News from the Board -- November 10, 2020

The Onslow County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on November 10, 2020 at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. Agenda items for this meeting included an annual independent audit report, the NCSTAR School Strategic Plans for School Improvement, the Pearson virtual curriculum for OVS, an athletics update and a policy revision. Before starting its general business, the Board also voted to move the consideration proposed calendar revisions from the consent agenda to general business.  

After a Good News Spotlight segment which recognized the OCS Teacher, Principal and Assistant Principal of the year, Chief Finance Officer Jeff Hollamon began the meeting’s general business by introducing Dale Smith from Anderson Smith Wike, PLLC. Mr. Smith presented to the Board the findings of his agency’s independent audit of Onslow County Schools’ finances, saying that the finances were in good order, fund balances were adequate, and that Mr. Hollamon and his team do an excellent job.  

Next was a presentation from Dr. Mark Bulris, executive director of elementary services, who shared with the Board information on the NCSTAR Strategic Plans for School Improvement. These plans, Dr. Bulris said, are designed to help schools identified as low performing improve. Due to the lack of updated accountability data, the same four OCS schools that were identified as low performing last year remain identified as such this year.

Dr. Bulris said that the detailed plans, which Board members have already had a chance to look at, will be submitted for approval at the December 1 BOE meeting.  

Following Dr. Bulris’ presentation, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Beth Folger took to the podium, joined by OVS Principal Steve Clarke and OVS teachers Christina Price and Lenee Sparks, to present to the Board information on the Pearson Virtual Curriculum for OVS. Mr. Clarke shared the virtual school’s expectations for students, teachers and learning coaches. Ms. Price and Ms. Sparks walked the Board through what a typical day of online teaching and learning would look like for a 3rd grader in OVS.  

Next to the podium was OCS Coordinator of Athletics Greg Grantham, who provided the Board with a brief update on the state of athletics in the district. He said that as of meeting time, some sports seasons had started, including volleyball and cross country. Swimming is set to begin the week of Thanksgiving and basketball on December 7.  

Director of Federal Programs Dwayne Snowden presented next, sharing proposed revisions to the Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy. All revisions, which were reviewed by the Board, are standard changes to ensure that the policy remains in line with federal law and requirements. The Board unanimously approved all revisions.  

Last on the agenda were the proposed changes to the 2020-2021 OCS Elementary School Plan A Calendar. Changes included extending remote days on Wednesdays for planning and cleaning through winter break. The change was unanimously approved.  

Following the general business, just before adjournment, five people spoke during the public comment period.