Hello, BCS Staff and Families.
Here’s a look at the BCS Board Briefing for August 14, 2025. The full broadcast is on YouTube, and photos are posted in this Google Drive folder.
In our Good News segment, we recognized and celebrated:
· FCCLA Students National Recognition – BCS Students
· NCCTE Teacher of the Year Finalist – Lacey Davis, Erwin High School
· AAU Gymnastics National Finalist – Brayden Nikitopoulous, AC Reynolds Middle School
· All- American Athlete – Mia Roland, Owen High School
Strategic Plan Highlights
· Elevate BCS: A Teaching and Learning Framework for Elevating Student Minds, Voices, and Possibilities
Action Agenda
· Annual Approval of Student Fees
Consent Agenda
·Minutes June 30, 2025 Special-Called Meeting
· Personnel Report – August 14, 2025
· Woodfin Elementary School– Approval of Sewer Easement
· Clyde A Erwin Middle School – Approval of Sewer Easement
· Nesbitt Discovery Academy– Accept GMP and Authorize CMAR to Proceed
· Buncombe County Schools’ Proposed Federal Programs for 2025-2026
· 2025-2026 Advisory Council Members for Approval
· Approval of Buncombe County Schools’ Individual Schools Length of Day
· Technology Services Intent to Purchase Fiber Optics Cable Runs
· Notification of Contract Award - Owen Middle School-J. Bartholomew Construction
· Athletic Capital Outlay Request - Valley Springs Middle School
· Request to Change Banks - North Buncombe Middle School
· Policies for Second Reading:
- Policy 3220 Technology in the Education Program
· Policy for Ratification:
Policy 1710/4020/7230R Gender Support Guidelines
Policy 3320R School Sponsored Field Trips
Policy 5030R Community Use of School Facilities
Information Agenda
· Yellow School Bus List
· Policies for First Reading:
Policy 1310/4002 Parent Involvement
Policy 3320 School Trips
Policy 6325 Parking Areas for Students
Announcements/Future Meetings
· The next regular Board of Education Meeting is September 4, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Minitorium. Work session updates and Closed Session begin at 4:00 p.m. in The Executive Conference Room at 175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC.
Superintendent's Comments
We’ve had a wonderful summer in Buncombe County Schools. With support from grants, private donors, and state funds, we offered Summer Learning for students across all grades. That work culminated in a beautiful commencement where we celebrated 23 new high school graduates alongside their families and loved ones. Each student finished strong during Summer Academy and now proudly joins the ranks of BCS graduates. My deepest thanks to the teachers and staff who powered every one of our summer programs—your impact was evident in every cap and every smile.
As fall athletics gear up, I’ve had the joy of visiting practices across the county—soaring with the Jets and Blackhawks, blasting off with the Rockets, and keeping pace with our Rams in the rain as I have run with our cross-country teams for the third consecutive year. Next week, I’ll be galloping with the Warhorses and running with the Warriors. Everywhere I go, I’m struck by the character of our students and the dedication of our coaches. Whether in academics, the arts, or athletics, our students—and the adults who serve them—are truly remarkable.
Today, students returned to Buncombe County Early College and the Buncombe County Center for Career Innovation. And with the return of students in our remaining 43 schools on Monday, August 25, we have a major celebration to share: free breakfast and lunch for all students will continue. This is a game-changer. Food is the first—and most important—school supply. Careful stewardship of our resources and the hard work of our Child Nutrition team make this possible.
Speaking of Child Nutrition: this summer alone, they served more than 57,000 breakfasts and lunches and nearly 13,000 snacks across the community. Because of their efforts, students who depend on our schools for meals did not go hungry. Team, thank you.
We have also navigated a challenging budget year as state and federal allotments decline and costs rise. We continued to right-size our staffing—without issuing pink slips—by thoughtfully using existing vacancies and a small number of personnel transfers. The decisions were hard, but they were purposeful and student-centered. We will keep advocating passionately at all levels for the funding our students deserve.
Looking ahead, our 2025–2026 theme is #LeadTheClimb.
Building on our previous themes of #Elevate, #GreaterHeights, and #TogetherWeRise, this year calls each of us to continue to step forward with courage, clarity, and care—not just rising together, but leading the way. Whether guiding a student through a tough moment, mentoring a teammate, or strengthening a school community, every one of us has a role in the climb. The path won’t always be easy, but it will be purposeful—and we will climb it together. We will lead with vision, climb with purpose, and lift others as we go.
We’ll do this by investing in authentic relationships and deepening trust, inspiring those around us to reach even greater heights. Our students are worthy of our very best—every day. I am confident this can be our finest year yet.
To our team and to our Board: thank you for all you do for the students, families, and staff of Buncombe County Schools. Welcome to an incredible new school year.