Gaston County Schools Board of Education Monday, May 20, 2024 Meeting 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting MINUTES  The Gaston County Board of Education meti in a regular session on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at Rader Staff Development Center, 240 Eighth Avenue, Cramerton, NC. Those Board Members in attendance were: Chairman Jeff Ramsey, Vice Chairman Dot Cherry, Josh Crisp, Lee Dedmon, Additional attendees include: Superintendent Dr. Morgen A. Houchard, Attorney Sonya McGraw, Assocatesaperinendents Gary Hoskinsa and Tonya Kales, ChierCommunications OfficerT Todd Hagans,  Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw, Robbie Lovelace, Brent Moore, and A.M. Stephens III.  ChietTechnology Officer. Aaron Slutsky and Board Clerk Dana Luoto.  Chairman Ramsey called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Pastor Chris Parker ofWalnut Grove Baptist Church, Dallas led thei invocation. Kaiden Blackwell, Grier Middle School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Invocation  Pledge ofAllegiance Agenda Adoption - Action  The Board considered Agenda Adoption - Action Ms. Dot Cherry; motion carried unanimously. (9-0)  Motion to adopt the Agenda as presented was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by  Good News - Information more than $250,000.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Dawson Tobin from South Point High School. Dawson has received an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. This scholarship is valued at  Mr. Tod Kinlaw presented a Certificate of Recognition to Dawson.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Mrs. Sandie Rudisill, Health and Physical Education instructional facilitator. Mrs. Rudisill was named the recipient of the Gaston County Health and Human Services Hero. Award forheroutstandings dedicationand. significant contributions tohealth education initiatives in Gaston County Schools. Ms. Rudisill exemplifies the qualities ofa a true Public Health Hero through her exemplaryleadershp, tireless dedication, and meaningful contributions tol health education in our  schools.  Chairman Jeff Ramsey presented a Certificate of Recognition plaque tol Mrs. Rudisill.    Mr. Todd Hagans announced the Blumey Awards will be held this weekend in Charlotte at the Belk Theatre. Wel have a number ofs students from Gaston County Schools thatare among the nominees for the Blumey Awards. Mr. Hagans recognized Eric Cathey, Highland School of Technology who performed the role of Sam Carmichael in the spring musical production of Mamma Mia! at Highland Chairman Jeff Ramsey and Mrs. Dot Guthrie congratulated Eric and pictures were taken (a Certificate Mr.' Todd Hagans recognized the Grier Middle Schools boys basketball team. Forthe fifth timei in school history, Grier completed a perfect 12-0 season and secured the Gaston County middle school boys basketball title. Under the leadership of Coach Alec Hudson, the team showcased exceptional talent and determination. This perfect season adds to Grier's legacy of success with previous unbeaten seasons and county championships in 2000, 2003, 2015, and 2017. The Knights also claimed county  School ofTechnology. Eric preformed al briefrendition ofa a verse from Mamma Mia!  of Recognition will be sent to Eric).  titles in 2013and 2014.  Mr. Lee Dedmon presented a Recognition Plaque to thel basketball team.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Rich Wills from Stuart W. Cramer High School. Last week, Rich claimed victory in the North Carolina High School. Athletic Association's 3A individual state golfchampionship at Longleaf Golf and Family Club in Southern Pines. Rich is the first golfer from Stuart W. Cramer to  win a state golf championship.  Chairman Jeff Ramsey presented a Certificate of Recognition to Rich.  Classroom Moment - Information  Chairman Ramsey recognized Dr. Sara Rector who presented a Classroom Moment video celebrating  the hard work of our teachers and students throughout the 2023-2024 school year.  Public Expression - Information No one signed up for Public Expression. Approva/Correction of Minutes - Action  Motion to adopt minutes of April 15, 2024 Regular Meeting and April 24, 2024 Joint BOE/BOC Meeting as presented was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; motion carried  unanimously. (9-0)  Operations Committee Report - Information  Brent Moore is chairofthe committee. and members are Dot Cherry, Leel Dedmon and A.M. Stephens III. Chairman Ramsey recognized Ms. Dot Cherry of the Operations Committee who provided a summary  oft topics considered and discussed att the most recent meeting.  (View report)  Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report - Information  Josh Crisp is chair of the committee and members are Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw and Robbie Lovelace. Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. Josh Crisp oft the Curriculum & Instruction Committee who provided  a summary oft topics considered and discussed at the most recent meeting.    (View report)  Human Resources Annual Report- Information  Chairman Ramsey recognized Beth Suber who presented a PowerPoint on Gaston County Schools  Human Resources Services. (View PowerPoint)  Board Policy Updates -1 Information  Chairman Ramsey recognized Attorney Sonya McGraw who reported recent changes require revisions to GCS policies. Staying current on board policies keeps us in alignment with North Carolina State Board of Education policies and NCI law. Draft policies will be posted on the GCS web page for review by the general public. This item will be on the June 17, 2024 Consent Agenda for approval.  Consent Agenda - Action The Board considered the Consent Agenda: A. Recommended Personnel B. Budget Amendments & Budget Transfers . Construction/Repair Change Orders  D. Exceptional Children's Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Grant E. Alternative School's Modified Accountability System - Warlick Academy F. Alternative School's Modified Accountability System - Webb Streets School  G. - Contracts  -Waste Removal Services  Landscaping and Lawn Care Services - Area 1 -Landscaping and Lawn Care Services - Area 2 -Landscaping and Lawn Care Services - Area 3 -Landscaping: and Lawn Care Services - Area 4 -Landscaping and Lawn Care Services - Area 5 -Landscaping and Lawn Care Services - Area 6 -Cramerton Middle School - Parking Lot Expansion -Lingerfeldt Elementary School - Life Safety -W.A. Bess Elementary School - Life Safety -W.C. Friday Middle School - Life Safety - -York Chester Middle School - Life Safety - -York Chester Middle School - Pavement Improvement --Pinewood Elementary School - Mural Easement -Facility ServicesFueling Area - Pavement Improvement -Academic Services Resources and Contract Services  Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by  Ms. Dot Cherry; motion carried. (8-1) Mr. Tod Kinlaw voted against  superintendents Comments  Superintendent Houchard thanked Dr. Cristi Bostic for her service with Gaston County Schools.  Dr. Bostic's last day with GCS with be mid-June.    Superintendent Houchard thanked Jack Brooks for serving as the interim for the Operations Superintendent Houchard introduced Bessie Harvey as the new Assistant Superintendent of Superintendent Houchard announced that graduation season for the Class of 2024 has started. Last Thursday, May 16, kicked off the two Early College graduation ceremonies. The Gaston Early College ofMedical Sciences celebrated its first graduating class with 12 seniors, and the Gaston Early College High School had 47 seniors. Many of the graduates received their high school diploma on Thursday, and they also earned an associate degree from Gaston College. Our next graduation ceremonies are Wednesday, May 22. The Gaston Virtual Academy ceremony is at 9:00a.m. at the Gastonia Conference Center; Webb Street School's graduation is at 11:30 a.m. in the school's gymnasium; and Warlick Aademysceremony is at 2:00 p.m.i in the school's gymnasium. On Friday, May 24, wel have graduation superintendent Houchard announced that the School Nutrition Employee Appreciation Dinner was Superintendent Houchard announced the Evening of Excellence ceremony to recognize outstanding educators and announce our "Oft the Year" winners for 2024-2025 was held earlier this month. It was an outstanding event, and we would like to express our appreciation to Truist for sponsoring the ceremony again this year. We also would like to thank to Gaston County Education Foundation and Superintendent Houchard announced that we are moving forward with partnering with the Urban Institute at UNC-Charlotte to work on gathering up-to-date information about such topics as demographics, population trends, and housing and business development in Gaston County. This information will be used in our strategic planning efforts as we look at growth and how to best meet Superintendent Houchard thanked all employees for their hard work to give us a strong finish. Superintendent Houchard announced that Memorial Day is Monday, May 27, and our schools and Chairman Ramsey asked the Board to consider going into Closed Session under, N.C.G.S.$143- Motion to go into Closed Session was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mrs. Robbie Lovelace;  Department. Operations.  for our 101 traditional high schools at 6:00 p.m. held on Wednesday, May 15 at Ray Nathans.  Courage Kia for their additional partnership support.  the demands of growth in our county.  Wednesday, May 22 is the last day of school.  central office buildings will be closed asi itisal holiday forall employees.  318.11(a)(6) Personnel and C6591453181100) Consultation with Attorney.  motion carried unanimously. (9-0)  The Board went into Closed Session at 6:42 p.m. The Board returned to Open Session at 7:40 p.m.    Motion  The Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mr. A.M. Stephens III that the Board Award a four-year Principal Renewal contract for the following:  Jada Owenby Kimberly Reese Bridgette Best Aimee Tolleson Joshua White Jessica Mellon April Conley Jessica Steiner Josh Allen Mitch Allen Torben Ross Bill Kessler  A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0) The Motion was made by Mr. Brent Moore; seconded by Mrs. Dot Guthrie that the Board  Motion  Award ai two-year Principal contract for the following:  Anna Miller William Winston Kelsey Elms Doug Doorley Taner Jarrett Allison Rhyne Kelli Glisan Miriam Harvey Amber Lawson  A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0) The Motion was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by Mr. Brent Moore that the Board  Motion  Award a four-year Assistant Principal contract for the following:  Amber Tuttle Deon Kennedy Mike Hewitt Lucy Huffstetler Janet Ramsey James Hilburn Chris Dixon Tangela Hinton    Tonya Correll Deidre Johnson Carmin Adams Jennifer Carper James Hilburn Gina Hille Andrew Howard Stephanie Moose Heather Parrish Pharaah Putman Nala Sadler-Sherrill Nicole Sparrow Laquesha Wilkins  A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0) The Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mrs. Dot Guthrie that the Board Award a two-year Assistant Principal contract for the following:  Motion  Caroline Boshamer Emily Morton Gloria Powell Alice Ballard Katherine Cochran Akera Patterson Waheebah al-Uqdah  A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0) The Motion was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III seconded by Mr. Leel Dedmon that the Board  Motion  Approve Central Office appointments for the following:  Susie Bradley - Director for Student Assignment Kelly Cunningham - ChiefAccountability Officer Bryan Denton - Executive Director for Secondary Instruction Kevin Doran Executive Director for Secondary Instruction Jamie Peoples - Director for Employee Relations Emily Poag - Director for Pre-kindergarten  A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried. (8-1) Mrs. Lovelace voted  against.    Adjournment  All business having been conducted, Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Lee Dedmon; seconded by  Mr. Josh Crisp motion carried unanimously. (9-0) The Board Meetinga adjourned at 7:46 p.m.  Approved:  Morgen A. Houchard,Secretary Bherl  Date Approved:  EB5  l7A02+    Gaston County Schools  Operations Committee Report-june3 3,2024  The Operations Committee met at the Rader Staff Development Center on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 8:30 am. The committee consists of Chairman Brent Moore, Lee Dedmon,  Dot Cherry, and A. M. Stephens III.  Our agenda and discussions included the following:  Gary Hoskins provided an update on the TA to Teacher Program. In 2022, the Board approved an initiative that would pay for the tuition of qualified teacher assistants to complete their college degree in order to complete their K-6 licensure. Additional funding amounting to approximately $360,000 for Gardner-Webb students and $100,000 for Belmont Abbey students is needed to complete the program. This item will appear on the Michael Nance providedaninsurance update. Inan effort to reduce the financial impactfrom insurance costs to the District, we are evaluating a self-insurance option for workers Gary Hoskins provided an update on the 2024-2025 Interim Budget which will bej presented Gary Hoskins provided an update on the current GCS installment pay program for ten and eleven month employees. The State ended their Installment pay program in 2021. The GCS Installment plan is not as advantageous to our employees as other options that are available to them. As a result, we will discontinue the installment pay program beginning in August  Consent Agenda.  compensation for next year.  as an Action Item lateri in the meeting.  2024.  Bessie Harvey provided updates on our: summer projects at various schools.  Beth Suber provided an update on employee staffing.  The Committee! isrecommendingapproal ofthe following contracts ont the Consent Agenda:  a. b. C. d. e. f.  Managed Print. Services WAN Contract Cellular Telephone Contract VoIP Contract  Hunter Huss High School Roof Replacement  SAN Expenditure (so long as expenditures come from TSS)  The Operations Committee will not meet in July. The next Operations Committee Meeting  will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. in the Board Room.    Gaston County Schools  Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report - June 3, 2024  The Curriculum & Instruction Committee met at the Rader Staff Development Center on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 11:33 a.m. The committee consists of Chairman Josh Crisp, Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw  and Robbie Lovelace.  Our agenda and discussions included the following:  Gary Hoskins provided an update on the TA to Teacher Program. In 2022, the Board approved an initiative that would pay for the tuition of qualified teacher assistants to complete their college degree in order to complete their K-6 licensure. Additional funding amounting to approximately $360,000 for Gardner-Webb students and $100,000 for Belmont Abbey students is needed to complete the program. Brett Buchanan presented a PowerPoint on the 2024-2025 Career & Technical Education Grant. Dr. Cynthia Reynolds presented a PowerPoint on the Federal Programs Proposed Budget for 2024- Dr. Rebekka Powers presented a PowerPoint on Gaston Flex. The F.L.E.X: Flexible Learning Environment for eXcellence is a dropout prevention program for students who are at-risk of not finishing Dr. Rebekka Powers reported the Board approved a contract in April 2021 for $4.2 million to hire contract nurses with Brightstar Care. The previously approved funding for this contract has been exhausted. Additional funds of approximately $152,000 is needed to satisfy the remaining balance due The Curriculum & Instruction Committee will not meet in July. The next C&I Committee Meeting will be  This item will appear on the Consent Agenda.  2025.  high school.  for contracted services. Resources have been identified to use for the balance.  held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:30 p.m. ini the Board Room.    Gaston CountySchools  Human Resources  Services  2024  Substitute Teachers  1,045 Total Substitutes in Oracle I Teacher Assistants - 321  497 Active Substitutes (Subbing Weekly)  Current daily fill rate as ofJanuary 2024  isapproximately 80%  Monthly Substitute Bonus - 5-9 Days-$ $125 10-14 Days - $250 15or more Days - $375    Student Teachers and Interns  18- 19 49 9  17-18 45 15 60 58  19-20 20-21 21-22 22-23 23-24  Student Teachers Interns Total  34 5 39  37 15 52  48 12 60  50 45 17 67  28 73  Student Teachers  22-23  50 Student Teachers Located in 27 GCSschools  23-24  45Student Teachers Located in 29 GCS Schools    IHE Partnerships  New York University Presbyterian College Queens University St.Andrews University Salem College  Appalachian State University Belmont Abbey College Cabarrus College of Health Capella University East Carolina University Fayetteville State University Gardner Webb University Gaston College Lees McRae University Lenoir Rhyne University Liberty University NCC Central University  University of NCa at Charlotte University of NCat Greensboro University of NC at Pembroke University of Phoenix University of South Carolina Walden University Western Carolina University Wingate University  Recruifing  CAREER CONSORIUNOE KETROLINA OLLEGES Shaw, Bennett, Johnson C.S Smith, Livingston, Pfeiffer, Saint Augustine, Lenoir Rhyne  WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY  GASTON COUNTY orkforce  GASTON COLLEGE  JohnsonC. University Smith  UNC  HARLOTTE  JOBFAIR CAROLINAS  ERL    GCS Job Fair  Decémber 9, 2022 O 29 attendees April28,2023 01 62 attendees November - 17, 2023 O. 121 attendees April16,2024 137attendees  PRCHT  Beginning Teachers by Category  2023-2024 School Year  534 Beginning Teachers  BT1s BT2s BT3s  121  274  139    First Year Teacher Hires (BT1s)  300  274  200  236  186  178  151  100  121  0  23-24  22-23  21-22  20-21 Year  19-20  18-19  Beginning Teacher Turnover  2022-2023 Beginning Teacher Turnover - 128  BT1s BT2s BT3s  18  71  39    Beginning Teacher Turnover  Top Four Reasons  Resigned - Career change  Resigned to teach in another NC public - school  Resigned - Dissatisfied with Teaching  Family Relocation  Teacher Attrition Rate - GCS  Gaston County 12.8 12.47  North Carolina  15  11.9 12.1  11.7 11.45  11.2 11.44  11.09 10.31  10  2018-19  2019-20  2020-21  2021-22  2022-23  12    Five Highest LEA Attrition Rates  2022-2023  Halifax County Schools Asheville City Schools Granville County Schools  North Carolina State Board of Education Districts  Piedmont-piad Nerthcentral Northeast  Northwest Nestern  Southwest  Sandhils  Sguthgast  13  International Teachers  60  57  40  38  20  25  10  2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024  International Teachers    Alfernatively Licensed Teachers  (Includes Emergency License and Permit to Teach).  100  90  75 84 50 25  83  69  68  70  57  2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024  Alternafively Licensed Teachers (Includes Residency LIcense only)  108  66  32  2021-2022  2022-2023  2023-2024    Retirees  Certified  Classified  Administrative  80 60 40 20 0  2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023  Year  Principals Years of Experience  0-3 Years  4-10 Years  11 or More 29  30  20  22  19  15  14  10  11  2023-2024  2018-2019  Year    National Board Certified Teachers  Elementary Schools 2023-2024  Belmont Central 2 WA Bess WB Beam Brookside Carr  McAdenville New Hope North Belmont Page Pinewood Pleasant Ridge Rankin 4 Robinson Sherwood Springfield Tryon 1 Woodhill  4  3 1  5  1  1 3  Bessemer City Primary 6  3 4  3 2 2  Catawba Heights 1 Chapel Grove 3  Cherryville Elementary 4 Gardner Park  National Board Certified Teachers  Secondary Schools 2023-2024  Belmont Middle 3  Ashbrook  4 Bessemer City High 3 Cherryville eHigh 1 Stuart Cramer East Gaston Forestview  Bessemer City Middle 1 Cramerton Middle 4 Gaston Virtual 2 Holbrook John Chavis Mount Holly 3 Southwest Stanley  4 5  1 4  Gaston Early College 1 Gaston Early Medical 3  Highland 8 Hunter Huss 1 North Gaston  2  20    HR Functions  Application Requisition Management  Employee Relations Employment Changes  Instructional Support/Classroom Observations  Internationall Teacher Interviews Licensure/Beginning Teacher Support  Program/Mentor  OT Training and Orientation Personnellnvestgations  PMST  HR Functions (Continued)  Pre Employment/Current Employee Screening  Retirement recognition Record Retention Recruitment Absence  0 Employment Verification  Retirement Counseling & Processing/Leave of  Student leacher/Intern Placements  Substitute Teachers    Questions  23