Gaston County Schools Board of Education Monday, May 19 2025 Meeting 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting MINOTES The Gaston County Board of Education met in a regular session on Monday, May 19, 2025 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 Josh Crisp, Vice Chairman Dot Cherry, Lee Dedmon, Tod Kinlaw, Robbie Lovelace, Brent Moore (absent), Jeff Ramsey, Janna Smith and A.M. Stephens III (absent). Additional attendees include: Superintendent Dr. Morgen A. Houchard, Attorney Sonya McGraw, Asocatesuperntendents Gary Hoskins and Tonya Kales, Chief Communications Officer Todd Hagans, ChiefTechnology Officer Curtis Poplin and Board Clerk Dana Luoto. Chairman Crisp called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Invocation Pastor Tripp Hord from First United Methodist Church of Bessemer City led the invocation. Character Trait Britney Briceno Velez, Lowell Elementary School, reported on the Character Trait of Self Discipline. Pledge of Allegiance Lilianna Johnson, Declan Lewis and Zayanna Crawford, Bessemer City Middle School led the Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda Adoption - Action The Board considered Agenda Adoption = Action Chairman Josh Crisp requested that the Driver Education item be pulled from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda for further discussion. This will now become item XIII on the agenda. Mrs. Robbie Lovelace requested that the Substitute Staff Placement Services - ESS Southeast, LLC item be pulled from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda for further discussion. This will now become item XIV on the agenda. Motion to adopt the Agenda as amended was made by Mr. Lee Dedmon; seconded by Ms. Dot Cherry; motion carried unanimously. (7-0) Good News - Information Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Roy Powers from Cherryville High School. Roy has received a prestigious appointment to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Roy is one of approximately 280 appointees selected from a pool of about 1,700 applicants. An appointment to the Academyis equivalent of a $300,000 scholarship over a four-year period. Mrs. Robbie Lovelace presented Roy with a Certificate of Recognition. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized students who were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress in the Blumey Awards. The Blumeys is a program that recognizes excellence in high school theater arts in the greater Charlotte area. Ashbrook High School Jahlani Young who played Patrick Starin The SpongeBob Musical Andrea Velazquez who played SpongeBob SquarePants in The SpongeBob Musical Highland School ofTechnology Jayce Walsh who played Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Lynn Mercado who portrayed Mitch Mahoney and Dan Schwarz in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee North Gaston High School Trenton Taylor-Bolen who played Damian Hubbard in Means Girls: High School Version Bailey Griggs who took on the role of Regina George in Means Girls: High School Version Mrs. Janna Smith presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Officer Jamie Burr School Resource Officer at Forestview High School who was named the Officer ofthe Quarter by the Gaston County Police Department. Officer Burr goes above and beyond to support the students and staff at Forestview, both during the school day and after hours. He has earned the respect of administrators, staff, and students by building strong relationships and working hard to keep the campus safe. Dot Cherry presented a Recognition Plaque to Officer Burr. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized Christelle Corpin from Stuart Cramer High School. Ms. Corpin has been named the EPI (Educational Partners International) Teacher of the Year for North Carolina and she was also honored with the Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy Scholar Award for her outstanding leadership and service to the Stuart W. Cramer High School community. Ms. Dot Cherry presented a Recognition Plaque to Ms. Corpin. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized the Stuart W. Cramer High School Battle of the Books team Ellory Lamp, Kayla Matthews, Lizzy- -Jane Ross, Ann Sproul, Piper Summey, Molly Sutphin, Bhadra Vineetha and their coach and school library media coordinator, Vanessa Griffith. Team members are encouraged, but not required, to read all 16 selected books, which include both fiction and nonfiction and total more than 5,225 pages. These students won the local Battle ofthe Books competition, went on to win the regional contest, and finished third in the state competition. Mr. Jeff Ramsey presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized the Stuart W. Cramer High School boys' first ever state championship golf team Lane Crotts, Aiden Vargosko, Britton Steede, Drew Mercer, lan Irish, Trip Stacey, Luke Stephens, head coach Ben McMillan and assistant coach Matthew Jackson. Last week, at Gates Four Golf and Country Club in Fayetteville, Stuart W. Cramer captured its first North Carolina High School Athletic Association Boys' Golf Championship and the school's first team title by defeating two-time defending champion Terry Sanford. Mr. Jeff Ramsey presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized James Dover and Rex Dover from South Point High School. On Saturday, May 10, the Dover brothers made school history by winning the 3A boys' doubles tennis state championship. They defeated the doubles team from East Lincoln High School with a final score of 6- 3, 6-2. Mr. Tod Kinlaw presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized the South Point High School boys' tennis team James Dover, Rex Dover, Brandon Cunningham, Tyler Cunningham, Caleb Dellinger, Asher Dover, Spencer Hollifield, Austin Kellogg, Justin Koehler, Andrew Langley, Samuel Morgan, Shiv Patel, Shin Roh, and Griffin Williams. South Point High School has repeated as the 3A Dual Team State Champions in boys' tennis. The championship came down to the final doubles match at the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A Boys Dual Team Tennis State Championship, held at the Burlington Tennis Center. Mr. Tod Kinlaw presented a Certificate of Recognition to each student. Mr. Todd Hagans recognized our school athletic directors and Chad Duncan our County Athletic Director. These are the people working behind the scenes to make our athletic programs successful. Athletic directors are the heart of school sports. They run the entire athletic program, hire coaches, build game schedules, and make sure every sport follows the rules. They also manage budgets, care for athletic facilities, and help build school spirit through sports. Chairman Crisp presented a Recognition Plaque to the group. Classroom Moment - Information Chairman Crisp recognized Dr. Bryan Denton and Kevin Doran, Executive Directors who presented a PowerPoint on Graduation Celebrations. (View PowerPoint) Public Expression - Information Martha Stowe 3132 Channel View Belmont, NC 28012 RE: Theater Programs and Funding Approval/Correction of Minutes - Action Motion to adopt minutes of April 1, 2025 (Joint BOE/BOC Meeting) and April 14, 2025 (Regular Meeting) as presented was made by Mrs. Janna Smith; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon; motion carried unanimously. (7-0) Operations Committee Report - Information Brent Moore is chair of the committee and members are Dot Cherry, Lee Dedmon and Tod Kinlaw. Chairman Crisp recognized Ms. Dot Cherry who provided a summary oftopics considered and discussed at the most recent meeting. (View Report) Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report = Information Jeff Ramsey is chair of the committee and members are Robbie Lovelace, Janna Smith and A.M. Stephens III. Chairman Crisp recognized Mrs. Janna Smith who provided a summary of topics considered and discussed at the most recent meeting. (View Report) School Nutrition Annual Report - Information Chairman Crisp recognized Mrs. Angela Calamia, School Nutrition Director, who presented a PowerPoint on the School Nutrition Annual Report. (View PowerPoint) School Nutrition Formal Bids 2025-2026 - Action Chairman Crisp recognized Mrs. Angela Calamia who asked the Board to considerapproval ofthe 2025- 2026 formal bids for the period beginning August 1, 2025 - July 31 2026. Motion The Motion was made by Mr. Jeff Ramsey; seconded by Mrs. Janna Smith that the Board Approve the 2025-2026 School Nutrition Formal Bids A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (7-0) Driver Education (Removed from Consent Agenda for discussion) - Action Discussion occurred concerning the North Carolina Driving School. Motion The Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mr. Jeff Ramsey that the Board Approve the Driver Education Contract A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (6-1) Chairman Crisp voted against. Substitute Staff Placement Services ESS Southeast, LLC - (Removed from Consent Agenda for discussion) = Action Discussion occurred concerning the Substitute Staff Placement Services. Motion The Motion was made by Mr. Ramsey; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon that the Board Approve the Substitute Placement Services ESS Southeast, LLC Contract A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (5-2) Chairman Crisp, Ms. Dot Cherry, Mr. Lee Dedmon, Mr. Jeff Ramsey and Mrs. Janna Smith voted for. Mr. Tod Kinlaw and Mrs. Robbie Lovelace voted against. Consent Agenda - Action The Board considered the Consent Agenda: A. Recommended Personnel B. Budget Amendments & Budget Transfers C. Construction/Repar Change Orders D. Armstrong Property Purchase E. Contracts Replacement of AX JACE Controllers Grier Middle School Graphics Educator's Handbook (K-12) Federal Programs Proposed Budget for 2025-2026 -Annual Engagement Letter with Independent Auditors Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented was made by Mrs. Janna Smith; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon motion carried unanimously. (7-0) Superintendents Comments Superintendent Houchard announced that the end of the 2024-2025 school year is almost here. Wednesday, May 21, is the last day of school for students. We want to thank everyone in the Gaston County Schools family for giving us a productive and successful year, and we hope everyone enjoys their summer break. Wednesday, August 13 - the first day of school for students = will be here before we knowit. Superintendent Houchard announced that our graduation season for the Class of 2025 begins tomorrow. We have two ceremonies on Tuesday in the Myers Center at Gaston College. The Gaston Early College High School graduation ceremony is at 3:00 p.m., followed by Gaston Early College High School of Medical Sciences ceremony at 6:00 p.m. We have three graduations on Wednesday - Gaston Virtual Academy at 9:00 a.m., Webb Street School at 11:00 a.m. and Warlick Academy at 2:00 p.m. On Friday evening, May 23, at 6:00 p.m., we will celebrate the Class of 2025 from ten of our traditional high schools with graduation ceremonies. Superintendent Houchard announced that earlier this month we held our Evening of Excellence Ceremony to recognize outstanding educators and announced our "Of the Year" winners for 2025- 2026. Superintendent Houchard reminded everyone that Memorial Day is Monday, May 26, and our schools and central office buildings will be closed as it is a holiday for all employees. Superintendent Houchard announced that we will implement our summer work schedule beginning Monday, June 2. Our schools and central department offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and closed on Friday. The summer schedule will continue through Friday, August 1. Closed Session Chairman Crisp asked the Board to consider going into Closed Session under, N.C.G.S. $143- 318.11(a)(3) Consultation with Attorney, N.C.G.S. $143-318.11(a)(5) Real Property and N.C.G.S. $143- 318.11(a)(6) Personnel. Motion to go into Closed Session was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mrs. Janna Smith; motion carried unanimously. (7-0) The Board went into Closed Session at 7:10 p.m. The Board returned to Open Session at 7:39 p.m. Motion The Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mrs. Janna Smith that the Board Award a two-year Assistant Principal contracts for the following: Holly Adams Elizabeth Akins Whitney Hill Sydney McDaniel Leah Somers Monica Sherer A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (7-0) The Motion was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon that the Board Award a two-year Principal contracts for the following: Kathleen D'Avria jenniferlancaster Tonya Morris -Lauren Stefaniak A vote was taken and motion to approve the item as presented carried unanimously. (7-0) Superintendent Houchard announced the following Principal placements: Kathleen D'Avria -Assigned to Southwest Middle School. Jennifer Lancaster -Assigned to Kiser Elementary School. Tonya Morris - Assigned to Robinson Elementary. William Winston - Assigned to Holbrook Middle School. Lauren Stefaniak - Assigned to Carr Elementary. Adjournment All business having been conducted, Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Lee Dedmon; seconded by Mr. Jeff Ramsey motion carried unanimously. (7-0) The Board Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m. Approved: 5 Mh Josh Crisp, Chairman Morgen A. Houchard, Secretary ACorporate Seal] Date Approved: lduelzozs 5/28/2025 sgorous Classroom Moment onm e a Graduation Celebrations Class of 2025 HH CST a Class of 2025 441505 AAT N e aH He 1 Ha: 1 5/28/2025 Graduation Celebration Video Sclassroom Moment class of 2025 Class of 2025 More than 2,000 students will graduate this week. After graduation, the Class of 2025 will Attend colleges across the country Enlist in all oranches of the military Join the workforce 2 5/28/2025 Class of 2025 These pathways are available due to Ouistanding educators our students had along the way Millions of dollars in scholarship awards Strong GCS partnerships with ousiness, industry, and the military Families and friends who supported our students From August 2012... L Mm Oo Pp O * Ss TE Uu w aBb ca GgHir KK LI Mm a n O0P TE - e 3 5/28/2025 From August 2012... - X - Vy Z7 & - To May 2025 - 7A 4 5/28/2025 To May 2025 1 6 - 1 T4 GIRL 1 - 5Y CAREER & TECHMICAL EDuCATON 1t ..To May 2025 PAVEVLPOD 23EETAV,SXXOP4 a INGERFELDT EPARYSCH BP 4 - T Are E) 5 5/28/2025 Congratulations & Best Wishes Class of 2025 6 Gaston County Schools Operations Committee Report = May 5, 2025 The Operations Committee met at the Central Office Board Room on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. The committee consists of Chairman Brent Moore, Dot Cherry, Lee Dedmon and Tod Kinlaw. Our agenda discussions included the following: Budget Update The total increase in our local budget request from the County for FY 2025-2026 is $4.5 million. The County will hold a work session meeting on May 13, 2025 and a budget presentation will be presented by the County Manager. The County's regular meeting is scheduled for May 27 when the Commissioners will vote on their budget. At this time, the State budget has not been finalized for next year. Infinite Campus We are continuing to transition from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus for our student information system. This transition is a State driven mandate. Meetings are almost completed with all departments who use PowerSchool to prepare for the conversion to Infinite Campus with DPI's support. Data Managers monthly support meetings are scheduled for May 7-9. Media Center Update Highlights were presented about our school media centers. A community member presented a picture book to every elementary school. The carpet is in place at the new Grier Middle School and the space is incredible. Books have been ordered for the library. Warlick Academy now has a library and books for grades 6-12 are on the shelves. -Grier Middle School Allowances Due to a higher than anticipated increase in costs associated with rock excavation and the emergency responder system, we are recommending an additional $500,000 of allowances for Phase 2. These funds will come from the bond proceeds. This is on the Consent Agenda included in the Change Orders. Armstrong Property Purchase Due diligence is complete and no disqualifying issues were found. We recommend approval to purchase this property for $1.5 Million pending approval of the purchase price by the County Commissioners. The funding will come from the bond proceeds. This item is on the Consent Agenda. School Bond Update On April 22, 2025, the County Commissioners appropriated $110 million in school bonds. This is the final installment of the $250 million bond offering. The County also appropriated $4.2 million in interest from the $80 million bonds. In addition, the following items were discussed by the Committee and recommended for approval on the Consent Agenda: -Replacement of AX JACE Controllers - Facility Systems Services Grier Middle School Graphics - Nu-Idea Substitute Staff Placement Services - ESS Southeast, LLC Annual Engagement Letter with Independent Auditors Forvis Mazars, LLP These contracts are on the Consent Agenda and come as recommendation from the Committee for approval. Other Business and Discussion -An update was given on student transfers. Students requesting a transfer into a school that is already at capacity will go on a wait list. The next Operations Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, June 2 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Central Office Board Room. Gaston County Schools Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report = May 5, 2025 The Curriculum & Instruction Committee met at the Central Office Board Room on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. The Committee consists ofChairman Jeff Ramsey, Robbie Lovelace (absent), Janna Smith and A.M. Stephens III. Our agenda discussions included the following: -Driver Education Due to a significant rise in operational costs, North Carolina Driving School is requesting an increase in their pricing structure to ensure the continued delivery of past standards of education safety for the 2025-2026 school year. ***[ Post Meeting Note - Staff was able to negotiate a $10 per student increase for this year which the District will absorb. The price will remain the same for students. This matter is on the Consent Agenda and is recommended for approval by the Committee. Student Transfers Students requesting a transfer into a school that is closed to transfers due to capacity constraints, will be placed on a wait list. Substitute Staff Placement Services - ESS Southeast, LLC ESS Southeast, LLC. is a third party group that will find and place substitute teachers in schools. Substitutes will be contracted employees for this provider and be eligible for benefits. This will take a tremendous burden off of building Administrators and teachers and allow them to focus on teaching and learning in the classroom. The initial commitment is for one year to see ifthis proves successful. This item is on the Consent Agenda for approval. Advanced Teacher Roles and Instructional Coach Positions - Updates Mrs. Jonnecia Alford-Simmons is the new Advanced Teacher and Instructional Coach Director. This position is included in the State Grant. Candidates are being interviewed with a goal of having positions filled by the end of May. 2025-2026 Career and College Promise (CCP) Books and Fees Plan Beginning fall 2025, students will be eligible for reimbursement for books when they successfully complete a course with a final grade of C or higher. College fees will continue to be paid for. There will be a process in place for students who need financial assistance with purchasing books. A Parent notification letter is being developed. .The Committee reviewed the Federal Programs proposed budget for Title I, II, III and IV. The Federal Grant Application is on the Consent Agenda and comes by recommendation of the Committee. -Data Pathway Deep Dive. -Information was presented on K-12 Pathways with a focus on Grades 3-5 Math The following items are on the Consent Agenda for approval: Educator's Handbook Federal Grant Application The next Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, June 2 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Central Office Board Room. 5/28/2025 School Nutrition Report Angela Calamia, MS, RD, LDN, SNS School Nutrition Director Board of Education May 19, 2025 - Lsor Schools County School Nutrition Programs & Participation National School Breakfast and Lunch Program After School Snack Program Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Supper Program Summer Feeding Programs Daily Breakfast 10,500 served Daily Lunches 20,500 served 1 5/28/2025 Community Eligibility Provision Status 45 schools participating No Application needed for families to be eligible for free meals at Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools All students eat free Reduces the amount of student debt that the district must pay to School Nutrition Eliminates the need for complimentary meals at these schools Summer Feeding 9 School Sites Operating June 2-26 2025 Hot Breakfast and Lunch 2 5/28/2025 Summer Feeding Six Community Sites Cherryville, Dallas and Lowell Meal Bundles containing 7 days of Breakfast and Lunch to take home Summer Feeding 50-60 Camp Sites Bagged Breakfast and Lunches Daily 3 5/28/2025 2024-2025 Highlights Maintained a positive fund balance Maintained Staffing levels adequate Continue to expand our Farm What is the School Nutrition Farm The school nutrition farm is a grassroots Ltoy COllaboration oetween Gaston County Schools ounty Schools and Gaston County Cooperative shaping ourf future Extension, operated by Deep Roots CPS NC STATE Farm. EXTENSION The School Nutrition Center is the DeepRoots only Central Kitchen Facility operated c'Farm by a public school system in the state. 4 5/28/2025 Fresh strawberries served mid-April thru May 220 Ibs per week School Nutrition Farm Expansion Has provided a variety of produce used in our cafeterias Pilot crops that worked well Lettuce (155 pounds), lomatoes (175 pounds), Cucumbers (150 pounds), Collards (100 pounds) and Strawberries (250 pounds) We are anticipating the exciting addition of a Hydroponic Greenhouse for year round lettuce cultivation! 5 5/28/2025 Future School Nutrition Farm - C FARSE GASTON COMPLEX COUNTY to or K : School Nutrition Community Outreach ASPIRE Supper Program at school sites. H.H. Beam, Pleasant Ridge, Lingerfeldt, and Woodhill Provide daily meals for Gaston County Head Start Pre-K Program 300 breakfasts 260 lunches 260 snacks Community Partnerships Dairy Alliance No Kid Hungry YMCA 6 5/28/2025 2025-2026 School Year School Meals will continue to be 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 July 1, 2025 Action Items Approval of SN Bids for 2025-2026 7 5/28/2025 (ELEBRATIN4 LE(AL Foop IN 4ASTON (OUNTY Kso CCOGA 8