Regular Meeting (May 12, 2025)

Asheville City Schools Board Meeting Recap: May 12, 2025

The Asheville City Board of Education held its regular meeting on May 12, 2025, focusing on recognizing student and staff achievements, approving key contracts, and discussing future strategic planning. The meeting began with a powerful acknowledgment of harm and commitment to anti-racist policies, setting a tone for the evening’s discussions. Attendance was nearly full, with Amy Ray arriving late.

A significant portion of the meeting celebrated outstanding accomplishments within Asheville City Schools. From Tucker Waldron’s securing an Open Way Learning Grant for the WNC Resilience Project to the Science Olympiad teams' regional and state successes, a palpable sense of pride filled the room. The Board also recognized the 15th anniversary of the IRL after-school program, Lucy S. Herring Kindergarteners' tour of secondary schools, and Jay Sekretarski’s baseball scholarship to Penn State. Notably, the Racial Equity Ambassador Program (REAP) presented survey results demonstrating progress in addressing race and racism within the school system, a testament to student leadership. Dr. Rafika Cobb, Principal of Ira B. Jones Elementary, was also recognized for her recent doctorate and inclusion in the Black Educators of Excellence program.

Beyond recognition, the Board addressed several key action items. A one-year extension of the Chartwells contract was approved, with discussions centered on new leadership and potential concerns regarding food service. Board Policy 5030, concerning community use of facilities, was also approved after a brief discussion. The Board encouraged citizen input on strategic planning through a QR code, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping the future direction of Asheville City Schools. Finally, they approved the minutes from their previous meeting on April 21st.

Superintendent Dr. Furman’s report highlighted ongoing community engagement efforts, including partnerships with the business community and AVID students. She also shared her involvement in the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition, emphasizing their focus on community schools. A concerning update was provided regarding the county budget, with potential cuts and a lack of support for restoring the supplemental tax. The Board discussed advocating for early childhood education funding, highlighting its importance to student success and the community as a whole.

The SAVE Club at Asheville High School presented their efforts to promote safety, inclusivity and anti-bullying initiatives. They requested that September be declared Violence Awareness/Anti-Bullying Month, a request the Board will consider in future discussions.

What’s Next? The Board is focused on advocating for the restoration of the supplemental tax, attending budget hearings, and considering potential staffing adjustments in light of budgetary concerns. They will continue to explore strategic planning options with community input and finalize the budget in upcoming work sessions and regular meetings. Citizens are encouraged to provide feedback through the QR code provided during the meeting, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of Asheville City Schools. The Board will also be considering the SAVE Club's request to declare September as Violence Awareness/Anti-Bullying Month.

This meeting demonstrated the Board’s commitment to celebrating student and staff achievements while addressing critical budgetary challenges. The focus on community engagement and equity underscores the Board's dedication to providing a high-quality education for all students in Asheville City Schools.