Women's Athletics Recognition
Before the evening Board of Education meeting, ABSS District Athletic Director Todd Davis recognized ABSS female student athletes and coaches from multiple middle and high school sports teams for their accomplishments and contributions as a celebration to cap off the month of March which was Women’s History Month. The professional library was filled with female student athletes across the district who are making history in ABSS along with their coaches, mentors, parents and supporters.
Financial Update
Ricky Lopes from the North Carolina Association of School Business Officials provided a general update on the district’s current financial status. Mr. Lopes is supporting ABSS as part of a grant program through the North Carolina Association of School Business Officials. He provided a general overview of his ongoing work with ABSS regarding closing out the year end and formulating a budget proposal for the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Lopes shared information about the district’s use of fund balance over several previous years and how he and ABSS are reviewing how to maximize local, state and federal dollars. He noted that he has reviewed the last 11 years of district audit reports. A proposed budget request must be approved by the Board and submitted to the county commissioners by May 15.
Superintendent Search
The Board also took steps to initiate the search for the district's next superintendent. Attorney Sam Thorp from the North Carolina School Boards Association presented a proposal and draft timeline for conducting a national closed search. The Board approved having the NCSBA lead the superintendent search process.
Other Business
The Board handled a number of other items on the agenda. They approved class size waivers requested by Revonda Johnson for 15 K-3 classrooms at Smith, Garrett, Andrews, and South Mebane that exceeded the state-mandated limits, allowing a maximum of two extra students per room for a total of 45 students impacted.
For Ray Street Academy, the Board adopted the Alternative Accountability Model Option B for the 2023-2024 school year as required for reporting to the state. This option measures student persistence, school achievement, and school growth.
They greenlighted a field trip for Graham Middle School students to attend Engineering Days at Carowinds on April 27th at no cost to students.
The Board accepted a $6,500 grant from the LabCorp Charitable Foundation to purchase CPR manikins for middle schools, written by Jennifer Wells. They also approved a $1,500 donation for the annual Principal/Athletic Director celebration.
Additionally, they allowed Burlington Recreation and Parks to rent five ABSS activity buses for use during summer camps.
A contract worth $939,066 was approved for Triangle Grading and Paving to improve the driveway and car rider route at E.M. Holt Elementary, with $750,000 reimbursement expected from the DOT after completion.
Looking Ahead
As the meeting concluded, Superintendent Dr. Harrison reminded Board members to provide feedback on the upcoming budget proposal to share with county commissioners.