# Buncombe County Schools Board of Education- 9/03/26

**Body:** Buncombe County Schools — Buncombe County Schools Board of Education
**Date:** September 3, 2026 5:24 PM EDT (2026-09-03T17:24:57-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3030

## Summary

The Buncombe County Schools Board of Education convened on September 3, 2026, to address a range of topics including new leadership transitions, statewide assessment results, staff and student recognition, budget considerations, and a proposed policy regarding “released time religious instruction.”

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing achievements and welcoming new leadership. Dr. Jennifer Reed was welcomed as the interim superintendent, with Dr. Jan King assuming responsibilities previously held by Dr. Reed. Several individuals were recognized for their accomplishments, including Marilyn Witcher (Elementary Math Teacher of the Year), Alex Amaraki (National History Day achievement), Carter Stark (Air Force JROTC Flight Academy/FAA Private Pilot’s License), and Emily Erickson (United Way Game Changer Award). The Board expressed gratitude to staff, principals, and teachers for their hard work. Following this recognition, Dr. Reed presented encouraging 2026 statewide assessment results, noting improved letter grades for schools and increased reading/math proficiency across multiple grade levels.

The Board engaged in a discussion regarding budget considerations, noting that while local revenues remained at $109 million, expenditures have increased. This has resulted in a projected fund balance of $2 million as of June 30th, 2027. Board Policy 8100 requires a fund balance equal to one month's operating expenses ($10.3 million). Two options were presented concerning transitioning Exceptional Children (EC) assistance from seven to eight hours: Option 1 would implement the change mid-year, potentially costing $530,795, with a focus on finding cost-saving measures; Option 2 would delay implementation until the next school year. The Board also considered a proposal to fund athletic supplement increases and the addition of new sports (men's volleyball, women’s flag football, men's and women's lacrosse, and middle school women's wrestling), which would cost $258,000 annually. The Board approved a motion to implement the EC assistant hour increase mid-year, with staff conducting a survey to determine which assistants wish to transition. They also approved coaching supplements for the new sports, but rejected an immediate implementation of those supplements.

Several members of the public offered comments during the meeting, recognizing staff and students, expressing concerns about the proposed released time religious instruction policy, and urging continued support for policies designed to assist historically underutilized minority businesses. Following a discussion, the Board voted to repeal policies related to participation by minority and historically underutilized businesses, following the repeal of those state laws. The Board deferred discussion on Policy 3510 (Religious Based Exemptions) until October.

The Board approved an amended agenda moving policies for rescission to the action agenda and approved several policies related to instructional materials selection, parental inspection of materials, athletic participation rules, reporting procedures, student nutrition services, vendor lists, and pre-qualification of bidders for construction work (Policies 3200, 3210, 4354, 5150, 6220, 6442, and 9115). The finance team will present a 26-27 budget at the October board meeting. Staff will continue to focus on building upon positive student achievement momentum, and the Board will continue its search for a permanent superintendent and review budget options at a later date. A policy committee meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2026, and the next regular Board of Education meeting is October 1, 2026.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLxkhD7dl1o
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2098/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLxkhD7dl1o)