Board of Education October 2025 Work Session Agenda
Board of Education October 2025 Work Session Recording
Board of Education Business
The ABSS Board of Education can have up to four voting delegates for the North Carolina School Board Association. Dr. Hall, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Wagoner, and Ms. Ellington-Graves were nominated as delegates, with Dr. Parker and Mr. Ingle as alternates. The motion was approved unanimously.
Superintendent
Andrew LaRowe, with BAISCA, presented the 2025-2026 Facility Needs Report. This report is required by the state to be submitted by districts every five years. This survey is larger than previous reports, attributed to the cost of construction doubling and the in-depth nature of the process. Mr. LaRowe discussed the age of existing schools along with considerations around the total costs of renovation vs. replacement. The Facility Needs Report identified the need for three additional school buildings. He referenced the OREd study and how, with their help, the district can confirm where additional schools are needed.
Mr. LaRowe reiterated that the report is not a budget, but a needs assessment, and encouraged the Board to begin discussion about long term planning.
Human Resources
Beginning Teacher Coordinators, Bambie Evans and Sarah Jones, presented the Beginning Teacher Support Plan. ABSS has about 259 beginning teachers and 199 mentors. An overview of the plan, required by the state, includes mentor assignments, professional development, licensure support, and building level support.
Curriculum
Dr. McWherter introduced a few of the academic leadership team: Dr. Julie Turner, Executive Director of Elementary Education, Ms. Erica Blackwell, Executive Director of Secondary Schools, Dr. Matthew Haley, Executive Director of School Improvement and Accountability, and Mr. Brent Philipson, MTSS Coordinator.
Dr. McWherter presented the School and District Improvement Plans for Board of Education review. Improvement plans provide a roadmap for schools to focus on student achievement. They ensure transparency and shared responsibility. Each school has a school improvement plan linked on its website that any staff, parent, or community member can review. The plans set measurable goals, identify strategies aligned with goals, support the monitoring of progress, and encourage distributive leadership.
Several field trips were presented:
EM Holt Elementary School is requesting permission to take the 4th grade students on a trip to Sound and Sea in Pine Knoll Shores, NC, from February 23-26, 2026.
AO Elementary School is requesting permission to take the 5th grade students on a trip to Washington, DC, from March 11-13, 2026.
Western High School is requesting permission to take the Dance Team to Orlando, FL, from February 12-17, 2026, to compete in the National Dance Alliance Nationals.
B. Everett Jordan Elementary School is requesting permission to take the 5th grade students on a trip to Sound and Sea in Pine Knoll Shores, NC, from April 13-15, 2026.
The improvement plans and field trips were presented for information and will be included in the consent agenda for the upcoming meeting.
Student Services
Dr. Davis presented a contract with Speech Inspirations for the provision of Exceptional Children (EC) related service providers, totaling $200,000.00. The contract was approved unanimously.
The Department of Exceptional Children is requesting approval to amend its contract with Blazerworks, LLC. The original contract was for $1,000,000.00, and the proposed amendment would add $250,000.00 to that amount. The contract amendment was approved unanimously.
Dr. Davis also presented a list of grants and gifts to the district:
Renah Mitchell of Turrentine Middle School was a recipient of a $200 grant from Thomas Tire & Automotive. Funds will be used for a 7th Grade trip or activity.
Burlington Merchants Association Fund for Needy Children donated $8,943 to Alamance-Burlington School System. These funds will support the Needy Children's Fund.
Haymore Family Dentistry donated several boxes of school supplies and contributed an additional $1,210 to support the Alamance-Burlington School System. In partnership with the district, they are also establishing a Shoe Fund at Rack Room Shoes, enabling school social workers to provide footwear for students in need.
Moize Custom Cabinets donated $1,200 to support Grove Park Elementary's Kindergarten students. This contribution will cover the full admission cost for all Kindergartners to enjoy a field trip to Stas Farm Corn Maze.
RW Schoolfield Electrical Contractors donated $2,500 to Hawfields Middle School to support the purchase of football equipment and other program needs.
RW Schoolfield Electrical Contractors donated $5,000 to the general athletics fund at Hawfields Middle School. This contribution will provide support for the student-athletes through enhanced equipment, improved facilities, and program development.
All Sports Foundation donated $30,000 to Eastern Alamance High School. Funds will be used to build outdoor batting cages for the baseball teams.
EA All Sports Foundation donated $13,636.72 to Eastern Alamance High School. These funds will be used for needed equipment and a media platform.
Martin Marietta donated $1,000 to Highland Elementary School. Funds will be used to purchase Achieve 3000 for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
Grove Park PTA donated $1,077.10 to Grove Park Elementary to support an upcoming field trip for 3rd graders.
The Graham High School PTO donated $1,726 to support Graham High School. These funds will be dedicated to celebrating staff through upcoming Teacher Appreciation efforts.
The Turrentine Middle School PTO, along with community partners Wellsley Robinson, Lowe's Home Improvement, and Bing Smedberg, donated shrubbery and labor valued at $1,501.00 to Turrentine Middle School. The contribution will support the installation of a landscape design located at the front entrance of the school building.
Grants and gifts were presented for information and will be included in the consent agenda for the upcoming meeting.
Operations
Mr. Hook provided information on contracts and agreements that will be included on the consent agenda at a future meeting.
A contract for Samet Corporation for the preconstruction and design phase of the Graham High School HVAC upgrades design-build project. Following this phase of the project, an addendum for the guaranteed maximum price of the project will be brought to the Board. The value of the preconstruction and design services contract is $166,619.00.
An amendment to the existing HVAC repair service contract with Systems Contractors. The value of the amendment is $50,000. The addendum takes the value of the contract to $149,999.00
A contract for Systems Contractors for the purchase and installation of two new boilers and burners, primary, crossover pumps, and loop pumps at Southern Alamance High School. The value of the contract is $295,000.
Personnel Report
Ms. Anderson presented the personnel report for approval. The report was approved unanimously.