EDENTON — The Edenton-Chowan Schools Board of Education convened on January 13 for their regular monthly meeting, addressing budget amendments, policy revisions, and technology upgrades.

For more about the meeting visit our articles with the update on the new John A. Holmes Campus (click here) and the board recognizing employees (click here).

Board Management Software Approved

In a significant decision, the board voted to adopt Simbli, a comprehensive board management software platform, after viewing a presentation on the system’s capabilities. Board Clerk Hillary Robertson explained that Simbli would provide integrated modules for meetings, planning, evaluations, communications, and documents, offering improved transparency and easier access for community members.

Gates County School System is among the local districts that use Simbli.

The board approved purchasing Simbli through June 30 at a promotional rate of $2,994.20, plus a one-time $1,000 setup fee, representing a 40% discount. The full annual cost would be $10,880 starting July 1.

Robertson emphasized the platform’s ability to link board meeting agendas directly to the district’s strategic plan, allowing the board to track how much time is spent on different strategic priorities. She noted that many other area school boards use Simbli and praised its user-friendly search capabilities compared to the current system.

“It’s a good fit not only for myself, but for the board and to the community, especially for transparency and just ease of use,” Robertson said.

Board members agreed the discounted trial period would allow them to assess the platform before committing to the full annual cost in the next budget cycle.

Budget Amendments Pass

Chief Financial Officer Sandy Pittman presented three budget amendments that were unanimously approved. The amendments included reallocations within the state public school fund, local current expense fund, and capital outlay fund.

Notable items included $2,557 for teacher bonuses to be paid in January, $69,189 in state funding for school bus payments, and the establishment of a new budget line for the COPS grant totaling $499,927.

Policy Updates Move Forward

The board conducted first and second readings on several policies from the 2000 series, as well as policies on parent and family engagement, school safety, and employee grievance procedures. All policy revisions were approved.

Strategic Planning Process Launched

Superintendent Tammi Ward announced the district will develop a new strategic plan during the coming months, with stakeholder feedback collection beginning in January through surveys and nine focus groups scheduled throughout February in different districts.

“This plan is very important that we take a very first step of getting feedback from our stakeholders,” Ward said.

The focus groups will be held at varying times and locations across the county to maximize participation opportunities. The district plans to analyze feedback in March, prepare a draft plan in April, present it to the board in May, and seek approval in June for July implementation.

Board Member Concerns

Board member Joan White raised concerns about the district’s lack of emphasis on African American history, noting that February is recognized nationwide as African American History Month. She questioned why the district was not doing more to promote African American studies, especially given that African Americans comprise approximately 50% of the student population.

“When did we stop, where did we drop it, and why is it not important now?” White asked. Ward said the district would investigate what is currently being taught and report back.

White also discussed “The Digital Delusion,” a book by Jared Cooney Horvath examining technology’s impact on education. She expressed concerns about students being “inundated with so much technology” that basic foundational skills are being neglected.

Several board members nodded in agreement, with Chair George Lewis acknowledging that teachers are competing with the entire internet for students’ attention. He noted that Australia recently passed nationwide legislation banning social media for children 16 and younger, suggesting the district should re-examine its digital use and smartphone policies.

Student Reports and Highlights

John A. Holmes student representatives reported on upcoming events, including the school’s move to the new campus, Valentine’s Day candy grams, and prom planning. The FFA chapter provided updates on activities including serving breakfast to local farmers and competing at regional livestock competitions.

D.F. Walker Elementary School’s fifth-grade Garden Club presented their work revitalizing the school’s courtyard garden, with students explaining how they’ve planted collards, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and mums with donations from local businesses. The club is working on obtaining a composting bin through a grant with 4-H.

Additional Updates

Financial reports showed overall spending at 34% for the first five months of the fiscal year, which CFO Pittman noted was low because semi-annual supplement payments made in December would be reflected in next month’s reports.

Upcoming calendar items include early release for grades 9-12 on January 16, no school on January 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and a teacher workday on January 20.

The board also received quarterly contract reports from the superintendent and heard updates on an ad hoc committee working on affordable teacher housing solutions for the district.