Caldwell County Board of Education public meetings in 2021
30 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on December 13, 2021, and approved a revised face-covering policy that makes masks optional or required based on a three-week rolling average of student and staff COVID positivity rates. The board also approved an engineering contract for HVAC replacement, the 2021-2022 summer program, budget amendments, and routine personnel actions. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved revised Policy 4231/5021/7263 on face coverings, with masks required when the three-week rolling positivity rate exceeds 0.5%
- Approved engineering contract with Brittain Engineering, Inc. for HVAC replacement
- Approved 2021-2022 Summer Program for remediation and EOG/EOC retesting
- Approved Budget Amendment 3 (State Public School Fund) and Amendment 4 (Federal Grant Fund)
- Approved HR contracts and substitute list
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on December 7, 2021, where they voted to continue the face covering policy without modifications, approved a retention bonus for substitutes, and placed two board policies for public review. They also discussed the ESSER HVAC project, which will shift from a construction manager at risk to a design-bid-build process due to federal funding restrictions, and reviewed proposed redistricting maps for elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Continued Policy 4231/5021/7263 Face Coverings without modifications
- Approved $100/month retention bonus for substitutes working 10+ days per month (Jan 3–Jun 3, 2022)
- Placed Policy 2110 Board Member Elections and 2115 Unexpired Term Fulfillment for public review
- Discussed ESSER HVAC project switch to design-bid-build due to federal funding restrictions
- Reviewed proposed redistricting maps for Valmead/West Lenoir schools
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on November 8, 2021, and approved a series of routine administrative items, including minutes, personnel contracts, and school improvement plans. The board also approved two budget amendments: a $457,091 increase to the State Public School Fund and a $4,849,595 increase to the Federal Grant Fund. The meeting included recognitions for students, staff, and student teachers, and a public comment period.
- Approved Budget Amendment 1 increasing State Public School Fund by $457,091 to $74,853,498
- Approved Budget Amendment 2 increasing Federal Grant Fund by $4,849,595
- Approved 11 of 12 November student transfer requests for 2021-22
- Approved 2021-2022 School Improvement Plans and 2021-2024 Strategic Plan
- Recognized student teachers from ASU, UNCG, and WGU
Assistant Principals' Meeting
This meeting is a scheduled session for Assistant Principals to receive information from the Superintendent and various departments. The agenda consists of informational presentations regarding Education Program Services and Human Resource Services.
- Superintendent presentation
- Education Program Services presentation
- Human Resource Services presentation
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Board held a work session to review NCSBA Fall 2021 policy updates, including revisions related to COVID-19 and technology use. The Board also approved a final agreement with Connection Public Sector Solutions in conjunction with Merlyn Mind.
- Approval of NCSBA Fall 2021 Policy Updates involving 42 policies
- Approval of Final Agreement with Connection Public Sector Solutions and Merlyn Mind
- Designation of Feb 2, March 8, and March 30, 2022, as Remote Learning/Required Professional Development days
- Presentation on Horticulture Curriculum by MaKayla White
- Convening of closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Board approved the annual budget resolution covering multiple funds, including a $74,396,407 State Public School Fund. Additionally, the Board authorized a Construction Manager at Risk contract for HVAC upgrades in occupied schools.
- Approval of 2021-22 Budget Resolution including $74,396,407 for State Public School Fund
- Approval of Construction Manager at Risk contract for HVAC Upgrades project
- Approval of 8 October board transfers for the 2021-22 school year
- Approval of various personnel action items and substitute teacher list
- Recognition of Finance Department awards from GFOA and ASBO International
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session to discuss and receive information on several items, including a student's request for a science curriculum addition, a demonstration of Merlyn Minds, engineering and construction manager at-risk contracts for the HVAC upgrades project, a budget update, strategic planning and testing updates, an overview of grants received, and a COVID update. The board also approved the agenda and later convened a closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Student request for science curriculum addition
- Engineering contract for information
- Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) contract for HVAC upgrades project
- Budget update
- Closed session for confidential personnel matters
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held its regular meeting, approving routine items including minutes, personnel actions, and contracts. The board also approved a policy change to the public comment sign-up deadline, moving it from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. on the day of the meeting, and extended an agreement with Duke University for a COVID-19 scientific analysis board.
- Approved policy 2310 changing public comment request deadline to 9:30 a.m.
- Approved Amendment #1 extending Duke University COVID-19 analysis board agreement to August 1, 2022.
- Approved September Board Transfers for 2021-22: 73 recommended, 4 not recommended.
- Approved Human Resource Services action items and substitute list.
- Administered oath of office to new board member BJ Fore.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Board of Education held a work session to review financial audits, school updates, and COVID-19 related policies. The board voted to approve the district's Mental Health Plan as previously presented.
- Approval of Caldwell County Schools Mental Health Plan
- Review of Granite Falls Middle School Change Order Report
- Presentation of 2020-2021 Financial Audit by Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC
- Discussion regarding Senate Bill 654 and face covering policies
- Overview of Caldwell Online program
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Board of Education held a special called meeting to discuss plans regarding the return to schools. The session included an information and possible action item from Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps.
- Discussion of return to school plans
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on August 9, 2021, and approved moving a policy on public participation to public comment, which changes the deadline for signing up to speak from 3:30 PM to 9:30 AM on the day of the meeting. The board also voted to hold a special session on August 16, 2021, at 6:00 PM, likely to discuss COVID-19 updates. The meeting included routine approvals of minutes and a closed session for confidential personnel and legal matters.
- Approved policy 2310 (Public Participation at Board Meetings) for public comment, changing sign-up deadline to 9:30 AM
- Scheduled special session for August 16, 2021, at 6:00 PM for COVID-19 update
- Approved all July 2021 meeting minutes and general accounts
- Held closed session for confidential personnel and attorney-client privilege
- Discussed Technology Responsible Use Agreement with replacement costs (e.g., Chromebook $250, laptop $849)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education is holding a work session to discuss agenda items, including a proposed change to the public comment deadline and a resolution to sell the former Oak Hill School property to the highest bidder, Oak Hill Development Corporation, for $376,020.20. The board also reviewed a technical correction to the student athletic eligibility policy.
- Proposed policy change to move public comment sign-up deadline from 3:30 PM to 9:30 AM on meeting day
- Resolution to sell Oak Hill School property (4603 Oak Hill School Road, Lenoir) to Oak Hill Development Corporation for $376,020.20
- Technical correction to Policy 3621 Student Athletic Eligibility to fix a school name
- Agenda approved unanimously by board members
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a special called meeting to discuss returning-to-school plans. The board voted to make face masks optional for all students and staff K-12, then moved into closed session for confidential personnel matters and attorney consultation. The meeting was called under state law for the return-to-school discussion.
- Approved agenda for the special called meeting
- Voted to make face masks optional for all students and staff K-12
- Moved to closed session at 3:27 PM for personnel and attorney-client privilege
- Adjourned after closed session
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met for a regular session, approving the agenda, minutes, and several action items including HR contracts, July board transfers, an alternative accountability model for two schools, a general counsel agreement, and an EAP contract. The board also recognized student achievements and received informational updates on surplus sales, HR items, and COVID-19 before entering closed session for personnel and attorney-client matters.
- Approved General Counsel Agreement with Wilson, Lackey, Rohr & Hall, P.C.
- Approved July Board Transfers for 2021-22: 35 recommended, 1 not recommended, total 1438 for the year
- Approved 2021-22 Alternative Accountability Model for Gateway (C) and Horizons (B)
- Approved EAP Contract with McLaughlin Young Employee Services
- Recognized student achievements including state wrestling champion, pitchers of the year, and national Beta competition placements
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a special budget session to approve several financial and personnel items. The board passed an interim budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, approved seven budget amendments, and authorized a contract for student tracking services. They also waived attendance requirements for fall 2021 athletic eligibility due to COVID-19 disruptions and approved administrative contracts, including a superintendent contract extension.
- Approved 2021-2022 interim budget, effective July 1, 2021, until final budget adoption
- Approved Budget Amendments 20-26 covering state, current expense, federal grant, capital outlay, child nutrition, wrap-around, and special grant funds
- Approved 2021 Synovia contract with 'Here Comes the Bus' addendum
- Waived attendance requirements for athletic eligibility for fall 2021 semester
- Approved superintendent contract extension and assistant principal contracts (Matt Ross, Amy Brawley, Braley Speagle, Celine Ellison)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on June 7, 2021, and took action on several items, including approving a Synovia bus contract with an addendum for the 'Here Comes the Bus' feature, personnel contracts and substitute lists, June board transfers for the 2021-22 school year, budget amendments, assistant principal placements, a bus liability release, and the 2021-2022 meeting schedule. The board also held a closed session for confidential personnel matters and attorney consultation, and recognized student achievements.
- Approved 2021 Synovia contract with 'Here Comes the Bus' addendum
- Approved 54 June board transfers for 2021-22 school year
- Approved Amendments 16-19 for State Federal, Federal Grant, Current Expense, and Special Grant funds
- Approved Bus 82 liability release with The General Insurance
- Approved waiver of conflict of interest for attorney Destin C. Hall
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Board held a work session to approve various administrative actions, including school leadership placements and service contracts. The meeting also included discussions on ESSER plan amendments and updates on summer school plans.
- Approved $48,950.00 contract with Dream Builders Communications, Inc.
- Appointed Brook Cooper as Principal of Lower Creek Elementary School
- Appointed Jenni Frye as Principal of Sawmills Elementary School
- Appointed Julie Hall as Administrative Director of Caldwell Online
- Approved lease agreement for the HUB Building kitchen in Hudson
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a regular meeting on May 10, 2021, approving a consent agenda for April minutes, a statement of work for PaperCut MF installation on copy machines, HR contracts and substitute lists, May board transfers, the 2021-2022 CTE application, budget amendments 14 and 15, and NCSBA Spring 2021 policy revisions. The board also entered closed session for confidential personnel matters. All votes were unanimous except for HR contracts, where two members recused themselves.
- Approved Statement of Work for PaperCut MF installation on copy machines (Systel)
- Approved May Board Transfers for 2021-22: 26 recommended, 19 not recommended, total 1349 for the year
- Approved Budget Amendments 14 (State Public School Fund) and 15 (Federal Grants Fund)
- Approved NCSBA Spring 2021 Board Policy Revisions (multiple policies)
- Approved 2021-2022 Local Application for Career and Technical Education
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education will hold a work session to discuss and possibly take action on the Virtual Academy, including a possible request for a school number. They will also receive information on summer learning and online learning programs for 2021-2022, and consider approval of the agenda.
- Possible action on Virtual Academy requirements and request for school number
- Information on Caldwell County Schools Summer Learning
- Information on Caldwell Online 2021-2022 Overview
- Approval of the agenda
- Adjournment at 9:20 AM
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on April 29, 2021, at Hibriten High School. The board approved the agenda and then approved a revised Local Budget Request as presented by Superintendent Don Phipps and CFO David Johnson. The meeting adjourned at 12:30 PM.
- Approved revised Local Budget Request
- Approved work session agenda
- Adjourned at 12:30 PM
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education approved routine consent items, a copy services addendum with Systel, HR contracts and transfers, a local budget request, and the 2021-2022 CASA/Early College calendar. The meeting also included honors and recognitions for students and teachers.
- Approved Addendum 1 to Copy Services Agreement with Systel Business Equipment Co., Inc., extending term to March 31, 2026, with $5 per device per month PaperCut MF licensing and unchanged per-page costs of .0116 b/w and .053 color.
- Approved Local Budget Request projecting $275,153 impact for a 2% salary increase, including retirement rate increase to 23.75% and hospitalization increase to $6,516.
- Approved 1,323 board transfers for 2021-22 school year; Darrell Pennell recused due to family member on list.
- Approved 2021-2022 Caldwell Early College and Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy calendar.
- Approved contract with Blackboard for website/app redesign (3-year).
Assistant Principals' Meeting
This is a routine informational meeting for assistant principals, with no votes or decisions scheduled. The agenda covers re-entry updates, an HR presentation, strategic planning, and wrap-up notes, all listed as information items.
- Re-entry update
- Human Resources presentation
- Strategic planning discussion
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on March 8, 2021, and approved several actions, including the sale of the former Oak Hill School property for $83,000, a study of a potential merger between Valmead and West Lenoir schools, and facility naming requests. The board also approved routine consent items such as minutes and personnel actions.
- Approved resolution to accept $83,000 offer from 4M Investments, LLC for Oak Hill School property at 4603 Oak Hill School Road, Lenoir
- Ordered comprehensive study of Valmead and West Lenoir school merger
- Approved naming Hibriten High School gym court as Beane Court and Collettsville School playground as Johannah's Playground
- Approved sublease of Walker Stadium to Lenoir Legends Baseball team for summer 2021
- Approved remote learning for Granite Falls Middle School when new addition occupancy is allowed
Assistant Principals' Meeting
This is an informational meeting for Caldwell County assistant principals, with no votes or decisions scheduled. Topics include a presentation on LD 2020, updates from Educational Program Services, and superintendent updates on Chromebooks, the new state superintendent, NWRESA, vaccines, a possible March calendar revision, legislation, athletics, and end-of-year information. Human Resources will also provide information.
- LD 2020 presentation by Travis Gillespie
- Chromebook update
- Vaccine update
- Revision to 2020-2021 school calendar concerning RL Day in March
- Athletics update
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on March 1, 2021. They discussed naming the Hibriten High School gym court and the Collettsville School playground, reviewed a proposed elementary redistricting plan for West Lenoir/Valmead, received a budget update including Coronavirus Relief Funds, and heard high school and educational program updates. The board also approved the agenda and convened a closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Public hearing on naming Hibriten High School gym court and Collettsville School playground
- Discussion of West Lenoir/Valmead elementary redistricting with proposed maps
- Budget update including Coronavirus Relief Funds
- High school updates and educational program services presentations
- Closed session for confidential personnel matters (N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1))
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a brief work session on February 25, 2021, approving the agenda and appointing Jay McCarraher as Director of Transportation effective March 1, 2021. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 AM.
- Approved appointment of Jay McCarraher as Director of Transportation, effective March 1, 2021
- Approved the work session agenda as presented
- Meeting adjourned at 8:03 AM
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on February 8, 2021, and took several actions, including approving athletic funding for seasons 3 and 4 totaling $125,700, reappointing Ann Smith to the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Board of Trustees, and approving the 2021 Needs-Based Capital Fund Annual Report. The board also approved budget amendments, an audit contract, and various human resources items. A policy on citizenship and character education was placed on a public comment period.
- Approved $125,700 in athletic funding for seasons 3 and 4 across multiple schools
- Reappointed Ann Smith to CCC&TI Board of Trustees for a 4-year term (2021-2025)
- Approved 2021 Needs-Based Capital Fund Annual Report
- Approved audit contract with Anderson Smith and Wike PLLC for FY ending June 30, 2021
- Placed Policy 3530 Citizenship and Character Education on public comment period
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on February 1, 2021, covering a tour of Granite Falls Middle School, approval of the agenda, and updates from various departments. Key items included a CTE update, a policy on citizenship and character education, a draft 2021-2022 school calendar, a COVID update, an Agriculture Expo update, and an athletic funding request of $114,912 for reimbursement to schools. The board also received Title IX information and convened a closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Approved agenda as presented
- Athletic funding request: $114,912 for reimbursement to schools for seasons 3 & 4
- Discussed draft 2021-2022 school calendar
- Reviewed Policy Code 3530 on Citizenship and Character Education
- Convened closed session for personnel matters
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education approved a resolution granting the superintendent temporary emergency powers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including waiving board policies and entering contracts without board approval. The board also approved athletic funding, budget amendments, personnel actions, and 2021 board committees. The meeting included recognitions and a report on donations.
- Approved $36,663 in athletic funding for schools for Season 2
- Approved Budget Amendment 7 (State Public School Fund) and Amendment 8 (Special Grants Fund)
- Approved resolution granting emergency powers to superintendent for COVID-19
- Approved 2021 board committees
- Reported donations including $15,000 to Hudson Middle from Fairfield and $10,000 to Valmead from First Presbyterian Church
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on January 5, 2021, covering informational updates and a feasibility study. Items included equitable funding for high school athletics, an AIG/ESL program update, and a West Lenoir Valmead feasibility study. The board also received a COVID-19 update and approved the agenda and adjournment.
- Equitable funding for high school athletics discussion
- AIG/ESL program update
- West Lenoir Valmead feasibility study (three-school merger)
- COVID-19 update with leave totals and substitute fill data