Work Session (Sep 8, 2025)

Asheville City Schools Board of Education Work Session Recap - September 8, 2025

This recap summarizes the Asheville City Schools Board of Education Work Session held on September 8, 2025. The meeting focused on key policies, future planning, and addressing important district-wide initiatives. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and why it matters to you.

1. Setting the Stage: Equity, Anti-Racism, and Agenda Adjustments

The meeting began with a reaffirmation of the district’s commitment to equity and anti-racist policies, a core value guiding Asheville City Schools. A moment of silence was held for the father of a community member who is currently ill. The Board also approved a revised agenda, adding a discussion about the "Courageous Conversations Protocol" (more on that below) and allowing the Board Chair to make opening remarks. Two policies – those concerning school trips and extracurricular activities – were temporarily removed for further legal review and will be revisited in October.

2. Fostering Inclusive Dialogue: Introducing the "Courageous Conversations Protocol"

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to introducing the "Courageous Conversations Protocol." This training program aims to equip board members and district staff with tools to facilitate productive and inclusive conversations, especially when discussing sensitive topics. The protocol uses a "Compass" for self-reflection and outlines "Four Agreements" and "Six Conditions" to ensure everyone feels heard and respected. Why this matters: This initiative signals a commitment to creating a more welcoming and equitable environment for all students, staff, and families. The Board intends to implement this protocol in all future meetings.

3. Addressing Student Mobility and Facility Planning

The Board received a report on student releases for the 2025-26 school year, noting a concerning trend of 14 students opting for dual enrollment in Buncombe County Schools. While the reasons for this trend weren’t fully explored, it highlights a potential need to examine the district’s offerings and appeal to students. April provided an update on the ongoing feasibility study regarding school facilities. This study will assess the condition of our schools and inform future decisions about renovations or new construction. What’s next: The district will engage school improvement teams and the community to gather input on facility needs, and a board workshop will be scheduled to discuss the study’s findings.

4. Budget Realities and Policy Review

The Board received an update on the state budget, which, while authorizing salary schedule increases, did not provide the necessary funding. This means the district will need to absorb the cost of these increases. A significant portion of the meeting was also dedicated to reviewing several policies related to parental involvement, student safety, and staff-student relations. While many policies were slated for approval, some were removed for further legal review and will be back on the agenda in October. Why this matters: These policies impact everything from student discipline to access to information, so their careful review is crucial.

5. Community Input and Next Steps

While there wasn't significant public comment during this work session, the Board emphasized the importance of community engagement in the facility assessment process. The Board Retreat, scheduled for September 18th, will focus on visioning and data review.

Action Items & What to Expect:

• Policy Review: Expect to see the policies related to school trips and extracurricular activities back on the agenda in October.
• Courageous Conversations: The "Courageous Conversations Protocol" will be implemented in all Board meetings.
• Facility Assessment: Opportunities for community input will be announced soon regarding the school facility assessment.
• Budget Monitoring: The district will continue to monitor the state budget situation and prepare for potential retroactive pay adjustments.
• Board Retreat: The Board will be working on a vision for the future of Asheville City Schools.

This work session highlighted the Board’s commitment to equity, proactive planning, and responsible financial management. Stay informed by attending future meetings (live-streamed on the Asheville City Schools YouTube page) and visiting the district website for updates.