<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2rWWbN_0v8A5uK500" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2rWWbN_0v8A5uK500" width="1000" height="563" ></p><i> Class is in session </i> . Last Thursday, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Asheville City and Buncombe County school boards held a meeting to hone the priorities that will guide the school system for the next five years and contribute to the county-wide <a class="Link" href="https://engage.buncombecounty.org/q1647" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Strategic Plan 2030 </a> . <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><br><br> Here are a few items that made the grade: <br><h3 id="strengths-opportunities"> Strengths + opportunities </h3><ul><li> For both the city and the county, a highly engaged community is crucial. </li><li> Opportunities included increasing diversity and expanding mental health services. </li></ul><h3 id="weaknesses-challenges"> Weaknesses + challenges </h3><ul><li> Teacher and staff attrition rates were a weakness for both the city and the county. </li><li> Challenges included erosion of state funding and cost of living. </li></ul><i> Don’t worry, there won’t be a test on this </i> — but you will have a chance to join the local school of thought. The county is hosting a <a class="Link" href="https://engage.buncombecounty.org/2030strategicplan" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> virtual public feedback session </a> on Monday, Sept. 9 to further refine goals before the final draft is presented in November. Check out the <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><a class="Link" href="https://www.buncombecounty.org/common/admin/ACS%208.22%20Joint%20Presentation.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> city </a> and <a class="Link" href="https://www.buncombecounty.org/common/admin/August%2022,%202024%20Presentation%20Template%20BCSa.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> county </a> presentations, then join the conversation. </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

Thursday's special meeting refined the priorities for the local school system's part in the Strategic Plan 2030 — and you've got a chance to weigh in.