Internal concerns addressed at board meeting
Robbinsville – At Tuesday’s meeting, the Graham County Board of Education conditionally accepted a new policy to reduce the required time to graduate to three years.
During the Nov. 2 meeting, the school board was informed of a newly-adopted law that allows high school students to graduate in three years instead of four. The required credits was changed to 22 credits for all students.
In the past, local boards could require 28 credits, but now local boards must also abide by the state’s legislation.
The board had to accept the policy since it is state law. The board was not sure about all the requirements, so it was conditionally accepted.
Robbinsville High School also has to hold an assembly to discuss the reduced graduation time this month. The law will apply to incoming freshman and sophomores.
Students still have the choice to graduate with 28 credits to participate in electives and Career and Technical Education classes.
Graham County Schools Attorney M. Ellen Davis clarified that a student must fill out a form before graduating with 22 credits. Once a student decides that they want to graduate in three years, the student retrieves a form that explains the law, and the pros and cons of this decision. A parent or guardian must also sign the form.
The high school and executives will confirm this decision in writing and then send the document to the school superintendent before 45 days.
The board came to consensus that even if the student is 18, a parent or guardian should sign the document and be aware of the decision. If the parent or guardian disagrees with the decision, it will be noted.
The board also discussed the new North Carolina General Statute 115C-158.10. The policy states seventh graders cannot advance to the next grade until they have a career development plan. Sophomores also cannot advance to the next grade without revising their career plan.
A comment was made in the audience that if a student is graduating in three years, the student will need a career plan.
Protect our children
Board member Pam Knott addressed her concern with the board singling out the girls wrestling team.
The board made a recommendation on Nov. 2 to always have a female on sight during the girls wrestling practices and matches.
The head coach of the girls wrestling team is Josh Winfrey; he is assisted by Sarah Orr.
Knott was specifically concerned with the wording, stating that the word “recommend” implies that a female presence is not required. Also, the kind of female authority figure was not specified.
Knott furthered that there are other all girl sports with male coaches at Graham County Schools like softball, basketball and golf. She also added that all male sports lead by females should have a male presence as well.
Knott used the Protect Our Children Act to support her point of preventing children being sexually exploited, which jails and revokes the offender’s license.
The board approved a motion for the policy committee to generate a policy implementing opposite sex supervisors for athletics and to clarify details.
To stress the importance, Knott referenced House Bill 142 that modifies penalties and definitions for certain sex offense against students. She also read General Statute 115C-326.20, which enacts an automatic revocation of a license for sexual misconduct with a student.
Education in a cup
Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight included an update on the two-year Education in a cup project.
GREAT Director Michelle Shiplet requested bids for various construction needs like an HVAC and more. One bid was offered, but it was too high. Knight said prices will be negotiated for a lower bid.
The project is at yet another standstill until a bid is accepted. The project was previously delayed because of the pandemic.
Graham County Schools received a grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation for $571,000 to renovate the former Veterans of Foreign Wars building and also eventually help with paying the student-employees.
The general idea is that Career Technical Education students – as well as the Exceptional Children’s Program – will run a “business” during school hours, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. One of the goals is to help the students to receive a certification in a career technical area.
The coffee shop from the high school could move into this building, along with other student-run products like sandwiches, supplemental imprinting, pet treats and supplies, and t-shirts.
Knight also hopes that over time, the store could also be open outside school hours and during the summer, to provide more jobs for the community.
Board concerns
Boardmember Hank Dinschel made a statement that the board is not following policies.
“I believe a shadow government operates in here,” said Dinschel.
She proposed that she address the broken policies in the next meeting, or have a special-called meeting.
“I don’t even know what you’re talking about,” said chairperson Rodney Nelson.
Other news and notes
* Facilities Director Kevin White provided an update on the Big Oaks Stadium project.
The contractor, LS3P agreement was submitted to Graham County School’s attorney, Davis and the county attorney.
The attorney’s made their recommendations to the agreement and it was sent back to LS3P.
“We are currently waiting for the actual executed contract to be sent back to us. And so that’s kind of where we’re at,” said White.
* White later noted that he helped in submitting a grant application of $42 million to the needs based capital fund through DPI to be considered for a new elementary school.
* The board approved a $1,000 a signing bonus for certified new teachers and instructional support.
Graham County Schools are eligible to provide the small county and low wealth signing bonus. Graham County is eligible since it receives small county supplemental funding and low-wealth counties supplemental funding.
The bonus is available to Graham County employees who were first hired by the district from July 1 – Oct. 1, 2023. Graham County Schools has five eligible employees.
The board decided to give a $500 bonus. The state provides a 100 percent match on the bonus, up to $1,000. The board can change the bonus amount every year.