From the Boardroom

Ken Derksen, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Student & Family Support informed the Board that after a five year absence, the district’s law enforcement partners were bringing back character building programs to the schools. He shared that Goldsboro Police Department will offer the G.R.E.A.T. Program to Grades 4 and Grades 6 at schools located within the city limits. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department will offer the L.E.A.D. Program to Grades 5 at the remainder of the county schools. Police Chief Mike West and Sheriff Larry Pierce expressed their appreciation of Superintendent Marc Whichard and the partnership with the schools to help Wayne County youth build character skills and resist negative influences in the community.

Robert Yancey, Executive Director of Accountability/Technology Support Services and Program Evaluation, updated the Board about the 2023-2024 Accountability Results. As part of his update, he informed the Board that Wayne County Public Schools had exited Low Performing School District status within one year and had made significant academic strides in student performance over the past school year. As part of the Accountability Report, Mr Yancey shared

• WCPS grew 5.1 percentage points in overall achievement composite scores of all subjects and WCPS was ranked #1 in the Southeast region for growth in overall achievement.

• WCPS experienced growth in all but one subject area. In particular, Math 1 achievement grew by 12 percentage points surpassing overall regional and state achievement scores.

• Twelve schools exceeded growth, nine met growth, and nine did not meet growth.

• Nine schools increased one full performance letter grade:

• One school went from a grade of B to an A, five schools went from a grade of D to a C, and three schools went from a grade of F to D.

• In total, two schools achieved an A performance grade, two schools achieved a B, 16 schools achieved a C, nine schools achieved a D, and three schools achieved an F.

• WCPS was able to exit the Low Performing School District status after six schools exited low performing status

Following the presentation, WCPS superintendent, Dr. Marc Whichard, recognized principals for their school’s achievements and noted that he plans for the school district to maintain and build upon the gains in order to continue improving student achievement in the coming school year.

Youlonda Glaspie, Director of Federal Programs, provided the Board a FY25 Federal Programs Budget Overview for the 2024-2025 school year. Mrs. Glaspie explained what Title I is and informed the Board about this year’s goals, financial set asides, budgets, allocations, and plans. She also highlighted the purpose or goals of Title III, Title IV, and the Migrant Education Program (MEP). After some discussion, the Board unanimously approved the FY25 Federal Programs Budget.

The WCPS Human Resources Team presented an overview of the district's Beginning Teacher Support Program Plan. The team discussed information about the district’s beginning teachers and the standards for support, mentors, professional development, and program assessment. The Board then approved the Beginning Teacher Support Program Handbook. The information is submitted annually to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

The Board approved the following items:

• Frontline Technologies Group

• Central Service Chiller PO

• Next Level Lawn & Landscaping - Dr. Whichard presented three purchase orders, which required Board approval in accordance with Policy Code 7100, Section E.2. Board Member West recused himself from the vote and the Board approved the purchase orders to be paid for out of school funds.

• Subrecipient Agreement for the Implementation of Opioid Abatement Strategies (Pending final legal review)
  

• Goldsboro Police Department MOU

During the General Session, the following information was presented to the Board for information:

• Band Instrument and Uniform Update - Christy White, Title IV Enrichment Facilitator, shared as part of the district’s process to replace uniforms and instruments that Spring Creek High was next in line to receive new uniforms/instruments and Greenwood Middle is next in line for new instruments. No action was required.

Prior to the Board Comment period, the Board approved its Consent Agenda, which included minutes, Student Reassignments, a General Personnel Report and School Advisory Council Appointments.

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