Caldwell County Board of Education public meetings in 2023
26 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Appeal Hearing
The Caldwell County Board of Education is meeting for a student appeal hearing and general account, held in closed session to prevent disclosure of privileged or confidential information as permitted by state law. The agenda includes introductions, information, and deliberation leading to a board decision.
- Closed session under N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1)
- Student appeal hearing
- Board deliberation and decision
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education approved the sale of the former West Lenoir Elementary School property to HASO Holdings, LLC for $300,000, along with routine approvals of the agenda, minutes, personnel actions, contracts, and the 2023-2024 budget resolution. The board also received updates on student growth and school events, and entered closed session for personnel matters.
- Approved resolution to sell West Lenoir Elementary School property (125 Maple Dr. NW, Lenoir) to HASO Holdings, LLC for $300,000
- Approved 2023-2024 Budget Resolution
- Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI)
- Approved December Board Transfers for 2023-24 (29 recommended, 2 not recommended)
- Approved Human Resource Services contracts and substitute list
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on December 1, 2023, approving the 2023-2024 School Improvement Plans for all schools and a Drivers Education Contract with FK Chestnut Driving Academy LLC. The board also received informational updates on the Teaching Fellows Commission, the Parents Bill of Rights, a potential 1/4¢ sales tax, the 2024-2025 calendar, athletic policy, retention data, early graduation, equity plans, and a memorandum of understanding with CCC&TI. The board then convened a closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters.
- Approved 2023-2024 School Improvement Plans for all Caldwell County Schools
- Approved Drivers Education Contract with FK Chestnut Driving Academy LLC
- Discussed 1/4¢ sales tax and 2024-2025 school calendar
- Heard update on Parents Bill of Rights and Teaching Fellows Commission
- Entered closed session for confidential personnel matters
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education is meeting to approve several routine items, including minutes, contracts, and personnel actions. The most significant action is approving policy updates required by the state's new Parents' Bill of Rights law, which includes changes to parental involvement, instructional materials inspection, and health education. The board also approved a generator service contract, a lottery fund distribution for wastewater treatment, and placed school improvement plans for public comment.
- Approved 5-year generator service contract with Cummins Sales & Service for Granite Falls Middle School
- Approved $300,000 sale of West Lenoir Elementary School property, soliciting upset bids
- Approved NC Lottery funds distribution for Collettsville Waste Water Treatment design fees
- Approved Parent's Bill of Rights policy updates (policies 1310/4002, 3210, 3540, 4335, 4720, 6120, 7300)
- Placed 2023-2024 School Improvement Plans on public comment
Assistant Principals' Meeting
This is a routine informational meeting for assistant principals, featuring presentations from the superintendent, Human Resource Services, Auxiliary Services, and Education Program Services, followed by a wrap-up. No decisions or votes are scheduled.
- Superintendent Katrina McEllen presenting for Dr. Phipps
- Human Resource Services presentation
- Auxiliary Services information session
- Education Program Services presentation
- Portrait of a Graduate level groups discussion
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on October 30, 2023, where it approved several action items, including a contract amendment for the superintendent, a construction contract for tennis courts at South Caldwell High School, and an easement agreement with Duke Energy. The board also received informational presentations on CIS outcomes, exam guidance, school improvement plans, and finance updates, and later convened in closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Approved amendment to Superintendent Don Phipps' contract, effective July 1
- Approved contract with Wilkie Construction for tennis courts at South Caldwell High School
- Approved easement agreement with Duke Energy for a regulator station beside Lower Creek School
- Discussed 5-year service agreement with Cummins Sales & Service for Granite Falls Middle School
- Received presentation on CIS 2022-2023 outcomes and end goals
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on October 9, 2023, and approved routine items including the agenda, minutes, and human resources contracts and substitute lists. The board also voted to move three upcoming work sessions to new dates, and entered closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters and consult with the board attorney.
- Approved HR contracts and substitute list
- Moved Nov 1 work session to Oct 30
- Moved Dec 5 work session to Dec 1
- Moved Mar 6 work session to Mar 4
- Closed session for personnel and attorney consultation
Assistant Principals' Meeting
This is a routine informational meeting for assistant principals in Caldwell County Schools. The agenda consists of updates from the superintendent, auxiliary services, finance, human resources, education program services, and level director groups, with no votes or decisions scheduled.
- Superintendent update (40 minutes) including policies and SRO information
- Auxiliary Services update (20 minutes)
- Finance update (5 minutes)
- Human Resource Services update (20 minutes) with presentation
- Education Program Services update (40 minutes)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on October 3, 2023, covering several items. The board voted to accept a $181,000 bid for the WLES property, beginning the upset bid process. They also discussed the online academy, school calendar, book challenges, Gamewell traffic, drivers education, and WCHS land clearing. The board approved a nomination for the Raleigh Dingman Award and later entered closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Accepted $181,000 bid for WLES property to begin upset bid process
- Discussed online academy
- Discussed book challenges and instructional materials policies
- Approved nomination of Darrell Pennell for Raleigh Dingman Award
- Discussed Gamewell traffic and WCHS land clearing
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on September 13, 2023, and took action on several items, including approving the 2023 audit report, awarding a contract for the South Caldwell High School tennis court project, and placing policies related to the SB 49 Parents' Bill of Rights on public comment. The board also approved routine personnel actions, student transfers, and minutes from previous meetings. The meeting included a closed session for confidential personnel matters and attorney consultation.
- Approved audit report for year ended June 30, 2023, as presented by Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC
- Awarded South Caldwell High School tennis court project to Wilie Construction
- Placed policies concerning SB 49 Parents' Bill of Rights on public comment
- Approved 71 of 74 September board transfers for 2023-24 school year
- Approved Human Resource Services contracts and substitute list
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on September 5, 2023, where it approved the agenda, heard an audit report, and discussed the Parents Bill of Rights and athletic handbooks. The board voted to move the public comment period to the start of meetings at 6:00 PM, eliminating the 15-minute recess, and rescheduled the September 11 meeting to September 13 at 6:00 PM. The board also received a grant report and a recommendation for the South Caldwell High School tennis court project, then went into closed session for personnel matters.
- Approved audit report presented by Shannon Dennison, CPA with Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC
- Moved public comment to start of board meetings at 6:00 PM, eliminating 15-minute recess (vote 5-2)
- Rescheduled September 11, 2023 board meeting to September 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM
- Discussed Parents Bill of Rights and athletic handbooks
- Received grant report and South Caldwell High School tennis court project bid recommendation
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on August 14, 2023, and approved several routine items, including the agenda, minutes, and personnel actions. The board also approved the 2023-2024 Title 1 Plan, placed a revision to Board Policy 3410 on testing and assessment for public comment, and approved contract amendments for the superintendent and assistant superintendents.
- Approved 2023-2024 Title 1 Plan
- Approved August Board Transfers for 2023-24 (54 of 60 recommended)
- Approved contract amendments for Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents effective July 1, 2023
- Placed revision to Board Policy 3410 Testing and Assessment Program for public comment
- Approved Human Resource contracts and substitute list
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on August 8, 2023, covering staff updates, graduation plans, athletics, rebranding, teacher pipeline, and a Title 1 plan. The board voted to move the September 6 work session to September 5 and entered a closed session for personnel, safety, and attorney-client matters.
- Moved September 6, 2023 work session to September 5, 2023
- Discussed 2023-2024 Title 1 Plan
- Reviewed revision to Board Policy 3410 on exam exemptions
- Held closed session for personnel, safety, and attorney consultation
- Received updates on auxiliary services projects
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on July 10, 2023, and approved several routine items, including minutes, contracts, and policy revisions. They also approved changes to the 2023-2024 school calendar for Caldwell Early College and Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy, and adjusted the 2024 board meeting schedule. A public comment was made about incorporating gardening into schools.
- Approved 20 policy revisions recommended by NCSBA, including new federal requirements for nursing mothers and pregnant workers
- Approved Option B for the Alternate Schools Accountability Model for 2023-2024
- Approved changes to the 2023-2024 CECHS/CASA calendar (ER day on Aug 21, PD day on Feb 23)
- Approved moving June 10, 2024 board meeting to June 4, 2024, and July 8, 2024 to July 9, 2024
- Approved Human Resource Services contracts
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a budget/work session on June 30, 2023, approving several budget amendments, an interim budget for 2023-2024, and administrative appointments. The board also entered a closed session for confidential personnel matters and discussed a contract with the board attorney.
- Approved budget amendments 10-15 covering State Public School, Current Expense, Federal Grants, Capital Outlay, Child Nutrition, and Special Grant funds.
- Approved the 2023-2024 Interim Budget to fund operations from July 1, 2023, until the final budget is adopted.
- Appointed Amy Brawley as Principal of Collettsville School, effective July 1, 2023, with a 2-year contract.
- Appointed Dawn Henline as Principal of Sawmills Elementary School, effective July 1, 2023, with a 2-year contract.
- Discussed a contract with Wilson, Lackey, Rohr & Hall, P.C. for board attorney services.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on June 6, 2023, where it approved the appointment of Jill Pippen as Director of High School Education, effective July 1, 2023, with a continuation of contract. The board also moved the June 12 board meeting to June 8 at 8:00 AM. Presentations included a drug abuse awareness talk and a preschool update. The board discussed a policy manual update recommended by NCSBA, including new federal laws on nursing mothers and pregnant workers, and entered closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Approved Jill Pippen as Director of High School Education, effective July 1, 2023 (Ann Edwards recused)
- Moved June 12 board meeting to June 8 at 8:00 AM
- Discussed 20-policy manual update including new federal laws (PUMP Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act)
- Heard presentation on drug abuse awareness by Taylor Hawkins
- Heard preschool update by Helena Vanhorn
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held its regular meeting, approving routine personnel contracts, student transfers, and the 2023-2024 CTE Local Application. The board also reviewed and approved policy revisions related to Caldwell Online and the Title I Parent and Family Engagement policy. The meeting included recognitions for students and staff, and a report on the Beginning Teacher Support Program monitoring visit.
- Approved Human Resource Services contracts for 1-year (2023-2024) and 2-year (2023-2024 & 2024-2025) terms, plus administrative contracts.
- Approved 164 May Board Transfers for 2023-24, bringing total board approvals to 1,357.
- Approved the 2023-2024 CTE Local Application for state/federal funding.
- Approved revisions to Board Policies related to Caldwell Online, including online instruction, dual enrollment, and student athletic eligibility.
- Reviewed and approved Board Policy 1320/3560 Title I Parent and Family Engagement.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on May 2, 2023, at William Lenoir Middle School. The board approved moving the June 28 budget meeting to June 30 at 9:00 AM, appointed William "Bill" Stone to the CCC&TI Board of Trustees for a four-year term starting July 1, 2023, and received informational updates on the budget, HR, property sales, and other topics. The board also recessed for Google Recognition and later entered closed session for confidential personnel matters before adjourning.
- Moved June 28 budget meeting to June 30, 2023, at 9:00 AM
- Appointed William "Bill" Stone to CCC&TI Board of Trustees (term starting July 1, 2023)
- Budget update and funding request discussion (Low Wealth Comparison and Summary for County Request attachments)
- Sale of property update (WLES) and WCHS Barn Project/Pasture update
- Revisions to board policies for Caldwell Online (policies 3101, 3102, 3103, 3621) presented for future approval
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on March 13, 2023, to approve routine items including budget amendments, contracts, and the 2024-2025 school calendar start date. They also discussed a proposed increase in before/after-school care fees for the 2023-2024 school year. The board entered closed session to discuss personnel and a lawsuit.
- Approved Budget Amendment #6 increasing the State Public School Fund by $1,680,487 to $86,016,086
- Approved Budget Amendment #7 increasing the Federal Grants Fund by $17,848 to $30,012,066
- Approved 2024-2025 traditional school calendar start date of August 14, 2024 for students and August 1, 2024 for staff
- Proposed Wrap Around rate increases: registration fee from $35 to $40, AM from $24 to $25/week, PM from $41 to $45/week, full day from $25 to $30
- Approved Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC audit contract for fiscal year ending 06/30/23
Assistant Principals' Meeting
This is a routine informational meeting for assistant principals, with no votes or decisions scheduled. The agenda includes presentations from Human Resource Services, the Superintendent, Auxiliary Services, and Education Program Services, along with a calendar update.
- HR presentation with attached leadership meeting notes (1,477 KB)
- Superintendent's calendar update
- Information from Auxiliary Services
- Information from Education Program Services level directors
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education met on February 13, 2023, and approved the 2023-24 school calendars for traditional schools and the two academies, as well as a resolution supporting local control of school calendars. The board also approved an interim position, routine personnel and contract items, and entered closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters and a lawsuit. The meeting included public comment, recognitions, and announcements.
- Approved 2023-24 Traditional School and Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy/Caldwell Early College High School calendars
- Adopted resolution supporting local control of school calendars, urging state legislature to amend calendar law
- Approved Leigh Anne Frye as interim Testing and Accountability Director for remainder of 2022-23 school year
- Approved Human Resource Services contracts and substitute list
- Entered closed session for personnel matters and attorney consultation in Curtis Cloaninger v. Caldwell County Schools
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session to discuss and receive updates on the budget, a virtual school application, a proposed interim position, the 2023-24 school calendar, and various facility projects. The board also approved the agenda and later convened a closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Budget update presented by Superintendent Don Phipps
- Virtual school application discussed (action/information item)
- Proposed interim position discussed
- 2023-24 calendar discussion with draft calendars attached
- Collettsville Wastewater Project, Granite Falls Middle School, and HVAC project updates
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on January 18, 2023, approving the agenda and moving the April 3, 2023, board meeting to April 6, 2023. The board also received ethics training and discussed scheduling conflicts with Battle of the Books and the COSSBA Conference.
- Approved moving April 3, 2023, board meeting to April 6, 2023
- Ethics training presented by Chris Campbell of Campbell Shatley PLLC
- Noted scheduling conflict: Battle of the Books and work session on March 7
- Work session must end by 10:00 AM for board to attend Battle of the Books
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on January 9, 2023, at Granite Falls Middle School. The board approved the agenda and a revised salary scale as presented by the superintendent. The meeting was brief and focused on these administrative items.
- Approved revised salary scale (motion by BJ Fore, second by Ann B Edwards; Teresa H Branch abstained)
- Approved work session agenda (motion by BJ Fore, second by Mark Gerson)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education is meeting to approve routine items including minutes, personnel contracts, and budget amendments. The board will also hear public comments and recognize students and staff. Key actions include approving the CCS Summer Program 2023 and two budget amendments that increase the state public school fund by $604,118 and the federal grants fund by $446,316.
- Approved Budget Amendment #4 increasing State Public School Fund by $604,118 to $84,335,599
- Approved Budget Amendment #5 increasing Federal Grants Fund by $446,316 to $29,547,902
- Approved CCS Summer Program 2023 for EOG/EOC remediation and retesting
- Approved 8 January board transfers for 2022-23 school year
- Approved Human Resource Services contracts and substitute list
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2018- 2025
The Caldwell County Board of Education held a work session on January 5, 2023, where it approved the student start date for the 2023-2024 school year as August 14, 2023, and placed the traditional, Caldwell Early College, and Caldwell Applied Sciences calendars on a comment period. The board also approved revisions to policy 7241 on drug and alcohol testing for commercial motor vehicle operators, and set May 25, 2023, as the graduation date for traditional high schools. The meeting included a budget update, a discussion of the 2023 summer program, and a closed session for confidential personnel matters.
- Approved Aug. 14, 2023 start date for 23-24 school year; calendars for traditional, Caldwell Early College, and Caldwell Applied Sciences placed on comment period
- Approved revisions to policy 7241 on drug and alcohol testing of commercial motor vehicle operators
- Approved May 25, 2023 graduation date for traditional high schools
- Discussed CCS Summer Program 2023 with remediation and retesting for students scoring Not Proficient on EOG/EOC
- Held closed session for confidential personnel matters and attorney-client consultation