Board of Education welcomes newest members

NEWLAND — On Tuesday, July 9, the Avery County Board of Education swore in its newest members to the board. Linda Webb and David Wright were both sworn in prior to the meeting, as well as Michelle Burnop, who has been a part of the board for several months prior being the highest vote recipient during the March primary election, filling a board seat that had been previously vacant for more than a year.

After the newest members were sworn in, the board began the meeting with appointing a new board chair and vice chair. The board approved Pat Edwards as Board Chairman and Linda Webb to serve as Vice Chair.

ACS Superintendent Dr. Dan Brigman provided the board his monthly report, taking a moment to recognize veterans in observance of the recent Independence Day holiday, and made the point to note that July 1 began the new fiscal year.

In its upfront session, the board recognized several students from Cranberry Middle School who recently excelled in Atlanta during the SkillsUSA National Championships. Hailey Jo Triplett, Lila Holtsclaw, and Arionna McGirt were recognized for second place in the Chapter Display, while Noah Earnhardt was honored for fourth place in Extemporaneous Speaking, with Brandon Ashely, Emma Thomas, and Jose Velazquez recognized for second place for Community Service, with Hayden Cordell, Deacon Holtsclaw, and Hudson Manis recognized for a second-place finish for American Spirit, as well as Lacey Ray Manis, Saunders Stephenson, and Macie Turner recognized for a first-place finish in the Outstanding Chapter.

Later in the meeting, Lan Holtsclaw spoke during public comment, speaking to previous matters including possible live-streaming the board meetings, saying “A lot of people want to be here, but can’t.” Holtsclaw then gave more points as to why live streaming would be beneficial for citizens. Holtsclaw also mentioned a request for elaboration on presentation slides by the board, and a public data request suggestion.

“It would be helpful if we (the public) had that documentation ahead of the meeting,” said Holtsclaw. “It would be nice to have a finalized agenda six days before. If you’re going to sign up to speak for something, that way you know.”

Once public comment was closed, the board moved forward, mentioning several upcoming important dates, including the district wide celebration at the high school gymnasium on August 12, followed by the month’s board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13, and first day of school on August 14.

The board entered into closed session, and upon returning to open session announced that its prior proposed budget amendment made for school supplies for all students was an amount that was only half of the increment requested from the county, but the school board concluded that there will still be no school supplies lists sent out, as teachers will be able to buy the supplies needed through this funding.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m., at the Avery County Board of Education’s central offices in Newland.