From the Boardroom

Lisa Tart, Director of Curriculum instruction provided the Board a brief update about the WCPS Teacher Cadet Program, which is a “grow your own” teacher program that helps high school students take their first steps to becoming a teacher. The Teacher Cadet program allows participating students to have the opportunity to access beginning classes to become a teacher, participate in field trip opportunities, and pursue pathways to potential scholarships and on-the-job experiences.

Mrs. Tart and the Teacher Cadet Instructor, Laura Taylor, recognized eight senior graduates who completed the WCPS requirements. They highlighted the various achievements of each graduate. Of the graduates, two were named Teaching Fellows and will receive their college education in return for becoming a teacher. Another student was named a NSCU Transformational Scholar.

In addition to celebrating the eight graduates, two special presentations were held. Southern Wayne High senior, Katie Dodson, was presented a North Carolina State University Transformational Scholarship, which is valued at $10,000 annually. Charles B. Aycock High senior, Breana Kearney, was presented a NC Foundation for Public School Children State Leadership Award and a $1,000 scholarship.

Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard requested the Board approve the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for FY 2024-2025. Dr. Whichard shared that considerable work was put into the development of the budget preparation, as well as the expectation of transparency and engaging the public in the budget process. Dr. Whichard shared that he looks forward to the Wayne County’s Board of Commissioner’s review. He shared that this is a pivotal year, with federal ESSER funds coming to an end in conjunction with increased budgetary costs through mandated State salary increases, and is hopeful that the Board of Commissioners will work with the Board of Education through this budget process After some discussion, the Board of Education FY 2024-2025 Budget was unanimously approved.

The Board also unanimously approved a Proclamation proclaiming May 8 as School Nurses Day, recognizing school nurses for the critical role they have in treating and improving student health at school.

Each Board of Education committee gave an update along with any recommendations that came out of the associated committee meeting:

• Policy Committee Update - A PLS report for information. One policy was presented for information:

• Policy 5210 Distribution and Display of Non-School Material

• Five policies were approved on second read:

• Policy 1710/4020/7230 Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying

• Policy 1720 Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Complaint Procedure

• Policy 1742/5060 Responding to Complaints

• Policy 4329/7311 Bullying and Harassing Behavior Prohibited

• Policy 7232 Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace

• Facilities Committee Update - The Board approved four Purchase Orders & Contracts, a Vehicle Surplus, Rosewood Middle School Design and Bid Method, and a WSTA Lease Amendment Approval.

• Finance Committee Update - The Board approved the State Low Wealth Supplement. It also approved a donation report with $650.00 in monetary donations and $1,665.00 in non-monetary donations, bringing year to date donation totals to $73,753.00 in monetary donations and $64,683.32 in non-monetary donations.

• Curriculum and Instruction Committee Update - The Board approved six Purchase Orders & Contracts.

The Board approved the following items:

• MOU East Carolina University Contract & Amendment

• Curriculum and Instruction Department MOU with Cross River NC LLC Therapy

• Global Recruitment LLC

• Activity Bus Use MOU with Mount Olive Pickle Company

• Support Services PO Approval Absent Committee Approval

• Rosewood Middle School Design Fee Change Request

• Goldsboro High ESSER Change Order Approval

• Southern Wayne High Contract Amendment

• Goldsboro High Contract Amendment

Prior to the Board Comment period, the Board approved its Consent Agenda, which included minutes, a General Personnel Report, and student reassignment requests.

DISTRICT 1: Mr. Don Christopher West - christopherwest@wcps.org

DISTRICT 2: Mr. H. Len Henderson - lenhenderson@wcps.org

DISTRICT 3: Ms. Patricia A. Burden - patriciaburden@wcps.org

DISTRICT 4: Mr. Willie Joyner, II - billjoyner@wcps.org

DISTRICT 5: Mr. Craig Foucht (Chair) - craigfoucht@wcps.org

DISTRICT 6: Mr. Wade Leatham - daleleatham@wcps.org

AT LARGE: Mr. J. Tommy Sanders III (Vice-Chair) - tommysanders@wcps.org