Regular Meeting (Jun 9, 2025)

Meeting Overview The Asheville City Schools Board of Education held its Regular Meeting on June 9, 2025. The session focused on reviewing district data, updating strategic plans, addressing financial sustainability, and approving various operational contracts and fee schedules. The meeting began with the reading of the Asheville City Schools Equity Statement, which reaffirmed the board’s commitment to equity, anti-racist policies, and the well-being of students and staff.

Strategic Planning and Financial Updates A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing strategic planning findings and budget updates. Julie Kanky and ConnectED presented data from Hanover reports, state report cards, student surveys, and community listening sessions. Key findings indicated that while attendance rates have increased and student-teacher relationships remain a strength, the district faces challenges including a growing population of students living in poverty, projected enrollment declines, and persistent achievement gaps for Black and Brown students. The presentation identified tension points regarding discipline, balancing rigor with a whole-child focus, and maintaining a small, personalized system while ensuring equitable resource allocation. Recommendations included strengthening community belonging, providing relevant learning experiences, and empowering educators.

Regarding finances, the board discussed long-term goals to create a sustainable budget that does not rely on fund balance. Staff noted that 85% of the budget is allocated to personnel costs, necessitating careful review. Discussions included maximizing state and federal funding, managing the local supplement, and exploring adjustments to work calendars for certain positions to optimize staffing costs. The board agreed to continue working toward a long-term financial plan that aligns with the district’s strategic goals.

Good News and Recognition The board recognized several positive developments within the district. Copeland Rudolph presented a report from the Asheville City Schools Foundation, highlighting nearly $1 million in investments, support for pre-K programs, artist residencies, and scholarships. The meeting also celebrated the arrival of the Class of 2038, recognized educators of the year, and acknowledged a successful transition day for 5th graders moving to Asheville Middle. Additional recognition went to nutrition staff at Ira B. Jones and Asheville High for achieving perfect sanitation scores, winners of the "Do the Right Thing" anti-bullying poster contest, and Gretchen Ross, who received the Kenan Fellows Scholarship. The board also noted an upcoming brunch to honor 15 retiring staff members with a combined 343 years of service.

Action Items and Votes The board approved the agenda as amended, moving items such as contracts, MOUs, and the personnel report from the consent agenda to action items for separate discussion. A vote was taken to approve the agenda, with all members voting in the affirmative.

Several action items required specific votes:

• Student Fees for 2025-2026: The board took action on the proposed fees.
• Facility Use Fee Schedule: The board approved this schedule with a split vote of 6-1.
• Contracts and MOUs: The board reviewed and approved various contracts, including an updated English Learner (EL) contract, which passed with a split vote of 4-3, and the Dalkin Applied Contract.
• Personnel Report: This report was approved with a split vote of 7-0.

Follow-Ups and Next Steps The board agreed to continue reviewing and refining the strategic plan, including the development of a detailed implementation plan. Future meetings are scheduled, including a special called work session on June 24, a work and closed session meeting on August 4, and a regular meeting on August 11. The board will focus on aligning budget decisions with strategic goals to ensure long-term financial sustainability.