Accountability, shared 14 board policies for 30-day review.
Ms. Sarah Beth Robbins, Career and Technical Education administrator, shared findings of the recent Civil Rights Review conducted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Director of K-12 Curriculum, Ms. Deanna Wiles, and Beginning Teacher Coordinator Curriculum Specialist, Chandra Manning, led a presentation about the Science of Reading, a new research-based approach to teaching reading and literacy to young learners. Mr. Ed Keller, Director of Maintenance and Facilities, gave an update on the mobile campus taking shape on the campus of Asheboro High School. He also shared transition plans for teachers and students for the end of the 2021 school year. To conclude information reports, Charles W. McCrary Elementary School Principal, Ms. Julie Brady, and South Asheboro Middle School Principal, Mr. Ron Dixon provided feedback about the transition to Plan A in their schools. Overall, both reported very positive feelings from all stakeholders and a genuine appreciation for allowing students to re-enter in Plan A.
Superintendent’s Report
In the Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Woody shared information about the recent accreditation review that took place at Asheboro High School. While the full report has not yet been received, the review panel gave a glowing preliminary report at the conclusion on March 25.
Board Operations
Following the Superintendent’s Report, Chairman Smith shared a number of upcoming events including:
- AHS Senior Awards Night - May 27
- AHS Graduation - June 3
- ACS Retirement and Service Awards Celebration - June 4
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.