Buncombe County Schools Board of Education Meeting - 2/09/26

Buncombe County Schools Board of Education Meeting Recap - February 9, 2026

The Buncombe County Schools Board of Education convened on February 9, 2026, beginning with a presentation of colors by Owen High School JROTC and a moment of silence. The meeting included recognitions, discussions on various topics including CTE programs, student well-being, school funding, and curriculum, as well as public comment.

The Board took several key actions during the meeting. They approved the agenda, finalized the local funding formula (details unavailable), and voted against reclassifying a property address from Buncombe County Schools to Asheville City Schools. Revisions restoring eight hours of instruction lost due to inclement weather and remote learning days were also unanimously approved. The consent agenda, including minutes from January 15th and November 17th, the February 5th Personnel Report, Budget Amendment #3, and a North Buncombe High School request for capital athletic outlay funds, was approved as well.

Significant discussion centered on Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, with a focus on their expansion to grades 5-12 and upcoming deadlines. Concerns were raised regarding student anxiety, locker room policies, equitable representation in classroom library lists, school funding adequacy, potentially inappropriate curriculum content, teacher support needs, inequities within the current course weighting system, calendar adjustments due to inclement weather, and challenges faced by the transportation team. The Board also received information regarding a proposed three-year agreement between Asheville City, Buncombe County Commissioners, and Buncombe County Schools. This aims to provide budgeting consistency by outlining revenue division based on ADM (projected 85% for Buncombe County Schools, 15% for Asheville City Schools), including an annual opt-out clause and slight enrollment adjustments. Article 39 funds, previously diverted to operations by the county, will return to capital funding; no vote was taken on this matter.

Several community members shared their perspectives during the public comment period. Reverend Paul Benjamin advocated for policy changes regarding transgender students, while Bob Machen shared his experience as a former educator and echoed concerns about student safety. Jerry Nugent requested review of classroom library lists, Natalie Dorsey questioned the proposed school budget and North Carolina’s per-pupil spending ranking, Alex Ramirez praised funding advocacy efforts, Carolyn Stewart expressed appreciation for the school system and emphasized relationship building, and Anita Lease voiced concerns about the course weighting system. One commenter requested consideration of constituents’ perspectives on curriculum.

Following the meeting, the Buncombe County Schools Foundation will accept scholarship applications until March 18th. Bus drivers will be formally recognized at the next meeting, and Ms. Cole will follow up on information regarding the "healthcare to the farm" initiative. Upcoming meetings are scheduled this Friday for work-based learning opportunities, a policy committee meeting on February 17th, and the next regular Board of Education meeting on March 5, 2026.