As the 2018 short session draws near, interim committee meetings are wrapping up their discussions on potential issues for consideration. On Tuesday, April 3, Margaret Spellings, president of the University of North Carolina System and co-chair of My Future NC Commission, presented to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee. The Wednesday, April 4 meeting of the Joint Legislative Study Committee on the Division of Local School Administrative Units focused on alternative school programs in local districts.  

Another full week of education meetings is on tap next week, as the House Select Committee on School Safety convenes at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 9 to hold its first of two Student Health Work Group meetings. Also on Monday, the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee (PED) will meet to examine the following education items: measurability assessment: transforming the Principal Preparation Program; recommendations for the Principal Preparation Cooperative Agreement; school nurses; and potential bill drafts on the education funding dispute resolution and the lottery. Here is the PED draft agenda. The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice will meet on Tuesday, April 10. The final meeting and presentation of the committee report for the Joint Legislative Study Committee on the Division of Local School Administrative Units will be held on Wednesday, April 11.

State Board of Education Meeting

The State Board of Education met this Wednesday and Thursday to discuss and vote on a variety of topics, including the legislatively created Innovation School District.  The agenda and associated presentation materials can be found on the State Board of Education (SBE) Meetings webpage.  SBE meetings are now live-streamed (audio only) on YouTube and access to audio from this week’s meetings can be accessed here.

A special presentation was given by The University of North Carolina System President, Margaret Spellings.  During her presentation, she emphasized the importance of a strong public school system. President Spellings’ remarks to the State Board of Education can be read here.

The State Board named Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith as the new Director of Operations and Policy for the State Board of Education, taking the place of Betsy West, who dedicated over 46 years to public education. Dr. Townsend-Smith currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Office of Charter Schools. Current SBE member, Eric Davis, was selected by his fellow Board members as the new SBE Vice Chair, replacing A.L. "Buddy" Collins. At his final meeting, Buddy shared these final remarks, "My fervent prayer remains that God shall bless all that teach and learn in the public schools of the State of North Carolina. Thank you for giving me the chance to work hard at work worth doing." 

Dr. Eric Hall, Superintendent of the Innovation School District (ISD), recommended Achievement for All Children (AAC) for the operator of Southside Ashpole Elementary School. The SBE approved this recommendation, and Achievement for All Children will operate the elementary school beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. Here is the link to the press release.   

Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee 

The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee (JLEOC) met on Tuesday, April 3, during which UNC System President Margaret Spellings stated, "The hardest thing that leaders or institutions must do is raise expectations."  Spellings praised the work of Bill Haslam, Tennessee Governor, who advocated for a less disjointed journey from kindergarten through college and who also examined the use of research and standards to improve education. A copy of President Spellings' remarks to the JLEOC can be found here.

Joint Legislative Study Committee on the Division of Local School Administrative Units

Members of the Joint Legislative Study Committee on the Division of Local School Administrative Units heard presentations on models for at-risk student populations. These models were centered around modifying the school environment to enhance student achievement through key community partnerships, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Career and Technical Education (CTE), and personalized pathways to graduation. Audio of this meeting is available here.  Schools who presented include:

• Advance Academy – Presenters: Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Vance County Schools and Stephanie Ayscue, Principal of Advance Academy
• Contentnea-Savannah K-8 STEM School – Presenters: Frances Herring, Associate Superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools and Rhonda Greene, Principal of Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School 
• Next Generation High Schools – Presenter: Dr. Travis Reeves, Superintendent of Surry County Schools (additional sources:  Surry County Annual Report | Customized Personal Education)
• Community High School – Presenter: Janet Greenhoe, Principal, Community High School Buncombe County Schools
• Project LIFT – Presenter: Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 
• Sugar Creek Charter School – Presenter: Richard Vinroot, Attorney for Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson

House Select Committee on School Safety

Rep. David Lewis announced this week that the House Select Committee on School Safety will form two working groups including the Student Health Working Group and the Student Physical Safety and Security Working Group. 

Student Health will be chaired by Rep. Josh Dobson, with a focus on examining measures such as tip lines, school counselors, nurses, psychological services, and social integration. House Majority Leader John Bell will chair Student Physical Safety and Security. This working group will examine School Resource Officer training, security for charter and non-public schools, building design, access to security resources, as well as the relationship between schools, law enforcement, and emergency services. This group will also consider adjustments to criminal law charges in schools. Both working groups have been directed to meet twice before the short session begins in May and to present their findings to the full committee for deliberation.

See this link for a complete list of bills impacting K-12 education.