Caldwell County Board of Education public meetings in 2020
28 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on December 30, 2020, where they approved the agenda and received an update on COVID-19. The board voted to approve Wednesday as a remote learning deep cleaning day for K-5 students for an unspecified duration, with one member voting against. The meeting adjourned at 2:13 PM.
- Approved motion for Wednesday remote learning deep cleaning day for K-5 (duration unspecified)
- COVID-19 update presented by Dr. Don Phipps
- Agenda approved unanimously
- Meeting adjourned at 2:13 PM
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on December 14, 2020, and took action on several items, including approving budget amendments for state, federal, and special grant funds, the BAISCA facility needs survey, and a memorandum of agreement with Duke University. The board also discussed second-semester planning based on a parent survey and recognized holiday card contest winners. The meeting included a closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Approved budget amendments: #4 State Public School Fund ($619,449 increase), #5 Federal Grants Fund ($16,941 increase), #6 Special Grants Fund ($4,958,893 increase)
- Approved BAISCA 2020-2021 Facility Needs Survey
- Approved MOA with Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Clinical Research Institute
- Approved December Board Transfers for 2020-21 (8 recommended, 1 not)
- Approved Human Resource Services action items and substitute list
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session to review facility needs, educational programs, and personnel matters. The Board approved a Memorandum of Agreement with WGU and an amendment to the Superintendent's employment contract.
- Approval of Memorandum of Agreement with WGU
- Approval of Amendment To Employment Contract For Superintendent
- Review of 2020-2021 BAISCA Facility Needs Survey
- Discussion of Caldwell Connect vs. In-Person student numbers
- Closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters
Assistant Principals' Meeting
This is a routine information-sharing meeting for assistant principals, with no votes or decisions scheduled. Topics include the 2020-2021 inclement weather plan, updates from the superintendent, and presentations on EPS and the Little SIS system.
- Inclement Weather 2020-2021.pdf (852 KB) presented by HR
- Presentation by EPS - Katrina McEllen (AP Meeting - November 2020.pdf)
- Little SIS presentation by Randy Seldomridge (Little SIS.pdf)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on October 12, 2020, and took action on several items, including approving lease amendments with Caldwell County, the June 30, 2020 financial audit, a budget amendment, and placing 39 policy updates on public comment. The board also approved routine items such as minutes, substitute lists, and student transfers. The meeting included recognitions for the Finance Department's financial reporting awards.
- Approved two lease amendments/subordinations with Caldwell County for Granite Falls Middle School and Lenoir Middle School refinancing
- Approved June 30, 2020 financial audit
- Approved Budget Amendment #1 State Public School Fund
- Placed 39 policy updates on public comment, including COVID-19 related changes and Title IX updates
- Approved 10 of 11 October board transfers for 2020-21
Assistant Principals' Meeting
The Caldwell County Board of Education is holding an assistant principals' meeting with presentations from the superintendent, HR, and EPS. Topics include general information, an HR presentation, and a student services presentation on the duty to report child abuse and neglect. The agenda is mostly informational with no decisions or votes scheduled.
- Superintendent Don Phipps provides information
- HR presentation by Bill Griffin
- Student Services presentation on duty to report child abuse and neglect by Robert Semple
- EPS presentation by Katrina McEllen
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session where it approved several actions, including the sale of the former Oak Hill School property, a one-year change to exam exemption criteria due to remote learning, and the financial audit. The board also received updates on educational programs, policy changes, and return-to-school plans.
- Approved resolution to sell Oak Hill School property at 2785 Taylorsville Rd., Lenoir, NC
- Approved altering exam exemptions for 2020-2021: students need 80+ average, attendance criteria waived for teacher-made finals
- Approved June 30, 2020 financial audit by Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC
- Approved Beginning Teachers Support Plan
- Received update on 39 policy changes from NCSBA, including COVID-19-related temporary additions
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on September 14, 2020, and approved several routine items, including the budget resolution, personnel actions, and bus driver pay increases. The board also recognized community donations for virtual learning and approved athletic program funding. The meeting included a closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Approved 2020-2021 budget resolution in Local Government Commission format
- Approved bus driver pay rates, raising starting pay from $12.34 to $14.50 per hour, retroactive to start of school year
- Approved athletic program funding as presented
- Recognized donations totaling nearly $68,000 from Mack Jarvis for virtual learning resources, 1,000 flash drives from Nicky Waters, and 105 pairs of shoes from Sam Craven
- Approved September board transfers (52 requested, 6 not recommended, 1,630 total for 2020-21)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on September 8, 2020, approving several actions including the § 179D Energy Tax Allocation, use of buses for meal deliveries, and a closed session for confidential personnel matters. They also received informational updates on the budget, human resources, state of schools, bus driver pay, and athletic program funding.
- Approved § 179D Energy Tax Allocation for 2019 tax year
- Approved use of buses for meal deliveries
- Held closed session for personnel and attorney-client matters
- Discussed bus driver pay increase from $12.34 to $14.50 starting rate
- Received budget update and enrollment changes
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education approved several routine items, including a lease agreement for parts of Oak Hill School, a 3-year elevator contract extension, and the 2020-2021 Title I application. The board also adopted policy changes to comply with new federal Title IX regulations effective August 14, 2020.
- Approved lease of baseball field, gym, playground, and basketball court at Oak Hill School (4603 Oak Hill School Rd.) to Oak Hill Development Inc., sponsored by Oak Hill Ruritan Club, on an at-will basis
- Approved 3-year extension of Otis Elevator contract with 5% discount, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023
- Approved 2020-2021 Title I application with $2,783,570 allocation, funding 20 teaching and 4.5 assistant positions
- Adopted 6 new policies and 4 revisions to comply with new Title IX regulations on sexual harassment
- Approved 23 of 30 requested August board transfers for 2020-21 school year
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a special called meeting to discuss the 2020-2021 school re-entry plan and to consider time-sensitive policy adoptions and revisions. The board unanimously approved placing the policy updates on public comment, which include new and revised policies to comply with new Title IX regulations effective August 14, 2020. The meeting also included a closed session for confidential personnel matters and attorney consultation.
- Approved placing Board Policy Adoptions/Revisions on public comment, including 6 new policies, 4 revisions, and 2 rescissions related to Title IX compliance
- New policies include 1710/4020/7230 (Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited by Federal Law), 1720/4030/7235 (Title IX Nondiscrimination), 1725/4035/7236 (Title IX Sexual Harassment), 1726/4036/7237 (Title IX Grievance Process), 4329/7311 (Bullying and Harassing Behavior), and 7232 (Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace)
- Revised policies include 1730/4022/7231 (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities), 4040/7310 (Staff-Student Relations), 4331 (Assaults, Threats, and Harassment), and 4340 (School-Level Investigations)
- Rescinded policies: 1710/4021/7230 (Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying) and 1720/4015/7225 (Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Complaint Procedure)
- Held closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters and consult with board attorney
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on August 3, 2020, where they discussed and approved several items. They approved the agenda and minutes, discussed a lease agreement with the Oak Hill Ruritan Club for portions of Oak Hill School, received updates on allocations, technology, relief funds, and reentry plans, and approved a calendar revision removing an optional planning day.
- Lease agreement with Oak Hill Ruritan Club for baseball field, gymnasium, playground, and basketball court at Oak Hill School (2785 Taylorsville Rd., Lenoir)
- Approved removal of June 7, 2021, Optional Planning Day from 2020-2021 Traditional School Calendar
- Discussion of federal CARES funds
- Reentry update from Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education is holding a work session to discuss several items, including a proposed lease of Walker Stadium to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, an alternative accountability model for Gateway School, and a review of the superintendent evaluation instrument. The board will also receive updates on the Summer Jump Start program and re-entry plans. The agenda includes procedural items such as approval of the agenda and adjournment.
- Walker Stadium lease to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute for $1/year, 2020-2030
- Proposed alternative accountability model for Gateway School for 2020-2021
- Review of superintendent evaluation instrument
- Summer Jump Start update
- Re-entry update
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a special budget session on June 30, 2020, approving several budget amendments, the 20-21 interim budget, a soccer field maintenance contract, and administrative appointments. The board also received a re-entry plan update and entered closed session for personnel and legal matters.
- Approved Budget Amendments 14-18 covering State Federal, Federal Grant, Capital Outlay, Local Current Expense, and Child Nutrition funds
- Approved the 20-21 Interim Budget
- Approved contract with Fieldbuilders, Inc. for soccer field maintenance at WLMS (2020-2023)
- Approved 2-year principal contracts: Cathy Barlow (West Lenoir), Jill Pippen (Collettsville), Zack Morrow (Valmead)
- Approved Human Resource Services contracts and elimination of positions
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education is meeting to approve the 2020-2021 traditional school calendar and the Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy/Early College calendar, along with several policy revisions recommended by the NCSBA. The board will also vote on the CTE Local Application and budget amendments for the State Public School Fund and Federal Grant Fund. The agenda includes recognitions for student achievements and a public comment period.
- Approval of 2020-2021 Traditional School Calendar (184 days) and CASA/Early College Calendar (185 days)
- Approval of budget amendments for State Public School Fund and Federal Grant Fund
- Approval of CTE Local Application
- Approval of new and revised board policies from NCSBA
- Recognition of student achievements including FBLA winners and Million Word Readers
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on June 1, 2020, to discuss and act on several items. The board voted to place the 2020-2021 traditional school calendar and the CASA/CECHS calendar on public comment. They also received updates on surplus sales, meal distribution, summer learning, COVID-19 funds, re-entry plans, athletics, graduation, and policy revisions, and held a closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Approved placing 2020-2021 Traditional School Calendar and CASA/CECHS Calendar on public comment
- Discussed surplus sales for 2019-2020 school year via Gov Deals
- Received update on meal distribution and summer feeding
- Heard COVID-19 Return to Play policies for Hibriten High School athletics
- Reviewed Policy 2302 update on remote participation in board meetings per SB 704
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a public hearing on the potential closing of Oak Hill School. The board received 46 speaker requests, with each speaker allotted three minutes. A total of 124 statements were received, including written, phone, in-person, and voice mail submissions. The board did not respond to comments during the hearing.
- Public hearing on potential closing of Oak Hill School
- 46 speaker requests submitted by 12:00 PM deadline
- 124 total statements received (106 written, 5 phone, 8 in-person, 5 voice mail)
- Approximately 28 written statements in favor of keeping Oak Hill open
- Approximately 77 written statements against redistricting or revising transfer policy
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met virtually on May 11, 2020, due to COVID-19 guidelines. The board approved several routine items, including minutes, cleaning and uniform contracts, budget amendments, and school policies. It also approved 1,540 student transfers for the 2020-21 school year, with one member recusing from a vote on re-hire contracts.
- Approved uniform rental and full garment services bid with Cintas Corporation for July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023.
- Approved cleaning contracts with Watts Cleaning for South Caldwell, West Caldwell, and William Lenoir schools for 2020-2023.
- Approved 1,540 student transfers for 2020-21; 27 not recommended; 0 revoked.
- Approved Board Policy 7360/8225 on crowdfunding and Policy 7240 on drug and alcohol-free workplace.
- Approved State, Federal, and Special Grant Fund budget amendments.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Board approved several policy revisions and a new teleworking policy to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The session also included approvals for school funding requests, personnel appointments, and administrative contract continuations.
- Approved Larry Taylor for an additional four-year term on the CCC&TI Board of Trustees
- Approved 2020-2021 Caldwell County funding request as presented
- Adopted new policy 7503 (Teleworking) and updates to policies regarding remote meetings, communicable diseases, and emergency closings
- Approved contract continuations for Courtney Wright (Principal, Hibriten High School), Robert Semple (Executive Director of Student Support Services), and Travis Gillespie (Exceptional Children's Director)
- Scheduled a 5:00 PM start time and a Public Hearing for the May 11, 2020, Board Meeting
Assistant Principals' Meeting
The Caldwell County Board of Education's assistant principals met virtually to discuss operational updates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics included the end of State Emergency Leave, annual enrollment for benefits, cancellation of year-end events, and grading guidance from the state for K-11 and seniors. A draft professional development course for the Class of 2020 was also shared for input.
- State Emergency Leave ends 4/30/2020; awaiting extension decision
- Annual enrollment with Pierce Group Benefits ends May 21, 2020; new vision plan through Superior Vision
- End of Year Celebration and Retirement Luncheon cancelled
- DPI grading guidance for K-11 and seniors shared; awaiting more info
- Draft course 'Beyond COVID-19: Skills for Developing Your Professional Pathway' for Class of 2020
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met virtually on April 6, 2020, and approved the agenda, minutes from prior meetings, and routine human resources actions, including contracts and a substitute list. The board also placed several policy revisions and one new policy on a one-month comment period, including policies related to COVID-19 such as remote participation in board meetings, communicable diseases, emergency closings, and teleworking. No substantive decisions beyond these routine approvals were made.
- Approved agenda and minutes from March 2, 9, 23, and 31, 2020 meetings
- Approved Human Resource Services usual and customary action items, including contracts and substitute list
- Approved March Board Transfers for 2019-20; 29 transfers requested, 0 recommended for board approval, 1 revoked
- Placed policy revisions on one-month comment period: 2302 (Remote Participation in Board Meetings), 4230 (Communicable Diseases – Students), 5050 (Emergency Closings), 7503 (Teleworking, new), 7560 (Permitted Salary Deductions), 7620 (Payroll Deductions)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a virtual public comment session to hear community input on budget-saving measures, with the main topic being the proposed closure of Oak Hill School. The board received 46 requests to speak, with comments delivered by phone or in writing. The meeting was procedural, consisting of guidelines, public comments, and adjournment.
- 46 public comment requests received by 12:00 PM deadline
- Each speaker allotted three minutes
- Main topic: closing of Oak Hill School
- Community members spoke for and against the closure
- Board adjourned at 7:45 PM
Assistant Principals' Meeting
The Caldwell County Board of Education is holding a meeting for assistant principals at Gamewell Middle School. The agenda includes announcements from the superintendent, a discussion on the book 'Visible Learning' and school assignment regulations, a presentation on digital data portfolios, and HR information. This is an informational and training session, not a voting meeting.
- Discussion of Visible Learning Chapter 1 and Regulation 4150-R School Assignment Checklist
- Digital Data Portfolio presentation by Dottie Hayes, including EVAAS data use
- HR information and 'Say Something' conversation led by Bill Griffin
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on March 9, 2020, and approved several routine items including minutes, budget amendments, and an audit contract. They also approved a School Justice Partnership resolution, a Wrap Around rate increase, and placed two new board policies (personal technology use and drones) on a one-month comment period. The board recognized student achievements and heard announcements from members and the superintendent.
- Approved School Justice Partnership Resolution (with subsection K deleted) to reduce in-school arrests and suspensions
- Approved Wrap Around rate increase effective Aug 17, 2020
- Approved Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Annual Report
- Approved audit contract with Smith, Anderson, and Wyke for FY ending June 30, 2020
- Placed new policies on personal technology use (3228/7323) and drones (4334/5035/7345) on one-month comment
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on March 2, 2020, covering an audit contract, a School Justice Partnership resolution, a wrap-around program update, and proposed calendars for two schools. The board also voted to move the April 9 board meeting to April 6 and to enter closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Audit contract presented by David Johnson (no dollar amount listed)
- School Justice Partnership resolution discussed, aiming to reduce in-school arrests and suspensions
- 2020-2021 calendars for CECHS and CASA presented
- Board meeting date changed from April 9 to April 6
- Closed session for confidential personnel matters, motion carried unanimously
Assistant Principals' Meeting
This is a routine professional development meeting for Caldwell County assistant principals, not a voting or decision-making session. The agenda includes a presentation by Dick Mitchell, a live-streamed HR session, retirement information from benefits coordinator Christy Hayes, and a discussion of digital data portfolios. No formal actions or votes are scheduled.
- Presentation by Dick Mitchell on management education (attachment: UpYourMgmtEducation20.pdf)
- HR live stream presentation at 8:30 AM by Bill Griffin
- Retirement information session led by Christy Hayes, including TSERS webinar and guides
- Digital Data Portfolio and EVAAS data discussion led by Dottie Hayes
- EPS update from Katrina McEllen
Faculty/Associate Meeting
The Caldwell County Board of Education Faculty/Associate Council is holding a joint meeting hosted by Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps. The main topic is the 2020-2021 school calendar, with two draft versions attached for discussion. The meeting also covers ground rules for how council representatives gather and submit input from their schools.
- Two draft 2020-2021 school calendars attached, one ending June 8 and one ending June 4
- Meeting ground rules state representatives serve up to two consecutive years
- Input on discussion topics is collected from each school and emailed to the Superintendent's Office within two weeks
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on January 13, 2020, and approved routine items including the agenda, minutes, a needs-based distribution request, budget amendments, personnel contracts, and board transfers. The board also placed two new policies on a one-month comment period and entered closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Approved needs-based distribution request and annual report for lottery funds
- Approved Budget Amendment 4 (State Public School Fund) and Amendment 5 (Federal Grant Fund)
- Approved 14 of 16 January board transfers for 2019-20
- Placed new policies on personal technology use and drones for one-month comment
- Approved substitute list and other HR action items