[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6584435,"mediaKeyId","3141257-cad4c19d8aad06abf552610e6776a53e","parentId",3141257,"title","Catawba County Schools approves three‑year ParentSquare contract after attorney negotiates changes","audioSeconds",2053,"startMs",3347000,"endMs",5400000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141257-cad4c19d8aad06abf552610e6776a53e&start=3347&end=5400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141257-cad4c19d8aad06abf552610e6776a53e/thumbnail_3347000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6584435/North-Carolina/Catawba-County-Schools-approves-threeyear-ParentSquare-contract-after-attorney-negotiates-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584435-8a5f9374242f08c13563750495456c05/orig.mp4?Expires=1771014802&Signature=aHHQCU74itXTV3pFYvdXotw3Lb~sSVdtTcqffeFXiDF4duUQgctyihMXDfqit044gYFrWs54tSO8sR1PQ1K49WaR8Mkn1PPnmQTluCWTI75WrcubOQaZpBKemc6mrrL-JsT4mGv-omCkVOBLkhTsfXsz4vpfjrNhUzIi8WKTyud5mdEZzE3uSyxPRwzNaojlrzSmaRxGBIZDOMFFRNnDWzmHx89CgHdbMpfylIpn2pmTfVHIvIwLVKagIi4SERxNtCqmKMpgy-GsIBA903jjQeq4GtxuiXjl54wfiY2345hLypkrQF8GxFsT6DykDMvRH2wGH1X0Wt5pps~XFvj16g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Catawba County Schools","date","2025-04-29T00:09:24.817Z","article","The Catawba County Board of Education unanimously approved a three‑year contract with ParentSquare that bundles the district’s two‑way parent communication system and a SmartSites website product, board presenters said at a public meeting.

The contract, as approved, begins a bundled year‑one cost (including SmartSites and ParentSquare/StudentSquare) estimated at about $63,652 and includes a one‑time SmartSites onboarding fee of $5,400 and a prorated first payment of about $4,600. District presenters said the bundle represents roughly $35,000 in projected savings over three years compared with purchasing the services separately.

The contract drew detailed review from Crystal Davis, the board’s legal counsel, who walked members through proposed edits and concessions reached with ParentSquare before asking the board to authorize execution. Davis told the board she had the company attach and label the agreement’s linked terms as exhibits, get the vendor to define “standard support,” and commit to specific data‑handling and notice processes — but that many common tech‑contract limitations remained.

“I'm warn[ing] you that they're not guaranteeing 100% protection that they won't be hacked,” Crystal Davis said, adding that the vendor agreed to confidentiality and reasonable safeguards but will not provide an absolute security warranty. She also said ParentSquare would return or destroy district data within 60 days of contract expiration unless the district requests retention (at additional cost).

Kim Jordan, the district presenter for the package, summarized the cost elements for members: SmartSites onboarding ($5,400), an $18,400 annual SmartSites fee beginning July 1, 2025, and stepped ParentSquare pricing across three years. “That bundling cost this year for us is $63,652, and it is a $35,000 cost savings over 3 years from doing it separately,” Jordan said.

Key negotiated terms explained to the board include:
- Exhibits: Linked online attachments were incorporated into the contract as labeled exhibits so the district will have a printed record of all incorporated terms rather than relying on changeable web links.
- Support: ParentSquare defined “standard support” to include email, chat and phone support, maintenance updates, online help articles and training modules.
- Change notices: ParentSquare retains the ability to propose changes to terms; the agreed process requires the company to notify the superintendent (or designee, and the board chair) and the district has 45 days to object. If the district objects within 45 days, that proposed change will not apply to the district; if the district does not object within 45 days, the change takes effect for the district.
- Assignment and sale: ParentSquare may transfer or assign the contract in connection with an acquisition or similar transaction; the district will be notified of such changes.
- Termination and refunds: The district can terminate for convenience with 30 days’ written notice, but ParentSquare will not provide pro rata refunds for amounts already paid.
- Liability and warranty: The contract includes broad warranty disclaimers and a liability cap tied to fees paid; counsel warned the board this is typical in current vendor contracts and limits the district’s recovery in the event of a breach.

After the presentation and legal review, a motion to approve the contract (with the attorney‑negotiated edits and the protocol that the superintendent and board chair be notified of proposed vendor changes) received a second and passed unanimously.

Why it matters: ParentSquare holds communications and data for families and students. The board’s attorney highlighted both practical protections (defined support, exhibits, data return) and continuing risks (no absolute security guarantee, limits on damages, no refund on termination), giving members a clearer record of the district’s contractual exposure.

The board authorized execution of the contract and gave the specified district officials authority to receive vendor notices under the agreed notice/objection process. Next steps include vendor onboarding and a migration of website content under the SmartSites implementation timeline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4-28-25 Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Catawba County Board of Education unanimously approved a three‑year contract with ParentSquare that bundles the district’s two‑way parent communications and a SmartSites website product, following legal review and negotiated contract edits.","taxTitle","Catawba County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",38345,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6584422,"Board adopts 3‑day grace period for written excuses in attendance policy",473,2223000,2696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141257-cad4c19d8aad06abf552610e6776a53e&start=2223&end=2696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141257-cad4c19d8aad06abf552610e6776a53e/thumbnail_2223000.jpg","/articles/6584422/North-Carolina/Board-adopts-3day-grace-period-for-written-excuses-in-attendance-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584422-a84db230a902720ab44e66f43381561a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771014802&Signature=feDr8UYQ3Ou5Mmz6iRXo3eUqYoqwsQhJcv2JnP0I1zUosbFU-1-mw8ivba98dgskQ-79uS8f9glPI0iv4HtJAXRm3KfV17YbUBcwIt6bVsvuUFWG4K6YgywfXzaVCXrJDjTXHUFSHzWK3u24E5p0XdHVyQnKZBe-RhYsBrSCZ32z-G92I9Pct3yBz-tmcw~OeHC5W9jIOwq6n8zsaEN7M71vJXIbvl2TOVJBKrI0NZ6-5X-lfVUSswMvOw12h-i6dsgzyLVf7nfd6OrGiX2M5Pnfyc9l~0pQbaWovBuJj86aYgDWOYPep4SSwcg9aCtza4Z-BLEuLZmrXbuEnTDpeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Catawba County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve revisions to attendance policy 4.3 that give parents a three‑day grace period to submit a written excuse after a student returns to school.

Under the revised language approved by the board, parents’ handwritten or signed notes will continue to be accepted for up to five absences per semester for high school students and up to ten absences per school year for elementary and middle school students. Absences beyond those limits must be documented with written documentation from a doctor, dentist or court official in order to be coded as excused, district staff said during the presentation.

The policy presenter explained the two specific options discussed by staff: keep the status quo (notes due the day the student returns) or adopt a three‑day allowance. Staff noted that principals sometimes already exercised discretion to accept later notes, but codifying a three‑day grace period would formalize the practice and reduce parental burden. Board members acknowledged that the change could increase administrative work because school staff might need to change absence coding after receiving late notes.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the proposed amendments with the explicit three‑day period for returning written excuses; the motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The amendment clarifies expectations for parents and schools and reduces immediate procedural pressure on families while preserving administrators’ authority to require professional documentation for repeated absences.

Implementation note: Board members asked staff to monitor whether the three‑day allowance creates an excessive administrative burden and to report back if problems arise.","The board approved amendments to the district’s attendance policy to allow parents three days after a student returns to submit a written excuse; the policy keeps limits (five parent‑notes per semester for high school; ten per year for elementary/middle) and requires professional documentation beyond those limits.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6584430,"Public commenters press board on vouchers, enrollment and book removals; board debates requiring board approval for instructional materials",5070,1610000,6680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141257-cad4c19d8aad06abf552610e6776a53e&start=1610&end=6680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141257-cad4c19d8aad06abf552610e6776a53e/thumbnail_1610000.jpg","/articles/6584430/North-Carolina/Public-commenters-press-board-on-vouchers-enrollment-and-book-removals-board-debates-requiring-board-approval-for-instructional-materials","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584430-bc4a8e2aa9487354635f477c8b62dbcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771014802&Signature=abvrrdcFQvNo8drFX2Crz9yjPVxceVNuwzBCpt32nzXYhjPNmoevIbSn9Y~VrIQrn8HKxiqHCrWbZmI50-ud8bhYTvIavp85p7GgLhU7u6lQ5M6JHUMnIlX~0lOumRFkVnyafluKZBUWbmutW~sLYGTofhm2tWHICEnYssBto-fiK6hs~adZ2Te2EV2d2EdR0vcyooA3KKCUBRECZ1NATa9Dicoxi6xshIuzVGMXF02taNzeRyoQwO9-DIpidshKd1t7ld7VycBA-abx7R9XCn4yYprJDjbEs-BgfdgKnFCOZOs3hHox0LSpMnP5iFYd1FpatNO~so3xxdfe96m2Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Speakers at the Catawba County Board of Education public comment period urged the board to address student enrollment declines and library‑book challenges, and later the board reviewed a proposed policy change that would add a requirement that all instructional materials be approved by the Board of Education.

During public comment, Kimberly Turk, who identified herself in remarks to the board, said three teachers at her school were told they would not have jobs next year because student enrollment had declined. Turk blamed enrollment declines in part on families using state scholarships and vouchers to send students to private schools she said have expanded and advertise financial aid. She also criticized prior campaign rhetoric about library books and curriculum, saying elected officials’ statements had contributed to families leaving the district.

“Those state tax dollars are going to send children to a religious private school thanks to vouchers,” Kimberly Turk said in public comment, adding that private schools “do not have to hire licensed teachers” or follow state testing and curriculum requirements.

Online and in‑person commenters raised related points. David Niels, a longtime educator who spoke through online public comment, urged the board to consider access: removing books from school libraries can disproportionately affect students without home internet or other options. Kevin Sparks, another public commenter, urged the board to adopt explicit, measurable goals for the district and offered to help develop a balanced scorecard for tracking progress.

After public comment, the board considered changes to policy 3.611 (instructional materials). The proposed change would add language that “all instructional materials, including supplemental textbooks, library books, periodicals and technological resources, shall be selected upon the recommendation of the local school professional staff committee and approved by the superintendent ... and approved by the Board of Education.” Proponents and critics debated the practical effects of adding a board‑approval step for every instructional item.

Board members raised concerns that requiring board approval of every classroom text and resource would be administratively burdensome and could politicize classroom materials. Dr. Jeff Stover, the superintendent, said the district already follows a checks‑and‑balance process — materials are recommended by professional staff and ultimately overseen by the superintendent and principals; he said the board would be notified of sensitive curriculum reviews and that the district has a material‑challenge process that can bring individual items to the board.

One board member moved to table further action while the board reviews other model policies and the North Carolina School Boards Association guidance; discussion ended without adoption of the proposed change.

Why it matters: The public comments linked classroom staffing and enrollment trends to broader state policy and political rhetoric. A formal change to the instructional‑materials policy would alter the district’s review and approval workflow and raise questions about who decides classroom content.

What’s next: The board did not adopt the proposed policy; members asked staff to provide additional context, and the matter may return for further consideration.","Public speakers told the board that student departures to private schools and book‑removal campaigns are affecting staffing. The board then discussed a proposed policy change that would require Board approval of all instructional materials; the item remained under discussion and was not adopted.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Catawba County Schools approves three‑year ParentSquare contract after attorney negotiates changes

Board adopts 3‑day grace period for written excuses in attendance policy

Public commenters press board on vouchers, enrollment and book removals; board debates requiring board approval for instructional materials