| December School Board Meeting Summary |
At the December meeting the Buncombe County Board of Education unanimously voted to have the administration explore forming district-wide parent advisory councils for the special education and academically/intellectually gifted programs. Seven parents/community members addressed the failings of those programs; the need for district-wide dress and conduct codes; and the rampant use of marijuana in grades 3 through 12 (after assistant superintendent, Bob Washel, reported this at the last meeting). The Board voted down having a district-wide dress code, developed with student/teacher input 5-1 (Ann Franklin was absent due to illness). Currently, individual principals are responsible for developing their school's dress code. Consequently, codes are inconsistent across the county and each principal, rather than the Board of Education, must take the brunt of student objections. WLOS recently featured A.C. Reynolds High School's dress code issues. Chip Craig reported that Owen High School students recently took part in developing a new dress code for their school. Lisa Baldwin praised this effort and said she supported using student input to develop a system-wide code. Ms. Baldwin brought up inherent problems with having individual principals responsible for developing their school's code of conduct, and the need for consistency among all district schools. “I believe we would be protecting principals and students by adopting a consistent, district-wide policy, developed with stakeholder input.” The Board did not second her motion regarding the conduct code. An amendment to the 2011-12 budget passed by a vote of 5-1, with Lisa Baldwindissenting. She stated, “I will continue to vote 'no' on budget amendments until the Board directs the superintendent to develop a transparent budget process for 2012-13 that includes input from teachers, students, parents and the community.” She said best practices include holding public budget hearings and collecting input via the school website. Instead, the 2011-12 budget was decided by a select group of central office administrators. During Board comments, Lisa Baldwin thanked taxpayers for sending the Board to the North Carolina School Boards Association annual conference in Greensboro. “This was a wonderful opportunity for us to network with other Board members, share best practices and learn more about successful programs in other districts.” Cabarrus County now broadcasts their school board meetings and work sessions on You-Tube. Ms.Baldwin said she would make a motion at the January meeting for BCS to begin broadcasting to inform parents and increase transparency. You-Tube videos can be recorded at virtually no cost, using a device like a smart phone. Ms. Baldwin asked for an update on the First Light Solar contract negotiations with Enka High. BCS is spending $13,000 on these negotiations. No update was given. Ms. Baldwin also asked for a list of committees and the Board members serving on them, "This would be helpful if we have suggestions, concerns or questions." Ms. Baldwin said that third party reviewers could move school systems from good to great. There is much value in an objective, independent review using a databank of best school district practices from across the country. In Wake County, use of an efficiency expert allowed the BOE to give $500 bonuses to over 10,000 teachers and offer a comprehensive arts program in all their high schools. Burke County rightly claims to be the most efficient district in North Carolina thanks to several third party reviews. Dr. Robert Schiller is a nationally regarded efficiency expert who would like to help Buncombe County maximize dollars focused on the classroom. Based on his track record, an investment of $15,000 could result in as much as $4.5 million in savings. With budget cuts looming for 2012-13, streamlining operations and making sure available dollars are focused on the classroom is top priority. The Board did not second a motion to explore contracting with a third party reviewer. Mr. Steve Sizemore also commented. He insinuated that Wake County's teachers do not receive a supplement, hence the bonuses. He also implied that Buncombe principals and assistant principals had not received past raises. Board chair, Bob Rhinehart, refused to allow Ms. Baldwin to respond to Sizemore's remarks. [Wake County does pay a supplement, with beginning teachers making nearly $2,000 more than Buncombe's in spite of a lower cost of living in Raleigh. Buncombe principals and assistant principals continue to receive extra duty pay, instituted in 2008-09, with high school principals receiving as much as $12,000 annually for attending extracurriculars. That same year, 80 teachers received pink slips.] In the Good News agenda section, Board and audience enjoyed a concert by Hominy Valley Elementary's chorus. Student athletes, Eli Clevenger (all state honors in cross country) and Rachelle Trent (winner of the regional golf tournament) were recognized. Chris Jones of Enka High received the prestigious Wendy's High School Heisman trophy.
Steve Sizemore received a wooden gavel in honor of his time as board chair. The Board elected Bob Rhinehart (Enka) chair and Chip Craig (Owen), vice-chair. |
You Can Make a Difference |
As you can see, the School Board is NOT performing its duties. The Board is charged with oversight responsibilities and entrusted with guiding and directing the system, deciding what the school system should be doing. Then the superintendent implements those directions, deciding how to carry them out. We should be offering our students more than the minimum requirement. For example, other counties in North Carolina offer IB and Honors classes in middle school, compacted math classes so students can take Geometry in middle school, and string orchestra classes in all middle and high schools. Please call or email your school board members with your concerns and attend the January 5th meeting. The public is allowed to comment (3 minutes) during the meeting, before voting occurs. The next meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Education will be in the Board Auditorium in the Central Office at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2012. The meeting agenda will be posted on the school website under Board of Education, Current Agenda by Jan. 2nd. As always, you can sign up for a 3 minute public comment at each meeting BEFORE we vote on action items.
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An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | January 24, 2012 |
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Religion Policy to be Addressed on Wednesday |
The public is invited to attend the Buncombe County School Board special session. The proposed policy for religious practices and distribution of religious materials in schools will be discussed. Parents, teachers, students and the community should be involved in our school district's strategic planning. Please attend to find out how you can get involved. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Buncombe County Board of Education Work Session Agenda Board Auditorium Wednesday, January 25, 2012 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. OPENING COMMENTS - Chairman Rhinehart & Dr. Baldwin RELIGION IN SCHOOLS - Dr. Baldwin OVERVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLANNING - Susanne Swanger ADVANCED STANDARDS - COMMITTEE REPORTS - Standard 1: Vision and Purpose - Susanne Swanger
- Standard 2: Governance and Leadership - Cynthia Lopez
- Standard 3: Teaching and Learning - Leland Blankenship
- Standard 4: Documenting and Using Results - Jeff Gorsuch
- Standard 5: Resources and Support Systems - Christy Cheek
- Standard 6: Stakeholder Communications and Relationships - Jan Blunt
- Standard 7: Commitment to Continuous Improvement - Candie Sellers
BREAK - 10:00 - 10:15 a.m. STRATEGIC PLANNING CLOSING COMMENTS AND NEXT STEPS - Dr. Baldwin ADJOURNMENT - Chairman Rhinehart __________________________________________________________
An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | January 31, 2012 |
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Budget Report, Gifted and Special Ed, Personnel Issues & Religion to be Addressed on Thursday |
Agenda Buncombe County Board of Education Regular Meeting (175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC - Board Auditorium) National Board Certified Teachers’ Reception: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. February 2, 2012 6:30 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER - Chairman Rhinehart PRESENTATION OF COLORS BY ENKA HIGH SCHOOL JROTC PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / MOMENT OF SILENCE - Chairman Rhinehart APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Dr. Baldwin EMPLOYEE SERVICE RECOGNITION - Ms. Blunt GOOD NEWS - Ms. Blunt CURRICULUM FEATURE - Ms. Swanger - Global Education Initiatives
REPORTS - Chairman Rhinehart - 2011-2012 Adopted Budget & 2012-2013 Base Budget by Programmatic Objective – Ms. Parker
- Stakeholders Advisory Council on Exceptional Children & Academically & Intellectually Gifted - Ms. Plemmons
DISCUSSION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart - Five Days or Extra Minutes to the School Day
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Chairman Rhinehart
ACTION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart - Personnel Report
- Budget Amendment 4
- Meeting Date for April 2012 & January 2013 Board Meetings
- Policy Changes for Approval:
Policy 720: Personnel - Reduction-In-Force, Licensed Personnel CONSENT AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart - Minutes: January 5, 2012 – Open Session
- Minutes: January 5, 2012 – Closed Session
- Minutes: January 25, 2012 – Work Session
- Student Transfers and Releases
- Record Retention & Disposal
- Extension of the Audit Contract with Johnson, Price & Sprinkle (information forthcoming on Monday)
- Use of Transportation Department Capital Outlay for Tire Service Truck
- North Buncombe HS: Use of Capital Outlay Athletic Allotment
- Erwin HS: Use of Capital Outlay Athletic Allotment
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS - Chairman Rhinehart BOARD DIRECTIVES TO ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart - Policies for First Reading:
Policy 652: Curriculum & Instruction - Religion in the Schools Policy 708: Personnel – Plans for Growth and Improvement of Licensed Personnel ANNOUNCEMENTS - Chairman Rhinehart - Regular Board meeting: March 1, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
- Audio Recordings of Board Meetings Now Available atwww.buncombe.k12.nc.us
ADJOURNMENT - Chairman Rhinehart ______________________________________________________________
An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | February 15, 2012 |
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The February school board meeting was overflowing with parents and concerned community members. Thirty of these individuals spoke during the public comment period, voicing their concerns over a proposed religion policy. The policy addresses religious expression, summarizing the U.S. Department of Education guidelines. It also gives principals the authority to determine the time, place and manner of distribution of materials. The new policy will be voted on at the March 1st meeting. But it is no different than the way we have been operating. For example, just this past fall the Fairview Elementary School acting principal put into action a policy allowing only government materials to be distributed at the school. This is unconstitutional. To avoid situations such as this, the elected school board should make the distribution policy, not the principals. (Just as our own elected General Assembly makes the laws, not the government agencies.) A constitutionally-correct distribution policy should allow a public forum for various materials meeting criteria for decency and age-appropriateness. Two Reynolds district parents also shared suggestions for the Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program. The AIG program was not monitored by the state until the 2010-11 school year. At this time BCS had to submit a plan for approval, meeting 80% of the minimum criteria. Thus, BCS went from a 6-page plan to a 58-page plan. The plan includes enrichment activities and some grouping by ability but leaves many bright kids behind. Out of this concern came my motion two months ago (which passed unanimously) to look into forming District Parent Advisory Councils for AIG and for special needs programs. Ms. Jana Plemmons, director, has begun forming these councils. Please contact her at 255-5971 to join. Since I was elected in November 2010, I have been asking for a line item detailed school budget, aligned with our strategic plan/priorities. Board members received this document (for 2011-12) at the end of January. You can view an on-line copy at http://www.buncombe.k12.nc.us/Page/27033. Unfortunately, central office administrators - without public budget hearings or an on-line comment form - are still developing the budget behind closed doors. I continue to vote ‘no’ on monthly budget amendments until a budget process involving stakeholders is developed. This past month’s amendment included $1.5 million for future astroturf replacement. Buncombe County Schools has a $250 million budget – double that of the entire city of Asheville's budget and ¾ the size of the entire county budget. BCS is the second largest employer in the county, next to Mission Hospitals. Future plans include spending $22 million for an intermediate school in the Enka district and $30 million for a large scale facility, possibly a STEM high school at the Administrative Services Building. Before implementing new plans, redrawing attendance lines (at the elementary level) should be considered, to better balance existing schools. I voted ‘no’ on the personnel report, stating that I had lost faith in the hiring process. I continue to see current employees “transferred” to jobs for which they are not qualified. Many people may apply for these positions but some of those with extremely good credentials are not even interviewed. It is the school board’s job to set the priority for hiring the most highly qualified employees. With this goal in mind, I will be asking the Board to look into instituting a Best Practice Recruitment and Selection Process. I made a motion to increase transparency by adding approved contracts to the school website. Union County has 25 contracts listed, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and purchasing. BCS purchasing agent, Ron Venturella, told the Board that it was simple to post the contracts on-line. Still, the Board voted 6-1 (Lisa Baldwindissenting) to table the motion until the next meeting. The Glen Arden Elementary Kindergarten Spanish Immersion class (SPLASH) students delighted the audience with their demonstration of what they have learned. It is my understanding that this is a grant-funded program and the teacher will stay with the students for 3 years as they move up through 2nd grade. Questions can be directed to Cynthia Lopez, personnel director/global education coordinator. Ms. Lopez recently returned from a trip to China sponsored by HanBan/Confucious Classroom. In other good news we heard from the Smoky Mountain Toy Run organizers about the presents given to needy children at Christmas. At the March 1st school board meeting I will be proposing codes of conduct and performance for all employees, not just teachers. The expectations for performance need to be in our District Policy Handbook. |
You Can Make a Difference |
Statewide report on Buncombe and other school districts exposes inconsistent reporting of administrators' pay supplements. The next regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Education will be in the Board Auditorium in the Central Office (175 Bingham Rd. Asheville, NC 28806) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2012. As always, it is open to the public.
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SEE VIDEO LINK ON HOW MS. BALDWIN IS BEING BULLIED BY FELLOW BOARD MEMBERS;
An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | February 29, 2012 |
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Thursday, March 1st School Board Meeting Agenda |
Highlights: A.C. Reynolds Senior, Christina Maxwell, to be honored. For discussion: policies allowing religious expression, distribution of religious materials, adding five days to the school year, transparency, ensuring first priority is hiring highest quality teachers, and public input into budget process to be addressed. You can sign up for 3 minute public comment when you arrive or during the meeting. AGENDA Buncombe County Board of Education Regular Meeting (175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC - Board Auditorium) March 1, 2012 6:30 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION: 2 - 2:40 p.m. WORK SESSION: 2:40 - 3:30 p.m. (NEW ITEM - OPEN TO PUBLIC) BUDGET WORK SESSION - 3:40 - 5:30 p.m. (OPEN TO PUBLIC) CLOSED SESSION - 5:45 P.M. OPEN SESSION - 6:30 p.m. (OPEN TO PUBLIC) CALL TO ORDER - Chairman Rhinehart PRESENTATION OF COLORS BY ENKA HIGH SCHOOL JROTC PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / MOMENT OF SILENCE - Chairman Rhinehart APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Dr. Baldwin EMPLOYEE SERVICE RECOGNITION GOOD NEWS - Ms. Eller Advanced Placement Honor Roll - Second Year in a Row
Mary Parker, State Finance Officer of the Year
Christina Maxwell, ACRHS, NC Top Distinguished Young Woman
CURRICULUM FEATURE "Don't Be a Bully." Be a Friend." - Haw Creek Elementary
PUBLIC COMMENTS
DISCUSSION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart (This item was tabled at the Feb. 2, 2012 Board meeting) - Five Days or Extra Minutes to the School Day
ACTION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart Personnel Report Personnel Documents Policy for Second Reading: Policy 652: Curriculum & Instruction - Religion in the Schools CONSENT AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart Minutes: February 17, 2012 - Closed Session Minutes: February 2, 2012 - Closed Session Student Transfers and Releases Erwin Middle: Approval of Layperson to School Advisory Council Owen Middle: Approval of Layperson to School Advisory Council Policy Changes for Second Reading (Approval) Policy 708: Personnel - Plans for Growth and Improvement of Licensed Personnel BOARD DIRECTIVES TO ADMINISTRATION - Chairman Rhinehart (This item was tabled at the Feb. 2, 2012 Board meeting) INFORMATION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart Policies for First Reading: Policy 520: Business & Non-Instructional Operations - Authority to Execute Contracts Policy 653: Curriculum & Instruction - Distribution of Information 652AR: Religion in Schools ANNOUNCEMENTS - Chairman Rhinehart Regular Board Meeting: April 12, 2012 at 6:30 p.m ADJOURNMENT - Chairman Rhinehart You may also access the Agenda at the following website address: |
You Can Make a Difference _____________________________________________
An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | March 13, 2012 |
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School Board Fires Teacher, Religion Discussion Continues |
Close to 200 people packed the March 1, 2012 school board meeting. About 25 people spoke in reference to the proposed religion policies. The Board decided to delay the vote on these policies until April 12, 2012. The superintendent reported that BCS continues to work on the accreditation process. The Board will hear findings from the Quality Assurance Review Team at a special called meeting on April 25th which will be open to the public. The Board voted unanimously to terminate Kevin Calloway’s employment. He is the Owen Middle School teacher charged with taking indecent liberties with a student and for production of child pornography, a federal offense. Both the principal and assistant principal have resigned effective June 30, 2012. In the interim, principal Matthews will work in the central office in the Special Services Department. Mr. Fisher will be a homebound teacher. Mary Parker, BCS Chief Financial Officer, was recognized as the recipient of the N.C. Association of School Business Officials Distinguished Service Award. Christina Maxwell, A.C. Reynolds High School senior, was recognized for earning the title of N.C. Top Distinguished Young Woman. She received $10,800 in scholarships and will go on to compete at the national level. In Board member actions, I moved to reinstate the Board Member Comment period. My motion failed for lack of a second. The Comment Period is our only opportunity to bring up issues important to our constituents. We are asked to give one month’s notice of an issue for it to be considered in a motion at the next meeting. The Personnel Report was approved 6-1. I explained that I had lost faith in the hiring process. I have gathered substantial facts demonstrating that our first priority is giving displaced BCS employees jobs, even if they are not degreed or certified in the particular subject area, rather than hiring the most highly qualified applicants. I moved that the administration look into developing a Recruitment and Selection Policy that makes hiring the most highly qualified employees the top priority. My motion did not receive a second. Mr. Jack Stone, head of personnel for the N.C. Dept. of Public Instruction has offered to send us a sample policy. I have also received one from the N.C. School Boards Association. I will bring this issue up again. My motion to increase transparency by posting approved contracts on the school system website passed unanimously. This motion had been tabled at the February meeting by a 6-1 vote. Purchasing officer, Ron Venturella, has said this will be a simple task. |
You Can Make a Difference |
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An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | April 10, 2012 |
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Buncombe School Board to Vote on Religion Policies |
Schedule includes public comment period, a new strategic plan for schools, changes to the budget, modified religion policy, and NEW policy requiring School Board approval of contracts. |
AGENDA Buncombe County Board of Education Regular Meeting (175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC – Conference Room A-B) April 12, 2012 6:30 p.m The public is encouraged to attend!
CALL TO ORDER - Chairman Rhinehart PRESENTATION OF COLORS / BUNCOMBE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / MOMENT OF SILENCE - Chairman Rhinehart APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Dr. Baldwin EMPLOYEE SERVICE RECOGNITION – Ms. Blunt GOOD NEWS - Ms. Blunt - State Champions Winter Sports – Mr. Washel
- Anthony Walker, FFA State Truck Driving Champion
CURRICULUM FEATURE – Ms. Swanger - JROTC PROGRAM – Chief Eagle
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Chairman Rhinehart ACTION AGENDA - Board will discuss the strategic plan, budget changes, and policies before voting to approve. - Buncombe County Schools Strategic Plan 2012 - 2017
- Memo of Recommendation for Strategic Plan 2012 - 2017
- Personnel Report
- Budget Amendment 6
- Policies for Second Reading:
Policy 652: Curriculum & Instruction – Religion in the Schools Policy 653: Curriculum & Instruction – Distribution of Information CONSENT AGENDA - To be passed as a whole without discussion: - Minutes: March 1, 2012 – Special Closed Session - 2 p.m.
- Minutes: March 1, 2012 – Work Session/Budget Work Session
- Minutes: March 1, 2012 - Regular Closed Session
- Minutes: March 1, 2012 – Regular Open Session
- Minutes: March 1, 2012 - Special Closed Session
- Student Transfers and Releases
- Settlement Agreement for Charter Schools
- AB Tech Reappointment of Richard B. Hurley
- Policy Changes for Second Reading (Approval)
Policy 520: Business & Non-Instructional Operations - Authority to Execute Contracts BOARD DIRECTIVES TO ADMINISTRATION - Chairman Rhinehart INFORMATION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart - Policies for First Reading/Information:
Policy 605: Curriculum & Instruction - School Improvement Plans
Policy 646: Curriculum & Instruction - Technology Acceptable Use and Internet Policy 646R: Curriculum & Instruction – Technology Acceptable Use and Internet Policy
652R: Curriculum & Instruction - Religion in the Schools (2nd Review) ANNOUNCEMENTS - Chairman Rhinehart - Top Scholars Banquet: April 19, 2012
- Special Called Board Meeting: April 25, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.
- Budget Work Session: May 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
- Regular Board Meeting: May 3, 2012 at 6:30 p.m
- Audio Recordings of Board Meetings - www.buncombe.k12.nc.us
ADJOURNMENT - Chairman Rhinehart _______________________________________________________________________
An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | May 2, 2012 |
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Thursday, May 3 School Board Mtg. - Lunch Price Hike, Universal Free Breakfast, Budget Follow the links below to read the documentation |
Agenda Buncombe County Board of Education Regular Meeting (175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC - Conference Room A-B) May 3, 2012 6:30 p.m.
*Votes on the Lunch Price Hike, Universal Free Breakfast and Free Summer Lunch Program will be added to the agenda at the meeting. CLOSED SESSION: 5:30 p.m. OPEN SESSION: 6:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER - Chairman Rhinehart PRESENTATION OF COLORS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / MOMENT OF SILENCE - Chairman Rhinehart APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Dr. Baldwin EMPLOYEE SERVICE RECOGNITION - Ms. Blunt GOOD NEWS - Ms. Blunt Recognition of BCS Green Schools: - New Participants 2011-12: AC Reynolds HS, Cane Creek MS, Pisgah ES, Hominy Valley ES
- Continuing Certificates: Haw Creek ES, Weaverville PS, North Buncombe MS, Bell ES
- Silver Level: Owen MS
Recognition of BCS Maintenance Department Cost-Saving Energy Initiatives, with presentations by: - Progress Energy--Kathleen Stahl & Craig Debrew
- NC State Energy Office--Reid Conway
- Land-of-Sky Waste Reduction Partners--Terry Albrecht
CURRICULUM FEATURE - Ms. Swanger - Chinese Language & Culture Program
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Chairman Rhinehart ACTION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart - Personnel Report
- Budget Amendment 7
- Approval of Submission of Funding Request to the Commissioners of the County of Buncombe Providing the Same Total Appropriationn for 2012-13 as was Provided for 2011-12
- RESOLUTION OPPOSING BUDGETARY REVERSIONS
CONSENT AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart - Minutes: April 12, 2012 - Open Session
- Minutes: April 12, 2012 - Closed Session
- Student Transfers & Releases - 2011-12
- Student Transfers & Releases - 2012-13
- Career Technical Education Local Plan/Applicationn for 2012-13
- Policy Changes for Second Reading/Approval
Policy 605: Curriculum & Instruction - School Improvement Plans Policy 646: Curriculum & Instruction - Technology Acceptable Use and Internet Policy BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS BOARD DIRECTIVES TO ADMINISTRATION - Consider NCSBA Policy Services Contract - Chairman Rhinehart
INFORMATION AGENDA - Chairman Rhinehart - Erwin High School Windows: Notice of Capital Outlay Contract Execution
- Yellow Bus Use
- Policies for First Reading/Information
Policy 493: Students - Pregnant and Parenting Students
Policy 545: Business & Non-Instructional Operations - Administering Medicines to Students
Policy 625: Curriculum & Instruction - Grading System ANNOUNCEMENTS - Chairman Rhinehart - Regular Board Meeting on June 7, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
- Special Called Board Meeting on June 29, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.
- Audio Recordings of Board Meetings - www.buncombe.k12.nc.us
ADJOURNMENT - Chairman Rhinehart |
You Can Make a Difference |
Please come to the May 3 meeting at 6:30pm where we will vote on a lunch price hike, universal free breakfast and a budget for the county commissioners. All meetings are held at 175 Bingham Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 in the Board Auditorium or in Conference Room A/B. As always, these meetings are open to the public. Please sign up at the May 3rd meeting when you arrive if you would like to express your school system concerns. Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per person. Public comment does occur before the Board votes on issues and will be considered in decision-making. To listen to the audio of past meetings or read the current agenda, visitwww.buncombe.k12.nc.us and select Board of Education. Please contact Lisa Baldwinwith your concerns and suggestions by replying to this email or atlisa.baldwin@bcsemail.org or 628-9537. Vote for John Tedesco! I am endorsing my friend and colleague, John Tedesco, for N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction. John is President of the N.C. Center for Education Reform and vice-chairman of the Wake County School Board. He has the experience, courage and knowledge to turn around North Carolina's education system.
http://www.tedesco4kids.com/
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An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | May 7, 2012 |
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Budget Information Session at A.C. Reynolds High School Tuesday, May 8 at 6pm Open to the Public |
You Can Make a Difference |
Vote for John Tedesco for N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction. John is President of the N.C. Center for Education Reform and a member of the Wake County School Board.
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An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | May 29, 2012 |
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Buncombe School Lunch Program Has $5.8 Million in the Bank |
WLOS exposes Buncombe School Lunch Profit - watch "Reality Check" tonight between 6-6:30pm for the sequel. This 3 minute video describes how the federal Healthy Hunger-free Kids Act forces schools to hike school lunch prices and effectively "tax" parents who pay for their kids' school lunches. Other problems are that the Buncombe County schools are making a profit to the tune of $5.8 million by selling a la carte snacks like Little Debbie products and Powerade at lunch. They are also serving partial meals to students and charging them the full price; Little Johnny can refuse his veggies because cafeterias practice offer vs. serve. Another example - if a child wants an extra slice of pizza at lunch, they have to pay for an entire lunch - they cannot buy the slice alone. http://www.wlos.com/newsroom/features/reality-check/videos/vid_14.shtml |
You Can Make a Difference |
Important Meeting this Thursday, May 31 from 9am-10:30am. Your school board will be approving new principals for several Buncombe schools. If the same procedure is followed as last year, they will be railroaded through and I will not be allowed to ask questons. N.C. state law sets out minimum criteria for principals - I have asked to have proof that the candidates meet this criteria. Email or call your school board members if you are concerned about what will happen behind closed doors. Next regular Board meetings are on June 7 at 6:30pm and June 30 time TBA (to pass interim operating budget). All meetings are held at 175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC 28806. and are open to the public. For audio recordings of Board meetings and current agendas, visit buncombe.k12.nc.us and select Board of Education. All meetings are held at 175 Bingham Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 in the Board Auditorium or in Conference Room A/B. As always, these meetings are open to the public. Please sign up at the June 7th meeting when you arrive if you would like to express your school system concerns. Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per person. Public comment does occur before the Board votes on issues and will be considered in decision-making. To listen to the audio of past meetings or read the current agenda, visitwww.buncombe.k12.nc.us and select Board of Education. Please contact Lisa Baldwinwith your concerns and suggestions by replying to this email or atlisa.baldwin@bcsemail.org or 628-9537. Vote for John Tedesco! I am endorsing my friend and colleague, John Tedesco, for N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction. John is President of the N.C. Center for Education Reform and vice-chairman of the Wake County School Board. He has the experience, courage and knowledge to turn around North Carolina's education system.
This message is the opinion of Lisa Baldwin and is not intended to represent the official position of the Buncombe County Schools or the Buncombe County Board of Education. |
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An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | May 31, 2012 |
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Buncombe School Lunch Controversy Continues |
Please watch Part 2 from last night's WLOS Reality Check segment:
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You Can Make a Difference |
Special Called School Board meeting today, Thursday May 31, from 9am-10:30am to approve new principals and assistant principals for the 2012-13 school year. Other pertinent issues will be discussed after the initial closed session. Please come at 9:30am - the public is invited. All meetings are held at 175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC 28806.and are open to the public. For audio recordings of Board meetings and current agendas, The next regular Board meetings are on June 7 at 6:30pm and June 30 time TBA (to pass the interim operating budget). ________________________________________________________________________
An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | June 11, 2012 |
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Free Breakfast for all Buncombe Students, Regardless of Income and Courtesy of Your Tax Dollars Your elected representatives on the School Board have completely lost touch with reality, spending your tax dollars on free breakfasts for all students in Buncombe beginning in August. This could actually do more harm than good.
Healthy guidelines for these Breakfasts are not established and you will find such things as sausage on a stick and chicken biscuits on the menu. A local pediatrician commented that malnourishment in Buncombe means "poorly nourished". Children are not starving, rather they are obese because they are eating cheaper, unhealthy foods. If the school system pours more unhealthy foods into children, it will exacerbate the obesity problem. Buncombe School Board Votes 'Yes' to continue selling Little Debbies and Doritos to your children at lunch. In an unprecendented move the Buncombe School Board voted against my motion to have the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) create healthy guidelines for the snacks sold at lunch time. In a 2-4 vote, Pat Bryant, Chip Craig, Ann Franklin and Dusty Pless voted to keep the Little Debbies and Doritos coming. Lisa Baldwinand Bob Rhinehart voted for the healthy guidelines. _____________________________________________________________________________
An Update from Lisa Baldwin Your Buncombe County Board of Education Representative | | July 2, 2012 |
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On July 4th, as we remember the tyranny our forefathers fought against, let us recognize that we have come full circle. The Buncombe County School Board has been stripped by its own members of the right to request information. Academic achievement data and financials are musts for informed decision-making. Our children deserve better than this! Wild West Blog Western N.C. Blog You Have to Go through Me, First
Posted June 19th, 2012 at 10:59 PM by Leslee Kulba Lisa Baldwin is somewhat of a local folk hero for shaking up the rubber stamp modus operandi of the Buncombe County School Board. The latest conflagration, to those emotionally damaged by her “threats,” involved a request for financial information. The powers that be whined that she subjected staff to twenty hours of research and threatened to seek her answers elsewhere if staff couldn’t assist. That she was able to get staff to respond to a request for financials for twenty hours is indeed an accomplishment, as I have never in my life gotten a straight answer from anybody by questioning funny numbers. Normally, nobody knows and nobody cares, delegated staff is trusted, I’m too dumb for anybody to explain it to me, I could always take a couple days off work to get the answers, or some totally irrelevant response is wielded confidently to publicly shame me. To deal with Baldwin’s sedition, her peers voted to require board members to submit any future request for data to the chairman, who will, in turn, act as the proverbial great coffee filter in the sky. To view the June 29, 2012 school board meeting where the motion to strip Board members of their rights is further defined, go to minute 44 of the video: |
From Today's Asheville Citizen-Times |
Comment from a constituent: This article was a clever way to cover up and protects government school administrative employees from opening the books for we taxpayers to check. That's all well in the inner sanctum. The last paragraph was the most important in that the majority of the board created a gate keeper(s) (the superintendent and the chairman of the board) who will decide if an elected member of the school board can have information that board member requests to fulfill their duty to be informed about school activities. It's akin to Senator Hagan asking Eric Holder's permission just to gather information about Fast and Furious or making the fox the night watchman for the hen house. It might be interesting if a board member tests the legality of this cozy arrangement since closed doors and books often are meant to hide something rather than improve the process. Mark Aug. 2nd at 6:30pm on your calendar for the next school board meeting. Don't leave advocacy of our children up to "someone else to do" - you must help me stand up for our children!
All meetings are held at 175 Bingham Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 in the Board Auditorium. |
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