Gaston County Schools Board of Education Monday, August 19, 2024 Meeting 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting MINUTES  The Gaston County Board of Education met in a regular session on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room, 943 Osceola Street, Gastonia, NC. The meeting was live on Spectrum Cable Channel 21 and The Gaston County Board of Education YouTube page. 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, Associate Superintendents Gary Hoskins andTonya Kales, CherCommunications Officer Todd Hagans,  Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw, Robbie Lovelace, Brent Moore, and A.M. Stephens II.  ChiefTechnology Officer Aaron Slutsky and Board Clerk Dana Luoto.  Chairman Ramsey called the meeting to order at! 5:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone.  Invocation  Pastor, Michael Goins, Pastor of Life Church, led the invocation.  Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Adoption - Action  Adele St. Romain, New Hope Elementary student, led the Pledge of Allegiance.  The Board considered Agenda Adoption - Action  Motion to adopt the Agenda as presented was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by  Mr. A.M. Stephens III; motion carried unanimously. (9-0)  Good News - Information  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Adele St. Romain from New Hope Elementary. Every year, third-grade students participate in the Gaston Travel Tour educational program. Upon completing the program, the students are asked to write an essay about why they consider themselves the Proudest Kid in Gaston County.' In May, Adele was named The Proudest Kid in Gaston County." The essay contest is  sponsored by Gaston Together.  Ms. Dot Cherry presented a Certificate of Recognition to Adele.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized James Dover ofs South Point High School. James is one ofonly five Coolidge Scholars selected this year from a nationwide pool of more than 4,100 applicants. The Coolidge Scholarship is one of the country's most prestigious awards; it covers all tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study at the university of the recipient's choice. James participated in a rigorous five-month selection process that culminated in three days of in-person interviewsand academicassessments at the Coolidge Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, Vermont.  Mr. Tod Kinlaw presented a Certificate of Recognition to James.    Mr. Todd Hagans recognized the South Point High School tennis team for its historic achievement. In May, these student-athletes secured the school's first 3A dual-team state championship. As the #2seed in the Western Regional, South Point defeated North Gaston, Stuart W. Cramer, St. Stephens, North Buncombe, and Hickory, ultimately winning the title with a 5-3 victory over Fike High School. Mr. Tod Kinlaw presented a Certificate of Recognition to the South Point Tennis Team.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Valerie Yatko, the Director of Business Partnerships for Gaston County Schools, along with Andrea Stephens, the President of the United Way of Gaston County and Dr. Rodney Freeman, Chairman of the Executive Committee oft the United Way of Gaston County. This summer, Gaston County Schools was honored with the Golden Eagle Award from the United Way for achieving the highest fundraising total among all participating businesses and organizations. Our fundraising total for the 2023-2024 campaign was nearly $115,000. Mrs. Yatko was recognized as the Campaign Coordinator of the Year; however, she was unable to attend the awards luncheon. With us  tonight to help present the award to Mrs. Yatko are Mrs. Stephens and Dr. Freeman. Chairman Jeff Ramsey presented the United Way award to Mrs. Yatko.  Mr. Todd Hagans recognized the Gaston County Board of Education. We learned last week that the Board has, once again, earned the Gold Bell Award from the N.C. School Boards Association. The Gold Bell Award is given tolocal boards ofeducation: in North Carolina that complete "whole board training." This means that each Board member completed the professional development program that is offered through the state organization's Academy of School Boardsmanship. Our Board of Education has received this recognition many times before, and it goes to show the commitment this Board has to professional development and to our vision ofi inspiring success and al lifetime oflearning.  Public Expression - Information No one signed up for Public Expression. Approval/Correction of Minutes - Action by Mr. Josh Crisp; motion carried unanimously. (9-0) Operations Committee Report - Information  Motion to adopt minutes of June 17, 2024 as presented was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded  Brent Moore is chair oft the committee and members: are Dot Cherry, Lee Dedmon and A.M.Stephens III. Chairman Ramsey recognized Ms. Dot Cherry of the Operations Committee who provided a summary  oftopics considered and discussed at 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 of the Curriculum & Instruction Committee who provided  asummary oft topics considered and discussed at the most recent meeting.  (View report)    Annual Surplus Report - Information  Chairman Ramsey recognized Ms. Bessie Harvey who gave an update on the annual surplus sales report. During the 2023-2024 school year, we received $7,084.13 from the sale of nine (9) surplus  items.  Official Depository Designation - Action  Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. Gary Hoskins who presented a PowerPoint on Official Depository Designation. (Mr. A.M. Stephens III recused himself from voting due to being in the Finance industry.)  (View PowerPoint) Motion  The Motion was made by Mr. Lee Dedmon; seconded by Mr. Brent Moore that the Board Approve the Official Depositories for each Schoo/Department. Av vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carriedunanimously. (8-0)  Appointment of School Treasurers - Action  Chairman Ramsey recognized Mr. Gary Hoskins who presented a PowerPoint on Appointment of  School Treasurers. (View PowerPoint) Motion  The Motion was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon that the Board Av vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0)  Approve Treasurers for Each School.  2024-2025 Budget Update - Information  Chairman Ramsey recognizèd Mr. Gary Hoskins who presented a PowerPoint on the 2024-2025  Budget. (View PowerPoint) Consent Agenda - Action The Board considered the Consent Agenda: A. Recommended Personnel B. BudgetAmendments & Budget Transfers C. Construction/Repair Change Orders  D. Contracts  -DOJ COPS Hiring Program Award Extension --Grier Middle School - Network Equipment  --Stop Arm Cameras -Contract Transportation -Melmark, Inc.    Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by  Mrs. Dot Guthrie motion carried unanimously. (9-0)  Superintendent's Comments  Superintendent Houchard reported the first day of school was a success! Chairman Ramsey welcomed back students and teachers.  Chairman Ramsey wished himselfand Mr. Josh Crisp a Happy Birthday.  Closed Session  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 Mr. A.M. Stephens III;  318.11(a)(6) Personnel and N.CG5514331B1IQ0) Consultation with Attorney.  motion carried unanimously. (9-0)  The Board went into Closed Session at 6:15 p.m. The Board returned to Open Session at 6:52 p.m.  Motion  The Motion was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by Ms. Dot Cherry that the Board Award a two-year Assistant Principal contract for the following:  Anna Lineberger  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. BrentMoore that the Board  Motion  Award a two-year Principal contract for the following:  Sharon Potts  A vote was taken and motion to approve thei item as presented carriedunanimously. (9-0) The Motion was made by Mr. A.M. Stephens III; seconded by Ms. Dot Cherry that the Board  Motion  Award a four-year Principal contract for the following:  Caroline Black  A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (9-0)    Adjournment  All business having been conducted, Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Josh Crisp; seconded by  Mr. Lee Dedmon motion carried unanimously. (9-0) The Board Meetingadjourned at 6:54 p.m.  Approved:  V  M  a  BRANu  Jeffk K. Ranesèy, Chairman [Corpgrato'seal) Date Approved:  Morgén A. Houchard,Secretary  gle    Gaston County Schools  Operations Committee Report-September 9, 2024  The Operations Committee met at the Central Office Board Room on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 8:30 am. The committee consists of Chairman Brent Moore,  Lee Dedmon (absent), Dot Cherry, and A. M. Stephens III. Our agenda and discussions included the following:  Executive Director Beth Suber provided an update on employee staffing.  Assistant Superintendent Bessie Harvey provided an update on summer projects. She also  provided an update on the Emergency Radio project.  Associate Superintendent Gary Hoskins gave an update on the school bonds.  Mr. Hoskins also presented an update on the state budget. Mr. Hoskins will present the annual budget for this year at the October Operations Committee Meeting for information and for approval at the October Board of Education Meeting. We will make ongoing The Committee: ist recommendingapprova ofthe following contracts ont the Consent Agenda:  amendments and revisions to our budget, as needed.  --The Hunter Huss High School Cooling Tower Replacement  --GoGuardian Software -Contract Transportation  Assistant Superintendent Rebekka Powers provided an overview of Student Assignment, School Choice and Pathways. Board Members will provide feedback on the district's The committee was invited to join the Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting to hear an update on the 2023-2024 State Data Results which will alsobe presented later during this Discussion occurred concerning the meeting location for the November 4, 2024 committee The next Operations Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at  programs and services.  meeting.  meeting due to the Board Room being used as a voting location.  8:30 a.m. in the Central Office Board Room.    Gaston County Schools  Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report-September 9, 2024  The Curriculum & Instruction Committee met at the Central Office Board Room on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. The committee consists of Chairman Josh Crisp,  Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw and Robbie Lovelace. Our agenda and discussions included the following:  Executive Director Beth Suber provided an update on employee staffing.  Assistant Superintendent Bessie Harvey provided an update on our: summer projects. Associate Superintendent Tonya Kales reported that the Teacher Pathway Grant has been submitted and we will receive notification in December ifwe will receive a grant.  Michael Foust provided an update on the 2024-2025 the Local Testing Plan. This item is on  the Consent Agenda.  Tonya Kalesa and Kelly Cunningham provided an update on thez 2023-2024 State Data Results.  The information will be shared during the Regular Meeting.  Executive Directors reviewed the Principal Support' Tool and the K-12. Academic Pathway to  Academic Results handout.  Assistant Superintendent Rebekka Powers provided an overview of student assignment, school choice and pathways. Board Members will provide feedback on the district's  programs and services.  Discussion occurred concerning changing the start time of the committee meeting to noon beginning with the October meeting and moving forward. Discussion occurred concerning the meeting location for the November 4, 2024 committee meeting due to the Board Room  being used as a voting location.  The next Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting will be held on Monday,  October 7, 2024 at 12 noon in the Board Room.    8/21/2024  Official Depository Designation  Board of Education Meeting  August19,2024  Official Depository Designation  63 Schools and Offices 8 Official Depositories: Bank OZK Management Truist Bank First Horizon Fidelity Bank Investment  NC Capital PNC Bank South State Bank State Treasurer  1    8/21/2024  Appointment of School Treasurers  Board of Education Meeting  August19,2024  Appointment of School Treasurers  56 Schools 55 Positions Filled 1 Vacancy:  John Chavis Middle School  1    8/21/2024  2024-2025 Budget Update  Board of Education Meeting  August19,2024  State Budget Update  Acomprehensive State budget has not yet Senate Bill 332-A An Act to Make Changes to the Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2023 became law on July 8, 2024 This bill authorized intended State salary increases effective July 1, 2024  been approved  1    8/21/2024  Certified Salaries.  Yearsc of Monthlys Salary Monthlys Salary %Change Experience 2023-2024 2024-2025  0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15-24 25+  $3,900 $3,984 $4,085 $4,187 $4,289 $4,391 $4,481 $4,572 $4,662 $4,753 $4,843 $4,933 $5,024 $5,114 $5,205 $5,306 $5,510  $4,100 $4,175 $4,250 $4,325 $4,400 $4,475 $4,572 $4,663 $4,753 $4,844 $4,935 $5,025 $5,116 $5,206 $5,297 $5,388 $5,595  5.13% 4.79% 4.04% 3.30% 2.59% 1.91% 2.03% 1.99% 1.95% 1.91% 1.90% 1.86% 1.83% 1.80% 1.77% 1.55% 1.54% 3  Certified Teachers Salary increase ranging from 1.5% to! 5.1% on the "A" Teacher Salary Schedule Approved experience step increase  Certified Salaries, Certified "A'Teacher Salary Schedule Yearso of Monthly Salary Monthlys Salary %C Change  Experience 2023-2024 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15-24 25+  2024-2025 $4,100 $4,175 $4,250 $4,325 $4,400 $4,475 $4,572 $4,663 $4,753 $4,844 $4,935 $5,025 $5,116 $5,206 $5,297 $5,388 $5,595  $3,900 $3,984 $4,085 $4,187 $4,289 $4,391 $4,481 $4,572 $4,662 $4,753 $4,843 $4,933 $5,024 $5,114 $5,205 $5,306 $5,510  5.13% 4.79% 4.04% 3.30% 2.59% 1.91% 2.03% 1.99% 1.95% 1.91% 1.90% 1.86% 1.83% 1.80% 1.77% 1.55% 1.54%  4.06%  2    8/21/2024  Certified Salaries.  Certified Employees  No advanced degree supplement Continue supplemental funds for teachers School Counselor supplement-S100/month Psychologist/speech pathologist supplement $350/month Bonuses for AP courses, CTE and grades 3-5reading and grades 4-8 math  State Budget  Salary Increases Principals = of 3% included in  FY2024-25 Principal Salary Schedule Base  ADM 201-400 $81,681 701-1,000 $89,461 1,600 1,601+ $97,239  Met $85,570 $93,350 $89,849 $98,017 $94,128 $98,406 $102,685 $112,020 $106,963 $116,687  Exceeded $102,685 $107,353  Salary increase 0-200 $77,792 Pre-K Students 401-700 $85,570 ADM this year 1,001- $93,350  3    8/21/2024  State Budget  Salary Increases  Principals - Performance School Growths % 23-24  bonus based on their student growth scores for 2023-2024 Payable by October 31, 2024 Not subject to Retirement  Top5 5% Top 10% Top1 15% Top2 20% Top5 50%  $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000  State Budget  Salary Increases  Assistant Principals = Remain at 19% of "A" Teacher Salary Schedule - increase would be 1.5% - 5.1% plus the experience step Classified (hourly) employees: 3% Central Office employees: 3%  Bus Drivers: 3%  4    8/21/2024  State Budget  Other Items 3.9% to 24.04% to $8,095 per year  Retirement contribution rate decreased by Health insurance premiums increased by 7.1% Out-of-State teacher license reciprocity for teachers with 3 years experience DPI funding in arrears beginning this year  State Budget  Other Items  ECf funding cap of 13% (no change) Directs DPI to develop a weighted funding model for future EC services Reduced At Risk allotment by $7 million and replaced by a grant program AIG funding cap of 4% (no change)  10  5    8/21/2024  THANK  YOU  6