Regular Meeting (Sep 15, 2025)

Asheville City Schools Board Meeting Recap: September 15, 2025

The Asheville City Board of Education held its regular meeting on September 15, 2025, focusing on celebrating successes, addressing community concerns, and outlining key initiatives for the school year. This recap summarizes the key decisions, discussions, and next steps for our community.

1. Celebrating Successes and Welcoming the Year

The meeting began with a wave of positive news! The Board recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated a successful first day of school for students and staff, and acknowledged the impactful staff convocation at Asheville High School. A special shout-out went to local barber Freddie White for providing free haircuts to students at Hall Fletcher Elementary, and a former student, Freddie White, was recognized for his continued commitment to the school district. The district also highlighted the success of the Youthful Hands summer program and the high participation rate (over 75%) in the new parent portal for Infinite Campus. These successes demonstrate a strong start to the school year and a continued commitment to supporting our students and families.

2. Addressing Community Concerns & CILSA Program Review

While the meeting was largely positive, the Board heard concerns from community member John Brigham regarding the CILSA program. Mr. Brigham suggested discontinuing the program and ensuring students are listed as Asheville High School graduates. This sparked a discussion about program effectiveness and student recognition, highlighting the importance of ongoing evaluation and responsiveness to community feedback. The Board acknowledged his concerns and will likely revisit the CILSA program in future discussions.

3. Routine Business & Policy Updates Approved

The Board efficiently approved a consent agenda, which included routine items like approving minutes from previous meetings, student releases, and contracts. One contract with Buncombe County Human Health was approved with a note that minor corrections would be made later. Several important policy readings were also approved, covering crucial areas like school safety, discrimination and harassment, bullying prevention, and student device usage. These policy updates ensure the district operates with clear guidelines and a commitment to a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

4. Looking Ahead: Student Support, Feedback & Community Engagement

Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman’s report highlighted several key initiatives. A new “Student Crew Program” is being implemented to provide students with small group meetings focused on ethical development. The Board also expressed interest in analyzing historical enrollment data to better understand the impact of voucher programs on student populations. Recognizing the importance of staff input, the Board directed Dr. Fehrman to explore ways to gather constructive feedback from staff and principals, potentially through anonymous surveys. The Board also committed to continuing "Courageous Conversations about Race" using the Compass protocol, demonstrating a dedication to ongoing equity and inclusion efforts.

5. What’s Next & How You Can Stay Informed

• Board Retreat: The Board will hold a retreat on September 18th to further discuss strategic goals and priorities.
• Upcoming Meetings: The next work session is scheduled for October 6th, followed by a regular meeting on October 13th.
• Community Celebration: A celebration of life will be held on October 4th for a former Stephens-Lee student, with a reunion for A SCORE members.
• Stay Connected: Follow Asheville City Schools on Instagram and Facebook for updates and to stay informed about district news and events.

This meeting demonstrated the Board’s commitment to celebrating successes, addressing community concerns, and continuously improving the Asheville City Schools experience for all students, staff, and families. Your participation and feedback are vital to this process – we encourage you to stay informed and engaged!