Gaston County Schools Board of Education Monday, June 17, 2024 Meeting 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting MINUTES  The Gaston County Board of Education met in a regular session on Monday, June 17,2024 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rader Staff Development Center, 240 Eighth Avenue, Cramerton, NC. Those Board Members in attendance were: Chairman Jeff Ramsey, Vice Chairman Dot Cherry (via phone), Josh Crisp, Lee Dedmon (out), DotG Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw, Robbie Lovelace (out), Brent Moore (out), and Additional attendees include: Superintendent Dr. Morgen A. Houchard, Attorney Sonya McGraw, Associate. Superintendents Gary Hoskins and Tonya Kales, ChiefCommunications Officer' Todd Hagans,  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 Joe Bell of Eastside Church of the Nazarene, Gastonia led theinvocation.  Invocation  Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Adoption - Action  Superintendent Houchard led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board considered. Agenda Adoption - Action  Chairman Ramsey requested Scribbles! Services, LLCbea added to theagenda as a Consent Item. Motion to adopt the Agenda as revised was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mr. Josh Crisp; motion Motion to adopt the Agenda asa amended was made byl MrAMSephnslisones by Mr. Josh Crisp;  carried unanimously. (6-0)  motion carried unanimously. (6-0) Good News - Information (View PowerPoint)  Mr. Todd Hagans presented a PowerPoint on Good News.  Classroom Moment - Information  Chairman Ramsey recognized Ms. Shannon Hullett who introduced Ms. Robin Setzer and Ms. Katherine Wise. A PowerPoint was presented on LETRS and Summer Camp Celebrations.  (View PowerPoint)    Public Expression - Information No one signed up for Public Expression. Approval/Correction of Minutes - Action  Motion to adopt minutes of May 20, 2024 Regular Meeting as presented was made by Mr. Josh Crisp;  seconded by Mr. A.M.Stephens III; motion carried unanimously. (6-0)  Operations Committee Report - Information discussed at the most recent meeting.  Brent Moore is chairofthe committee. and members are Dot Cherry, Lee Dedmon and A.M. Stephens III. Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. A.M. Stephens III who provided as summary oft topics considered and  (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 who provided a summary of topics considered and  discussed at the most recent meeting.  (View report)  School Nutrition Annual Report- - Information  Chairman Ramsey recognized Mrs. Angela Calamia who presented a PowerPoint on the School  Nutrition Annual Report. (View PowerPoint)  School Nutrition 2024-2025 Formal Bids - Action  Chairman Ramsey recognized Mrs. Angela Calamia who asked the Board to consider approval of the  2024-2025 formal bids for the period beginning August - 1, 2024 -J July 31 2025.  Motion  The Motion was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by Mrs. Dot Guthrie that the Board A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (6-0)  Approve the 2024-2025 School Nutrition Formal Bids  2024-2025 Interim Budget - Action  Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. Gary Hoskins who gave an update on the 2024-2025 Interim Budget. The Motion was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by Mr. Josh Crisp that the Board Approve the 2024-2025 Interim Budget at the level of8 80% of the 2023-2024 Budget Av vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (6-0)  Motion    Consent Agenda - Action The Board considered the ConsentAgenda: A. Recommended Personnel B. BudgetAmendments & Budget' Transfers . Construction/Repair Change Orders D. Board Policy Updates E. Contracts --Managed Print Services --WAN Contract -Cellular Telephone Contract -VoIP Contract --SAN Expenditure --TA to Teacher Program Update  -Hunter Huss High School - Roof Replacement  -Federal Programs Proposed Budget for 2024-2025 - -Career and Technical Education Local Planning System Grant --Scribbles Services, LLC (added 6.17.24) Ms. Dot Cherry; motion carried. (6-0) uperintendents Comments  Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by  Superintendent Houchard thanked the Board for another year of hard work and dedication and for Superintendemtouchard thanked the Board for supporting thel leadership retreat last week at the NC Superintendent Houchard recognized the HR Team for hosting a successful retirement celebration night at the ball park. It was a wonderful night with over 100 participants attending. Superintendent. Houchard thanked the Communications: Team for all the: school promotions happening Superintendent Houchard thanked the Academics and Operations Team for a successful Superintendent Houchard announced that offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4 for the 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 Mr. A.M. Stephens Il; seconded by Mrs. Dot Guthrie;  supporting the superintendency and GCS employees. Center for the. Advancement ofTeachingi in Cullowhee, NC.  around Gaston County.  Commissioners School of Excellence and our summer enrichment camps.  Independence Day holiday.  318.11(a)(6) Personnel and N.C6SS1433B100) Consultation with Attorney.  motion carried unanimously. (6-0)  The Board went into Closed Session at 6:30 p.m.    The Board returned to Open Session at 6:58 p.m.  Motion  The Motion was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by Mr.A.M. Stephens III that the Board Approve renewal of teacher contracts as discussed in Closed Session Av vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (6-0) The Motion was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by Mrs. Dot Guthrie that the Board  Motion  Award a two-year Assistant Principal contract for the following:  Stephanie Crump Shanti Hinkle  Av vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (6-0)  Adjournment  All business having been conducted, Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Tod Kinlaw; seconded by  Mr. Josh Crisp motion carried unanimously. (6-0) The Board Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.  pproved  2h ah Morgen A. Houchard, Secretary  sey, Chairman Cerporate Seal) Date Approved: 4424    7/10/2024  Good News  from Gaston  County Schools  June 2024  Gaston County Schools  Congratulations.  Class of 20244  Awarded $28.3 million  in scholarships and grants  Gaston County Schools  1    7/10/2024  Outstanding Scholars  Frances llevbare  Riley Rouse  Jerome Butler  Gaston County Schools  Outstanding Scholars  Lydia Walls  Kendal Boone  Myla Hoover  Gaston County Schools  2    7/10/2024  Outstanding Scholars  Avery Davis  Jacob Logan  Dawson Tobin  Gaston County Schools  Outstanding Scholars  Aissatou Diouf  Naami Abbey  Samantha Narciso  Gaston County Schools  3    7/10/2024  Paul Fuller Scholarship Winners  Mya Rivers Highland  Jensine Vasquez North Gaston  Gaston County Schools  United Way of Gaston County  The Golden Eagle Award  Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year  Gaston County Schools  4    7/10/2024  Gaston County Jaycees  Caleb Hovis Cherryville High School  Gaston County Schools  Gaston County Jaycees  Angela Rimmer Bessemer City Primary School  Gaston County Schools  5    7/10/2024  State Runner-up in Soccer  South Point High School  Gaston County Schools  commissioners School  Gaston County Schools    7/10/2024  Commissioners School    Gaston County Schools  Thank You, Courage Kial  dh K  ThankYoul IW Qung  Gaston County Schools  7    7/10/2024  Good News  from Gaston  County Schools  June 2024  Gaston County Schools  8    7/10/2024  LETRS & Summer Camp.Celebrations  LETRS  Loxia CILETRS NORTH CAROLINA IAMA UTERACY CHAMPION  Gaston County Schools  1    7/10/2024  congratulatons lOs'year'slETRS  graduates 202/6  LETRS Data - Complefion Rate  LETRS Volumes Volume1 Volume 2  State 95% 79%  Gaston County Schools 99% 97%  2    7/10/2024  LETRS Data - Scores  LETRS Volumes Gaston County Schools  Pre to Post-test Average Growth 39% 25%  Average Overall Score  Volume1 Volume 2  94% 97%  Celebration  3    7/10/2024  RTA Summer Reading Camp Enrollment  Rising 3rd -4 455 Rising 4th - 419 Rising 5th - 101  Time to Read! 3) - 9b  2024 Summer Reading Camp Gaston County Schools Onspiring Success andafijetimee otcanning."  Building Teacher Capacity Professional Development  Aligned to evidence-based best practices outlined in LETRS Volumesland, 2.  New Word Routine, Comprehension Checklist; Transfer to Text, and Writing Checklist 77 Classroom teachers Dartcpatedinanal-da)  Over 98% of participants agreed or strongly agreedt thatt thes sessions wereh high quality, and over 98% agreed or strongly agreed thatt thist training positively impacted theira ability to accelerate students' literacy achievement.  training  8  4    7/10/2024  Evidence-based Literacy Instruction  Instructional Materials  Summer Reading Camp instructional materials were designed using templates, resources, and  strategies shared through LETRS.  Read  1s.  Shudeils Gilerk Uasiypalle Making Lagi njoying Reading  10  5    7/10/2024  Action Steps - 2024/2025 Administrative Training Student/mpact Sustainability  Thank You!  Lexia DJLETRS  NORTH CAROLINA IAMA LITERACYO CHAMPION  12  6    Gaston County Schools  Operations Committee Report - June 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 provided an insurance update. Inanefforttoreduce the financial impact from insurance costs to the District, we are evaluating a self-insurance option for workers Gary Hoskins provided an update on the 2024-2025 Interim Budgetwhich will be 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 later in the meeting.  2024.  Bessie Harvey provided updates on our: summer projects at various schools.  Beth Suber provided an update on employee staffing.  The Commitecireommemaing approval ofthe following contracts on 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-J 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 al PowerPoint on the Federal Programs Proposed Budget for 2024-2025. 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 for contracted 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.  high school.  services. Resources have been identified to use for the balance. held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. in the Board Room.    7/10/2024  Gaston County Schools School  Nutrition Report  Angela Calamia, MS, RD,LDN,SNS School Nutrition Director Gaston CountySchools  Presentation to the Board of Education  June 16, 2024  School Nutrition 2023-2024  First year with 40 Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Schools Daily Breakfast increased from 8,0001 to 10,500: served Daily Lunches increased from 18,500 to over 20,000served  Meal participation has increased:  Gaston County Schools  1    7/10/2024  Community Eligibility (CEP) Beginning 2024-25 School Year  45 Schools will be on the CEP program * W.A. Bess Elementary * McAdenville Elementary * Forestview High School * East Gaston High School * Stuart W. Cramer High School  The additional five Schools participating this year include:  Gaston County Schools  Benefits of CEP  No Application needed for families to be eligible for free meals at CEP  schools  All students eat free  Reduces the amount of student debt that the district must pay to School Eliminates the need for complimentary meals at these schools  Nutrition  Gaston County Schools  2    7/10/2024  Summer Feeding Program 2024  Serving Hot Meals for students Monday Thursday at Gaston County School Sites Providing Cold Meals for students Monday Friday at Community Camp Sites Providing bus delivery to some neighborhoods with limited access to meal sites. Non-Congregate feeding in rural areas in Cherryville locations.  Gaston County Schools  Summer Feeding 2024  16 Gaston County School Sites  Open through June 28, 2024 Breakfast and Lunch  Gaston County Schools  3    7/10/2024  Summer Feeding 2024  52 Community Sites Open Throughout the Summer Breakfast and Lunch  Gaston County Schools  School Nutrition Status Update The following highlights since our last report: Maintaining a positive fund balance Keeping Staffing levels adequate Farm Project at School Nutrition Building  Gaston County Schools  4    7/10/2024  Farm to School Project  Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners launched the garden and arel helping us to Has provided over 500 pounds of squash,zucchini, lettuce and tomatoes for salads All were used to serve in the school lunches for Gaston Countystudents  expandit  The garden has expanded this Spring 2024  Gaston County Schools  What is the School Nutrition Farm Project?  The school nutrition farm is a grassroots collaboration between Gaston County Schools and Gaston County Cooperative The School Nutrition Center is the only Central Kitchen Facility operated by a public school system in the state.  Extension.  Schools County shaping our future NC STATE EXTENSION  Gaston County Schools  5    7/10/2024  Gaston County School Nutrition Farm Project  Gaston County Schools  What are we currently doing?  Gaston County School Nutrition Center Garden is 0.6 acre growing space for vegetables that go directly into the school system's meal program.  Gaston County Schools  6    7/10/2024  Farm to School Project - Site Plan  LTTUCE  Gaston County Schools  NURSERY  GASTON COUNTYS SCHOOLI FARM COMPLEX 500F REIDSTREET LOWELL, NC2 28098  CENTER  7    7/10/2024  Our Plans to Expand  Hydroponic System  Greenhouse Space  Gaston County Schools  School Nutrition Community Outreach  Continued support of the Gaston County Head Start Pre-KP Program  Provided 300 breakfasts and lunches and snacks each day  Partnerships with Dairy Alliance and No Kid Hungry Year Round Partnerships with YMCA (not just summer feeding) ASPIRE Supper Programi in HH Beam, Pleasant Ridge, Lingerfeldt, Woodhill,  Pinewood  Gaston County Schools  8    7/10/2024  School Nutrition Looking Forward - 2024-2025 School Meals willl bet funded through the National School Breakfast  and National School Lunch Programs  Non CEP School Families will need to apply for Free or Reduced meals  Applications available after. July1,2024  Gaston County Schools  School Nutrition Looking Forward - 2024-2025  Projects and Goals for Fiscal Year 2024:  Increase in meal participation due to CEP Grow the Farmt to School Project USDA and Commodity Foods Management Recruit talented staff and provide essential training  Social Media and Marketing Advertise and promote use of online menu and App Engage students, families and the community- Advertise and promote meal applications  Gaston County Schools  9    7/10/2024  THANK YOU!  Gaston County Schools  1